Turkish Airlines is set to strengthen its air cargo capacity after signing lease agreements with aircraft lessor AerCap for two Boeing 777-300ERSF converted freighters. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery between March and September 2027, adding long-haul cargo capacity to the airline’s freight operations. Under the agreement, both aircraft will undergo passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion at Etihad Engineering’s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The facility will support AerCap’s efforts to serve customers across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), providing a regional base for aircraft conversion ahead of delivery. Peter Anderson, Chief Commercial Officer of AerCap, said the aircraft would provide Turkish Airlines with additional cargo capacity while offering the performance capabilities of the Boeing 777-300ERSF. He also highlighted the importance of the Abu Dhabi conversion facility in supporting the programme and strengthening the partnership between the companies. The Boeing 777-300ERSF, developed through the conversion of the passenger-configured 777-300ER, is designed to serve the long-haul air freight market. Passenger-to-freighter conversions enable airlines and lessors to repurpose existing aircraft for cargo operations, offering an alternative to acquiring factory-built freighters. For Turkish Airlines, the additional aircraft are expected to support its cargo network and provide greater capacity to serve international freight demand. The move also reflects the continuing role of converted widebody aircraft in helping cargo operators expand their fleets as global supply chains require reliable air freight connectivity. AerCap has been expanding its Boeing 777-300ERSF programme since delivering the first converted aircraft to launch customer Kalitta Air in September 2025. The lessor has subsequently delivered aircraft to Fly Meta and signed lease agreements for the type with Ethiopian Airlines and China Southern Group. The latest agreement adds Turkish Airlines to the growing group of operators planning to deploy the converted freighter. Financial terms and lease durations have not been disclosed. The planned deliveries in 2027 will mark another step in Turkish Airlines’ cargo fleet development, while highlighting the growing importance of aircraft leasing and passenger-to-freighter conversions in meeting the air cargo industry’s evolving capacity requirements. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!

GMR Airports Limited (GAL) has reported record air cargo volumes at Delhi and Hyderabad airports during the second quarter and first half of FY2026–27, supported by infrastructure expansion, stronger international partnerships and a strategic focus on cargo logistics. The company is strengthening its cargo business across its airport portfolio, with dedicated facilities and improved connectivity aimed at capturing growing freight demand. Delhi Airport Drives Cargo Growth Delhi International Airport recorded a 12% year-on-year increase in cargo throughput during the first half of FY2026–27, handling approximately 630,000 metric tonnes. Cargo revenue rose 15% to ₹2.8 billion during the six-month period, highlighting the segment’s growing contribution to airport earnings. Cargo operations accounted for around 14% of Delhi Airport’s non-aeronautical revenue in H1 FY27. The Delhi cargo business reported total income of ₹4,707 million, EBITDA of ₹1,364 million after revenue share, and profit before tax of ₹1,319 million during the first half. To expand its express freight capabilities, GMR Cargo and Logistics Limited has entered into a licence agreement with FedEx Express Transportation and Supply Chain Services (India) to operate a dedicated express cargo terminal at Cargo City within Delhi Airport. The development is expected to strengthen specialised handling capabilities and support time-sensitive shipments. Hyderabad Strengthens International Connectivity Hyderabad Airport also achieved its highest-ever cargo volumes, handling 52,000 metric tonnes in Q2 FY27 and approximately 102,000 metric tonnes during H1 FY27. Its cargo subsidiary reported first-half income of ₹1,679 million, EBITDA of ₹708 million and profit after tax of ₹445 million. The airport has signed a memorandum of understanding with Brussels Airport to strengthen air cargo connectivity between Hyderabad and Europe. The partnership is intended to facilitate more efficient trade lanes and expand international logistics opportunities for exporters and freight stakeholders. Hyderabad’s cargo business also received a favourable ruling from the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal, allowing cargo, ground handling and fuel farm revenues to be treated as non-aeronautical revenues, according to the reported results. New Airports Expand Cargo Footprint Beyond its established hubs, GMR Airports is developing cargo operations at newer airports to broaden its logistics network. Bhogapuram Airport in Visakhapatnam, which commenced commercial operations on 17 August 2026, has been designed with an annual cargo handling capacity of 25,000 metric tonnes. Its cargo facilities were operationalised alongside the airport’s other commercial services. Cargo operations at Mopa Airport in Goa are also scaling up. While these newer facilities remain in the early stages of development, they provide scope for GMR to extend its cargo presence across additional regional markets. The company’s historical cargo growth rates stand at 4.1% at Hyderabad Airport, 3% at Delhi Airport and 2.8% at Nagpur Airport, reflecting the longer-term development of its cargo network. Cargo Emerges as a Strategic Growth Driver GMR Airports is positioning cargo as a key business segment alongside its core airport operations. Investments in specialised infrastructure, express freight handling and international partnerships are intended to improve operational efficiency, expand customer reach and strengthen revenue generation. With Delhi continuing to anchor cargo volumes and Hyderabad expanding its international reach, the company’s strategy combines capacity development at established gateways with the gradual operationalisation of newer facilities. The success of these initiatives will depend on sustained freight demand, efficient cargo handling and stronger connections with global trade networks. As air freight becomes increasingly important to time-sensitive supply chains, GMR Airports’ investments could help strengthen India’s airport cargo infrastructure and support the movement of goods across domestic and international markets. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬

FedEx has introduced a dedicated aircraft engine logistics solution to strengthen its global aerospace capabilities, offering specialised transportation for aircraft engines and oversized aerospace components. Announced on 29 October 2026, the service combines expert shipment management, digital technology and global network connectivity to support the safe, efficient and reliable movement of critical aviation equipment. The launch comes as the aerospace industry faces growing maintenance requirements, extended component lead times, parts shortages and increasing pressure to maximise aircraft availability. Aircraft engines are high-value, technically complex assets that require specialised handling and precise coordination during transportation. Delays in moving engines can disrupt maintenance schedules, affect flight operations and keep aircraft out of service for longer than planned. By developing an integrated aircraft engine logistics offering, FedEx aims to help airlines and aerospace organisations reduce transportation-related disruptions and improve supply chain reliability. Dedicated Expertise and End-to-End Shipment Management At the core of the solution is a specialised team responsible for managing quotations for main-deck aircraft engine shipments and coordinating their movement from origin to destination. The team works with FedEx personnel across its international network to provide centralised oversight, customs coordination, regulatory compliance and end-to-end shipment accountability. This coordinated approach is designed to simplify complex engine movements, which often involve multiple stakeholders, strict handling requirements and time-sensitive delivery schedules. By bringing these activities under dedicated management, FedEx aims to provide customers with greater consistency and control throughout the shipping process. Safety and cargo security are also central to the service. Every engine movement follows FedEx's global operating procedures, with measures to ensure that engines are properly secured before departure. These procedures are intended to minimise transit risks while meeting applicable customer and operational compliance requirements. Digital Technology Enhances Logistics Visibility The service is supported by a proprietary digital platform designed to streamline quotation generation, automate customer communications and securely manage shipment documentation. These capabilities are intended to improve coordination, reduce administrative complexity and enhance visibility across the shipment lifecycle. For aerospace customers operating across international markets, integrated digital processes can help manage documentation requirements and coordinate shipments more efficiently. Combined with FedEx's global transportation network and specialised expertise, the platform supports a more structured approach to moving critical aircraft components. Marcus Balzereit, president of FedEx Logistics, highlighted the operational importance of timely engine transportation, noting that delays can affect flight schedules, aircraft availability and maintenance commitments. He said the solution brings together aerospace specialists, digital innovation and the company's established network to deliver the speed, visibility and reliability required by the aviation industry. Proven Experience in Aircraft Engine Transportation FedEx's new offering builds on its existing experience in aerospace logistics. Since June 2025, the company has transported hundreds of main-deck aircraft engines, collectively weighing thousands of tonnes. This operational experience provides a foundation for expanding its specialised engine transportation capabilities. The launch also reflects the importance of dependable logistics in maintaining aviation fleet readiness. As airlines and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) providers seek to manage turnaround times and minimise aircraft downtime, reliable transportation of engines and oversized components remains an essential part of the aerospace supply chain. By combining dedicated shipment management, safety procedures, digital tools and international connectivity, FedEx aims to provide a scalable solution for the sector's complex transportation requirements. The service is positioned to support aerospace organisations seeking greater shipment visibility and fewer logistics-related interruptions as they manage maintenance schedules and operational commitments. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!

IATA data shows international air cargo demand growing 8.6% year-on-year, while jet fuel prices climb 103.4%, putting pressure on airline profitability despite stronger global trade. Global air cargo demand increased by 7.7% year-on-year in September 2026, supported by stronger international trade and manufacturing activity, according to the latest figures released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). International air cargo demand recorded even stronger growth of 8.6% compared with September 2025. However, the industry continued to face significant cost pressures, with jet fuel prices more than doubling over the year. Global cargo capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTK), expanded by 2.7% during September, while international capacity increased by 3.3%. Demand therefore continued to outpace available capacity, lifting the global cargo load factor by 2.2 percentage points to 47.9%. Fuel prices put pressure on airline profitability Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA's Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist, said air cargo demand had grown across all regions, supported by stronger global trade and manufacturing. She also highlighted the contribution of artificial intelligence-related shipments, which helped drive another month of double-digit growth across the Pacific. However, rising fuel prices remain a major challenge for the industry. Jet fuel prices increased by 17.5% month-on-month in September and were 103.4% higher than a year earlier. IATA noted that cargo yields have not kept pace with the increase in fuel prices. Its September market analysis showed cargo yields rising by 25.9% year-on-year, compared with the 103.4% increase in jet fuel prices. The disparity highlights the growing difficulty airlines face in maintaining profitability despite stronger cargo volumes. Global trade and manufacturing support demand Several economic indicators provided a supportive backdrop for air freight activity. Global trade increased by 3.6% year-on-year in August, marking the 42nd consecutive month of annual expansion. Manufacturing activity also improved. The Global Manufacturing Output Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) increased by 0.7 points to 53.8, while the New Export Orders Index rose by 0.5 points to 51.9. Both indicators reached their highest levels in five years, signalling improved manufacturing conditions and continued support for international cargo demand. North America leads regional growth Air cargo demand increased across all six major airline regions in September, although the pace of expansion varied. North American carriers recorded the strongest growth, with demand increasing by 11.8% year-on-year, while capacity expanded by just 0.8%. Asia-Pacific airlines reported 8.6% demand growth and a 4.9% increase in capacity, reflecting continued strength in regional and trans-Pacific cargo movements. Latin American and Caribbean carriers recorded demand growth of 6.7%, alongside a 7.6% capacity expansion. African airlines saw demand rise by 4.7%, while capacity contracted by 1.2%. European carriers recorded a 4.5% increase in demand despite a 1.6% decline in capacity. Middle Eastern airlines reported the slowest regional demand growth, at 3.8%, while capacity increased by 7%. Asia–North America remains the strongest trade lane Performance across major international trade lanes remained mixed in September. The Asia–North America corridor recorded the strongest growth, with cargo traffic increasing by 17% year-on-year. This marked eight consecutive months of expansion on the route. Traffic within Asia grew by 10.2%, while Europe–North America increased by 9.3%. Europe–Asia recorded growth of 6%, extending its expansion streak to 43 consecutive months. Africa–Asia traffic increased by 2.6%. In contrast, Middle East-connected trade lanes remained under pressure. Cargo traffic between Europe and the Middle East declined by 18%, while the Middle East–Asia corridor contracted by 10.2%. Both routes recorded seven consecutive months of decline. Demand growth faces a cost challenge The September figures underline the resilience of the global air cargo market, with demand expanding faster than capacity and manufacturing indicators remaining supportive. However, higher fuel prices and the gap between operating costs and cargo yields are creating challenges for airlines seeking to convert stronger volumes into improved financial performance. For carriers, forwarders and cargo owners, the balance between demand, available capacity and fuel expenditure will remain central to market conditions in the coming months. The latest IATA data points to a growing air cargo market, but sustaining profitable growth will depend on how effectively the industry manages rising operating costs. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates

Japan Airlines (JAL) has renewed its cargo technology partnership with CHAMP Cargosystems for multiple years, establishing a pathway for the Japanese carrier to transition to Cargospot neo, an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled cargo management system. The agreement marks a new phase in the companies’ 12-year collaboration as JAL continues to modernise its air cargo operations. The renewed partnership will align JAL’s evolving business requirements with the capabilities of CHAMP’s next-generation platform, supporting the airline’s efforts to build a more integrated, connected and digitally enabled cargo business. Cargospot neo is built on the CHAMP neo-Platform, which combines an application programming interface (API)-based architecture with AI capabilities to bring operational, commercial and financial processes together in a unified environment. The system is designed to simplify integration among airlines, freight forwarders, ground handlers and technology providers, while improving operational visibility, flexibility and automation. The platform’s AI-enabled capabilities are intended to support decision-making, capacity management, commercial planning and process optimisation. These functions could also help airlines respond more effectively to changing market conditions and customer requirements while modernising their systems without disrupting ongoing operations. The renewed agreement builds on several digital initiatives already implemented by JAL and CHAMP. The companies have introduced services supporting paperless domestic cargo processes and self-service capabilities for JAL’s domestic and international partners through its online portals. These services include API integrations and mobile functionalities and operate on CHAMP’s neo Platform. JAL also uses a range of CHAMP solutions across its cargo network, covering core cargo operations, customs and security compliance, and business intelligence. The planned transition to Cargospot neo represents the next stage in developing these digital capabilities into a more integrated operating environment. Manuel Galindo, Chief Executive Officer of CHAMP Cargosystems, said the renewal reflects the strength of the long-standing relationship and the companies shared ambition to advance air cargo operations. He added that the transition to Cargospot neo-Airline would give JAL access to AI-enabled cargo operations, digital sales capabilities and scalable API connectivity to support high-volume, real-time interactions across its partners and commercial channels. The extended partnership highlights the growing role of AI, automation and API-driven integration in the air cargo industry. As airlines seek greater operational efficiency and more responsive customer services, integrated cargo management platforms are becoming increasingly important in connecting stakeholders, streamlining processes and supporting the next phase of digital transformation. Although, the financial terms and precise duration of the renewed agreement have not been disclosed. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!

Global air cargo traffic is projected to double over the next two decades, prompting demand for nearly 3,000 new and converted freighters as e-commerce, supply chain diversification and high-tech shipments reshape the industry. The global freighter fleet is expected to expand to 4,010 aircraft by 2045, up 67% from 2,395 aircraft in 2025, according to Boeing’s 2026 World Air Cargo Forecast. The outlook, released on October 28 at the International Air Cargo Association’s Air Cargo Forum in Miami, highlights the growing importance of air freight in supporting international trade and increasingly time-sensitive supply chains. Boeing projects global air cargo traffic to grow at an average annual rate of 3.5% over the next 20 years, outpacing long-term economic and trade growth. The expansion is expected to be driven by rising e-commerce volumes, direct-to-consumer business models, advanced manufacturing and shipments associated with artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. To accommodate rising demand and replace ageing aircraft, airlines will require an estimated 2,930 new and converted freighters over the forecast period. Boeing expects approximately 55% of these deliveries to provide additional capacity, while the remaining 45% will replace older, less-efficient aircraft. Passenger-to-freighter conversions are projected to account for around two-thirds of deliveries, with the remainder comprising newly manufactured freighters. This mix highlights the continuing role of converted aircraft in expanding cargo capacity while enabling operators to manage fleet renewal requirements. Dedicated freighters are expected to continue carrying more than half of global air cargo traffic in the long term, underlining their importance for shipments requiring dependable capacity, specialised handling and faster transit times. Asia to Drive Air Cargo Growth Trade flows involving Asia are forecast to account for approximately 60% of the global air cargo market, reinforcing the region’s importance in international logistics networks. Businesses are diversifying sourcing and manufacturing locations, while geopolitical disruptions and changing trade routes are prompting carriers to adjust their networks. The demand outlook also reflects the growing movement of high-value technology products. Boeing cited industry data indicating that more than 70% of AI-related goods were transported by air in 2025, demonstrating the mode’s importance for transporting advanced equipment and other time-critical shipments. Global air cargo traffic reached a record annual level in 2025, increasing by nearly 5% compared with 2024 despite trade volatility and geopolitical uncertainty. Express Logistics to Gain Ground The forecast also points to continued growth in express and time-definite delivery services. Boeing expects integrators’ share of global air cargo traffic to approach 25% by 2045 as demand rises for coordinated transport networks that combine air freight with collection, sorting and final delivery. Although, air cargo represents less than 1% of global trade by volume, it accounts for approximately one-third of international trade value, reflecting its significance for high-value, perishable and time-sensitive goods. The projections underline the need for airlines, freight forwarders and logistics providers to prepare for expanding volumes, changing trade lanes and evolving customer expectations. Fleet modernisation, capacity planning and network flexibility will remain central to meeting future demand while maintaining the speed and reliability that make air cargo critical to global supply chains. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!

Liège Airport in Belgium and Viracopos International Airport in Brazil are establishing a commercial partnership to develop air cargo traffic between Europe and South America, with a focus on attracting new freighter operations and strengthening connectivity across their respective markets. The two airports are signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the International Air Cargo Association’s (TIACA) Air Cargo Forum in Miami on 27 October 2026. The agreement establishes a framework for joint commercial development, including market intelligence sharing, coordinated customer outreach, promotional activities and engagement with prospective airline partners. The immediate priority is to identify shared business opportunities and assess the feasibility of new all-cargo services. Discussions will also consider potential commercial incentives for interested operators, alongside technical and operational studies to evaluate prospective routes. Frederic Brun, VP Sales & Marketing at Liège Airport, said the partnership would bring together complementary cargo networks and specialist handling capabilities to develop opportunities across Europe, Brazil and onward markets. He highlighted pharmaceuticals, technology and other high-value shipments as key areas for potential growth. Pharmaceuticals and Temperature-Sensitive Cargo in Focus Pharmaceutical logistics is expected to be a major focus of the collaboration. Viracopos reported a 43% increase in the value of its pharmaceutical imports in 2026 and is developing a dedicated cold warehouse that will double its pharmaceutical storage capacity. Liège will contribute its established pharmaceutical cargo expertise and relationships with specialist logistics providers. Both airports offer dedicated freighter facilities and direct connections between aircraft handling areas and cargo warehouses, supporting the movement of time-sensitive and temperature-sensitive shipments. Maria Fan, Chief Commercial Officer at Viracopos International Airport, said the partnership would connect the Brazilian airport’s investments in cargo infrastructure with a complementary European gateway. She identified pharmaceuticals, technology and international e-commerce as sectors where reliable handling and connectivity are particularly important. HighTech Imports and Data Centre Demand Technology cargo represents another potential growth area. According to Viracopos, the airport handles 45% of Brazil’s airborne high-tech imports. Rising investment in digitalisation, artificial intelligence and cloud computing is increasing demand for data centre infrastructure, including server racks and associated equipment. The airport also expects Brazil’s REData tax regime to support further investment. The measure provides for a five-year suspension of federal taxes on qualifying data centre equipment acquisitions, potentially encouraging additional imports and creating opportunities for airlines and logistics providers serving the technology sector. E-commerce Infrastructure Strengthens the Proposition International e-commerce is a further priority under the proposed partnership. Viracopos has an additional dedicated warehouse spanning 20,000 sq. m. in operation, offering expanded X-ray inspection capabilities and direct apron access alongside improvements to the airport’s logistics centre. Closer coordination between cargo operators and government agencies has also helped reduce customs bottlenecks at Viracopos. Combined with Liège’s European cargo network and onward connections, these capabilities could support businesses seeking distribution options into Brazil and wider Latin American markets. The airports also see potential to develop more direct Europe–Brazil cargo flows while exploring connections for shipments moving between Asia and Latin America through Liège. Joint Commercial Development, with Services yet to be Confirmed Under the agreement, the airports plan to establish a shared target list of prospective customers, exchange market intelligence and maintain regular engagement between their business development teams. Joint participation in industry events and shared promotional activity will support outreach to airlines, freight forwarders and shippers. However, no airline commitments or launch dates have been announced. The airports will focus on translating identified market opportunities into commercially viable operating proposals, with progress dependent on cargo demand, airline requirements and the operational performance of the proposed corridor. The partnership marks a coordinated effort by Liège and Viracopos to combine their respective strengths and explore new air cargo connections between Europe and South America, particularly in specialised and high-value freight segments.

Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is set to strengthen its international cargo network with the launch of a twice-weekly Boeing 777 freighter service by Challenge Group from 04 November 2026. The new route will originate at Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI), connect through Liège Airport (LGG) in Belgium, and arrive at RFD in the United States. The service will also offer outbound connections from Rockford via Liège, leveraging Challenge Group’s network of approximately 1,500 truck movements per month to provide onward access across Europe, alongside connections to Navi Mumbai. The operation is expected to primarily handle pharmaceuticals, oversized and out-of-gauge cargo, with live animal (AVI) transportation being considered for a future phase. “Chicago is a strategically important market, serving a broad range of industries that depend on reliable international cargo connectivity,” said Or Zak, Group Chief Commercial Officer, Challenge Group. He added that the Rockford service would create additional opportunities for customers moving specialised cargo between India, Europe and the United States. For RFD, the launch supports its efforts to attract international freighter operators and develop the airport as a gateway for specialised cargo entering the US market, particularly temperature-sensitive shipments. “This new service is a direct result of our continued efforts to attract international freighter operators to Rockford, particularly the work we have undertaken to establish the airport as a leading cold chain corridor into the United States,” said Zack Oakley, Executive Director, RFD. He said the airport sees potential to expand the partnership beyond the initial twice-weekly operation through higher frequencies and support for AVI shipments. RFD is located approximately 40 miles from animal quarantine facilities, a distance comparable to that of Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). The airport is also in the process of securing approval from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to handle AVI shipments. According to Rene Espinet, Vice President – Cargo Business Development, RFD, the airport’s cargo-focused infrastructure and capacity to accommodate specialised freight offer operators access to the wider Chicago market, with the added benefits of operational flexibility and reduced congestion at a dedicated freighter airport. To support pharmaceutical cargo arriving on the new service, RFD will coordinate dedicated temperature-controlled trucking capacity for onward transportation to destinations in the Rockford area and warehousing facilities in Chicago. This arrangement is intended to extend cold-chain support beyond the airport and facilitate the movement of temperature-sensitive freight. Zak said Challenge Group requires airport partners that can accommodate its expanding operations and develop alongside its long-term requirements, adding that Rockford offers the capacity and flexibility to support the carrier’s growth. The announcement was made during the International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) Air Cargo Forum in Miami, held from 26 to 29 October 2026.

CharterDesk is strengthening its aerospace transport business by combining dedicated aircraft charters, On-Board Courier (OBC) and Next Flight Out (NFO) services to support airlines, aircraft manufacturers and maintenance providers with urgent and planned shipments. The Budapest-based company handles cargo ranging from small, time-critical replacement parts to aircraft engines, tailoring transport arrangements to delivery deadlines, cargo specifications and operational requirements. Aircraft-on-Ground (AOG) movements remain a key part of its business, but the company also supports planned maintenance programmes and production operations, where dependable component deliveries are essential to keeping engineering schedules on track. Its aerospace portfolio spans aircraft engines, landing gear, avionics, spare parts, tooling and structural components. Each movement requires a different combination of aircraft capacity, handling arrangements and delivery coordination. While larger components demand suitable loading equipment and transport capacity, smaller replacement parts may require rapid connections and carefully coordinated last-mile delivery. “Aerospace transport starts with understanding what the customer needs to achieve and how quickly the shipment must arrive,” says Emir Özdabak, Managing Director of CharterDesk. “We assess the cargo and deadline before recommending a dedicated charter, an On-Board Courier or Next Flight Out service. The objective is to minimise downtime or keep production moving.” Ground Coordination Critical to Time-Sensitive Shipments CharterDesk’s approach extends beyond securing aircraft capacity. Its planning process considers packaging, aircraft suitability, loading equipment, customs requirements, collection and final delivery. Coordination among customers, airlines and ground handlers is central to ensuring that the entire movement aligns with the required schedule. The company demonstrated this approach in a shipment involving two CF6 aircraft engines transported from Helsinki to Casablanca aboard an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 777 freighter. CharterDesk completed the delivery within 48 hours of receiving the confirmed requirement, coordinating the operation with its airline and ground-handling partners. A key challenge was sourcing and positioning the required 20-foot pallets in Helsinki before departure. The operation therefore depended not only on securing aircraft capacity but also on ensuring that the appropriate equipment was available at the departure airport in time for loading. “The Helsinki operation showed how much depends on preparation on the ground,” Özdabak says. “We needed the right pallets in position before departure and worked closely with our partners to make that happen. Delivering the engines within 48 hours required everyone involved to work to the same operational timetable.” In another assignment, CharterDesk arranged an Antonov An-12 operation from Brussels to Istanbul carrying a LEAP-1A engine. The two movements illustrate how aircraft selection, cargo specifications and ground-handling requirements shape the transport solution for individual aerospace shipments. Security and Confidentiality Underpin Operations Given the value and sensitivity of aerospace components, security and information management form part of CharterDesk’s planning process. The company works with airline and ground-handling partners on appropriate handling arrangements, clear handover procedures and shipment monitoring as cargo moves between operational stakeholders. Confidentiality is another consideration, particularly for projects involving commercially sensitive information. CharterDesk limits the circulation of customer and shipment details to those involved in the operation while meeting applicable regulatory disclosure requirements. “Our customers need confidence in how we handle both their equipment and their information,” Özdabak says. “We agree clear handover procedures, monitor shipments and share operational details with the people who need them. Where a project requires confidentiality, we maintain that discipline while fulfilling every required regulatory disclosure.” Flexible Transport Options Support Aerospace Demand CharterDesk receives regular enquiries covering planned production shipments, maintenance support and urgent AOG requirements. Its customers include airlines, maintenance providers, manufacturers and specialist freight forwarders. Established relationships help the company respond to recurring requirements, while each shipment is assessed individually according to its urgency, dimensions and delivery deadline. The company sees opportunities to develop its aerospace business as fleet operations, maintenance needs and production activity generate demand for specialised transport. Dedicated charters can accommodate engines and oversized components, while OBC and NFO services offer alternatives for smaller, urgent shipments, subject to available capacity and operational requirements. “Aerospace fits our team’s experience and the airline relationships we have developed,” Özdabak says. “A quick, coordinated response can directly affect a customer’s operations, whether we are supporting an urgent AOG requirement or a planned movement. Offering charter, courier and scheduled flight solutions allows us to build the response around each shipment.” CharterDesk’s aerospace strategy centres on bringing technical assessment, transport selection and partner coordination together in a single operational process. By aligning the movement of high-value components with the requirements of airlines, manufacturers and maintenance teams, the company aims to support time-critical deliveries as well as planned production and engineering activity.