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Central Asia is strengthening its position as an emerging air cargo bridge between Asia and Europe, with airlines, airports, logistics providers and regulators increasingly focused on building stronger connections with China, Europe and the Middle East. The shift was a key theme at the Central Asia Aviation Cargo Summit, held in Tashkent on September 30 and October 1, 2026, which brought together 340 representatives from across the aviation and logistics ecosystem.
The region’s growing relevance is supported by a significant expansion in air cargo volumes. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Central Asia’s air cargo volumes more than doubled between 2019 and 2024. Kazakhstan remained the region’s leading gateway, with volumes increasing 149% over the period, while Uzbekistan recorded even faster growth of 182%, supported by infrastructure investment.
The summit highlighted that Central Asia’s ambitions are extending beyond simply adding aircraft capacity. Airlines and airports are increasingly looking at how airfreight can be integrated with road and rail networks to create more efficient multimodal corridors. Representatives from Silk Way West Airlines, Saudia Cargo and DHL Global Forwarding discussed opportunities to strengthen connections linking Central Asia with China, Europe, the Middle East and other major markets.
Digitalisation and Standards Gain Importance
Digital transformation emerged as another critical component of the region’s cargo development. An IATA roundtable brought together representatives from IATA, Lufthansa Cargo, Qatar Airways, Centrum Air/My Freighter and Uzbekistan’s Customs Committee to discuss international standards, certification, ONE Record, cargo connectivity and regulatory modernisation.
For Central Asian markets seeking deeper integration with global supply chains, improved data exchange and greater alignment with international cargo standards could help reduce manual processes and improve shipment visibility. The summit also examined artificial intelligence, cargo terminal automation and cybersecurity as technologies that could support higher volumes and more efficient operations.
Airports Compete for Eurasian Cargo Flows
Tashkent, Almaty and Navoi are increasingly positioning themselves as important gateways within the emerging Eurasian cargo network. Tashkent Airport and Navoi International Airport presented their cargo development strategies and infrastructure plans at the summit, while an industry panel examined the competitive and complementary roles of regional airports.
The discussions covered scheduled and charter services, ACMI operations, express logistics, GSSA services, digital platforms and airport infrastructure. Flexible capacity is expected to remain important as cargo flows evolve and airlines respond to changing demand across Eurasian trade lanes.
E-Commerce Adds Momentum
The expansion of cross-border e-commerce is also creating new opportunities for Central Asian air cargo. Perishables, high-value shipments and express consignments are generating demand for faster customs processes, specialised handling and reliable last-mile delivery.
The summit also addressed workforce development, highlighting the need for skilled professionals as airlines, airports and logistics companies expand their operations. Training, recruitment and operational expertise will therefore remain critical alongside investment in terminals, aircraft and digital infrastructure.
Central Asia’s air cargo proposition is consequently evolving from a transit-focused model towards a broader logistics ecosystem. With rising cargo volumes, new infrastructure, stronger multimodal connections and greater adoption of digital standards, the region is seeking to convert its geographic position between East and West into a sustainable competitive advantage.
The next phase will depend on how effectively airlines, airports, customs authorities and logistics providers translate these investments and partnerships into new routes, efficient cargo handling and dependable Eurasian trade corridors.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
FedEx has completed the sale of its FedEx Supply Chain business to the CMA CGM Group for an enterprise value of US$1.4 billion, marking another major step in the logistics group’s strategy to expand its integrated supply chain capabilities while enabling FedEx to sharpen its focus on core transportation operations. The transaction, completed on October 1, 2026, significantly strengthens CEVA Logistics, CMA CGM’s logistics subsidiary, by nearly tripling its North American contract logistics footprint. FedEx Supply Chain’s operations and workforce will be integrated into CEVA, expanding its capabilities across warehousing, distribution and contract logistics in the region. The acquisition forms part of CMA CGM’s broader strategy to build an integrated, end-to-end logistics platform spanning ocean, air, land and contract logistics. The company has also entered into multi-year commercial agreements with FedEx covering ocean and air freight. Under the arrangement, CMA CGM will become a preferred ocean carrier for FedEx on a non-exclusive basis, while the companies will collaborate on selected air cargo capacity solutions. The air freight partnership is expected to support key strategic routes, including Asia-Europe, with the objective of improving aircraft utilisation and providing greater flexibility for long-haul capacity. The collaboration further strengthens CMA CGM’s position across the air cargo value chain while allowing both companies to leverage complementary global networks. For CMA CGM, the acquisition reinforces its long-term investment in the US market and expands CEVA’s ability to offer customers more comprehensive supply chain solutions. The combined operations are expected to strengthen the company’s presence in North American contract logistics while supporting its ambitions to provide integrated logistics services to global customers. For FedEx, the divestment is aligned with its ongoing portfolio simplification and transformation strategy. FedEx President and CEO Raj Subramaniam said the transaction enables the company to concentrate resources on differentiated capabilities and strengthen its core transportation network and high-value verticals. The transaction was originally announced on July 1, 2026. Its completion represents a significant reshaping of the companies’ logistics strategies, combining CMA CGM’s expanding multimodal logistics platform with FedEx’s global transportation network through long-term commercial cooperation. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Ethiopian Airlines has signed an agreement with Boeing for 10 new freighter aircraft, comprising eight 777-8 Freighters and two 777 Freighters, as the African carrier moves to strengthen its cargo capacity and support the expansion of its global air freight network. The agreement, announced on September 30, also includes an option for eight additional 777-8 Freighters. The order makes Ethiopian Airlines the first African carrier to purchase Boeing’s new-generation 777-8 Freighter. The aircraft is designed to combine the capabilities of the 777X family with long-haul freighter performance. Boeing says the 777-8F will offer a maximum structural payload of 118 tonnes, while providing the range and efficiency needed to support new cargo markets. Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, said: "The addition of the Boeing 777-8F Freighters and 777F Freighters will enhance our ability to serve customers around the world with greater payload capacity, operational flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability. As demand for cargo services continues to grow, these aircraft will play a vital role in facilitating global trade, strengthening supply chain connectivity, and further reinforcing Ethiopia's position as a leading cargo gateway between Africa and international markets. It also marks our long-term partnership with Boeing." "Ethiopian Airlines' order for the industry-leading 777 Freighter and new 777-8 Freighter highlights both the strength of our partnership and growing demand for air cargo worldwide," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "We appreciate Ethiopian Airlines' continued confidence in Boeing and the 777 and 777X family of airplanes as it expands its cargo capabilities and global network. The airline continues to make history as the first in Africa to order the new 777-8 Freighter." Ethiopian Airlines currently operates 12 Boeing 777 Freighters, two 767 Freighters and four 737-800SF aircraft, serving more than 70 cargo markets across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America. The new aircraft are expected to provide additional flexibility and capacity as global demand for air cargo continues to rise. The deal further expands Ethiopian Airlines’ relationship with Boeing and doubles its existing 777X family order book, following its earlier purchase of eight 777-9 passenger aircraft. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
SATS has introduced an integrated transport service using Autonomous Cargo Vehicles (ACVs) at the Changi Airfreight Centre in Singapore, marking a step towards more automated, responsive and sustainable cargo operations at the airport. The service enables autonomous transportation of cargo between SATS Airfreight Terminals and freight forwarders’ warehouses within the Free Trade Zone. Designed for freight forwarders and cargo agents, the service is currently being validated under live operating conditions as SATS progresses towards full deployment. The ACVs deployed in the pilot can carry up to 800 kilogrammes of cargo and automate routine point-to-point movements between SATS terminals and freight forwarders’ warehouses. The solution is designed to scale with demand. SATS said higher-capacity ACVs capable of carrying up to 1,500 kilogrammes could be deployed in the future, while the model also has the potential to support round-the-clock operations. By enabling on-demand cargo transfers, the service reduces freight forwarders’ reliance on conventional truck and driver schedules, helping accelerate cargo collection and delivery and allowing consignees to receive shipments sooner. Henry Low, CEO, SATS SG Hub, said, “Autonomous transportation allows us to rethink how cargo moves through the airport ecosystem, shifting routine movements towards an on-demand, scalable model. By integrating it into our operations, we can unlock capacity, strengthen resilience and augment the capabilities of our people, while delivering greater speed and reliability for our customers. This is how we are building a more intelligent and responsive Singapore air cargo hub for the future.” SATS has worked closely with Changi Airport Group to deploy and validate the ACVs within the airport’s autonomous vehicle operational and safety framework. This collaboration allows the technology to be tested and progressively integrated into live cargo operations while meeting the safety and operational requirements of the Changi air cargo ecosystem. The fully electric ACVs also support SATS’ efforts to transition towards more sustainable cargo transportation within the airport environment. The initiative forms part of SATS Singapore Hub’s Hub Handler of the Future programme, announced in October 2025, which brings together people, technology and new operating models to increase capacity, improve visibility and strengthen operational resilience. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬
