Loading...
The global air cargo market is showing renewed resilience, with Asia-Pacific emerging as the key driver behind a rebound in worldwide freight tonnages after months of volatility and holiday-led slowdowns. According to recent data from WorldACD Market Data, cargo volumes from the region surged sharply in mid-May, helping lift global air freight demand despite persistent geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
The recovery follows a seasonal dip caused by the “Golden Week” holidays in China and Japan, along with Children’s Day celebrations in South Korea. During week 20 of the year, chargeable weight from Asia-Pacific origins rose by 11 percent week-on-week, restoring shipment levels to those seen before the holiday lull. China and Hong Kong recorded notable gains, while Japan and South Korea posted particularly strong recoveries as manufacturing and export activity resumed.
The resurgence in Asia-Pacific volumes played a decisive role in pushing worldwide air cargo tonnages up by around 3 percent week-on-week. Industry analysts noted that without the rebound from Asia-Pacific, global freight growth would have remained largely subdued. At the same time, cargo flows from Europe and the Americas weakened due to seasonal disruptions and softer demand conditions.
Despite the increase in shipments, global spot rates remained relatively stable, signalling a more balanced market compared with the sharp pricing fluctuations witnessed earlier this year. Average worldwide spot rates hovered around US$3.67 per kilogram, while contract rates edged slightly higher due to improved demand from North America.
Capacity trends also reflected cautious optimism. Worldwide air cargo capacity increased marginally, supported mainly by Asia-Pacific and Middle East-South Asia routes. However, overall global capacity still remains below pre-conflict levels due to disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region. Airlines continue to face operational challenges as security concerns and rerouted services affect network planning and aircraft utilisation.
Another positive development for carriers has been the moderation in jet fuel prices. Lower fuel costs have helped ease pressure on operating margins and reduced the likelihood of significant freight rate spikes in the near term. Even so, fuel prices remain elevated compared to last year, keeping cost management high on the agenda for airlines and freight operators.
Industry observers believe the latest rebound highlights the central role of Asia-Pacific in global supply chains, particularly as manufacturers and retailers continue to rely on air freight for time-sensitive shipments, e-commerce flows and high-value goods. However, market sentiment remains cautious amid ongoing trade policy shifts and changing cargo patterns between Asia and North America.
As global supply chains continue to stabilise, the coming months will be closely watched for signs of sustained demand growth, especially from Asia-Pacific export markets that remain critical to the health of the international air cargo industry.
๐๐ญ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ ๐ญ๐จ https://cargoconnect.co.in/ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ฎ๐ฉ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ฌ!
Egypt is poised for significant aviation growth over the coming years, supported by strategic geography, infrastructure investment, and rising demand for passenger and cargo connectivity, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The association believes the country is well positioned to strengthen its role as a regional air transport and logistics gateway linking Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. IATA highlighted the countryโs ongoing airport modernization efforts, expanding airline networks, and growing importance in global supply chains. Egyptโs location along major international trade corridors and proximity to the Suez Canal continue to provide a competitive advantage for both passenger and cargo operations. The sector is increasingly viewed as a critical contributor to trade facilitation, tourism recovery, and economic diversification. Cairo International Airport remains central to Egyptโs aviation ambitions. The airport has undergone substantial upgrades in recent years, including expanded terminal capacity, improved baggage systems, and enhanced airside infrastructure to accommodate growing traffic volumes and larger aircraft. These investments are expected to improve operational efficiency and strengthen Egyptโs position as a regional transit hub. The aviation industryโs recovery after the pandemic has also accelerated opportunities for air cargo and logistics providers operating in the region. Industry observers note that rising e-commerce demand, pharmaceutical shipments, and time-sensitive cargo movements are increasing the importance of reliable air freight connectivity across Africa and the Middle East. Egyptโs expanding aviation ecosystem is therefore becoming increasingly relevant for global supply chain networks. National carrier EgyptAir and private operators such as Nile Air are continuing to expand regional connectivity, supporting passenger mobility and cargo throughput. EgyptAir currently serves more than 75 destinations globally, while Nile Air is strengthening services across the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Europe. IATA also emphasized the importance of policy alignment and industry collaboration to sustain long-term growth. Areas such as airport capacity development, digitalization, operational efficiency, sustainability, and workforce training will be essential as Egypt aims to capture increasing aviation demand across the region. The association continues to advocate for harmonized regulations and investments that enhance connectivity while improving resilience across the air transport value chain. Beyond tourism, aviation is expected to play a larger role in supporting Egyptโs broader logistics and trade ambitions. With multinational manufacturers and distributors increasingly seeking alternative regional hubs, Egypt could benefit from its multimodal connectivity combining air, maritime, and land transport infrastructure. Analysts believe this integrated approach may help position the country as a preferred gateway for cargo flows into Africa and surrounding markets. As global air traffic continues its upward trajectory, IATAโs assessment signals growing confidence in Egyptโs ability to emerge as a stronger player in international aviation and logistics. Continued investment, infrastructure modernization, and strategic partnerships are likely to determine how effectively the country converts this potential into sustained long-term growth. ๐๐ญ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ ๐ญ๐จย https://cargoconnect.co.in/ย ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ฎ๐ฉ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ฌ!
Lufthansa Cargo has received renewed certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) under the CEIV Pharma standard, expanding the scope of validation to include a broader review of its global pharmaceutical logistics operations.ย The certification, valid through April 2029, covers both Lufthansa Cargoโs airline processes and its wider corporate quality management framework for handling temperature-sensitive healthcare shipments. The latest audit also assessed the carrierโs centralized oversight and operational consistency across parts of its international network.ย The CEIV Pharma programme is designed to verify compliance with industry standards for transporting pharmaceutical and life science products by air. Lufthansa Cargo said the updated certification includes its pharma hubs in Frankfurt, Munich and Chicago, along with stations in Atlanta, Washington D.C., Mexico City and New York. Brendan Sullivan, IATAโs Global Head of Cargo, said the certification demonstrated how โstandardized processes, centralized governance and local execution go hand in hand across the entire network.โย Oliver von Gรถtz, Vice President Global Fulfillment Management at Lufthansa Cargo, said the company had continued investing in pharmaceutical logistics capabilities through process improvements, infrastructure upgrades and employee training. Lufthansa Cargo first obtained CEIV Pharma certification in 2016 and has maintained the accreditation for ten consecutive years. The company currently operates more than 350 cargo stations worldwide, including around 230 stations offering passive temperature support and approximately 120 equipped for active temperature-controlled handling.ย The certification comes as pharmaceutical airfreight continues to grow in importance for global carriers, driven by demand for secure and temperature-controlled transportation of vaccines, biologics and other sensitive healthcare products. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.ย
ย Swissport International has signed a binding agreement to acquire Swiftair Maroc, marking its formal entry into Moroccoโs growing air cargo market and strengthening its strategic presence across Africa. The acquisition gives Swissport access to operations at Mohammed V International Airport, Moroccoโs primary air freight gateway, which handles nearly 95 percent of the countryโs total air cargo volumes. The move aligns with Swissportโs broader strategy to expand its global cargo handling business in high-growth logistics markets. Swiftair Maroc operates a 3,700-square-metre airside cargo warehouse equipped with temperature-controlled infrastructure, including dedicated cold rooms for pharmaceutical shipments and perishable goods. The facility is expected to strengthen Swissportโs capabilities in handling specialised cargo segments such as healthcare logistics, fresh produce, and time-sensitive exports. Warwick Brady, President and CEO of Swissport International, described Morocco as a fast-growing logistics and trade hub connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas. He noted that the acquisition supports the companyโs long-term objective of accelerating growth in its global cargo operations while enhancing service capabilities for international customers. Industry observers view the acquisition as strategically timed, given Moroccoโs rising importance in global supply chains. The country has seen steady growth in export-driven industries such as automotive manufacturing, aerospace, agriculture, and textiles. Casablanca, in particular, has emerged as a critical logistics gateway for North and West Africa, supported by increasing trade flows and investment in airport infrastructure. The deal also strengthens Swissportโs existing footprint in Morocco. Through its local operations, the company already provides ground handling services at 16 airports across the country, along with executive aviation services in Casablanca, Marrakesh, and Tangier. Swissport also operates airport lounges under its Aspire brand at multiple Moroccan airports. For Swiftair, the transaction is part of a broader corporate strategy to streamline operations and focus on core business activities. Salvador Moreno, Founder and CEO of Swiftair, said the company was confident Swissport would support the next phase of growth for Swiftair Maroc while maintaining strong collaboration between the two businesses. The acquisition reflects a wider trend of global aviation and logistics companies investing in specialised cargo infrastructure and emerging regional hubs to meet growing demand for efficient, temperature-sensitive, and cross-border supply chain solutions. As air cargo volumes continue to evolve globally, Moroccoโs strategic location and expanding export economy are likely to attract further international logistics investment in the coming years. ๐๐ญ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ ๐ญ๐จย https://cargoconnect.co.in/ย ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ฎ๐ฉ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ฌ!
