Over the past week, individual states have issued emergency orders to restrict individual and commercial activity to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
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Although the on-going trade dispute between the U.S. and China impacted the volume of airfreight delivered in 2019, the amount of goods shipped by air still exceeded $61 billion (U.S.). This is an astounding figure, considering that the first practical demonstration of air freight took place in November, 1910, and was 200 pounds of silk for the grand opening of a retail store.
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According to one recent study, approximately 63.1 million metric tons of freight have traveled by plane across the globe in 2019. That number is on pace to eclipse the 63.3 million metric tons of freight that were shipped during the entirety of 2018.
All told, the volume of shipments has increased dramatically over the last 15 years - from "just" 40.9 million metric tons in 2004 to their current levels.
Premium Production: Boeing Freighters Prepared For Increased Air Freight Demand
With demand for air freight services on an upward trend that shows little sign of slowing down, carriers across the globe are looking to expand their air fleets. These companies need fast, safe planes with ample cargo space, and Boeing is hard at work to meet their needs. The new line of Boeing freight planes has the carrying capacity necessary to serve a myriad of carriers and clients.
Air Advances: 2017 Ends With Strong Sign Of Air Freight Growth
After a mild slowdown in October, the global air freight industry saw promising signs in November, with an 8.8 percent increase in FTK demand compared to the previous year. 2017 had featured strong air freight statistics, but many experts feared that growth was coming to an end. November’s increase suggests that the industry will continue to expand into 2018.
The Hybrid Airship: Lockheed Martin's Latest Advance In Air Freight Technology
Necessity is the mother of invention, and this is never more true than in the air freight industry. Air carriers and the manufacturers who supply them have long struggled to serve inaccessible or underdeveloped regions. Lockheed Martin’s Hybrid Airship offers the flexibility and maneuverability to do just that.
Impressive Air Freight growth at Chicago Rockford International
The Midwest in general and Chicago, in particular, have long been crucial hubs for both domestic and international air freight but some businesses forget to consider nearby Chicago Rockford Airport (RFO) as another valuable gateway in Northern Illinois. Rockford is an important location for commerce and also is positioned just a short distance south of the Wisconsin border in addition to being just 75 miles from O'Hare International and nearer still to Chicago's busy suburbs to the Northwest and West.
Air Freight Demand continues to soar
Throughout the global air freight industry companies are overjoyed at the performance of the sector for the fourth quarter of 2016 and optimism reigns supreme that the growth will be carried over into 2017. The nuts and bolts of the statistics show that Q4 2016 was the best quarter for global air cargo demand seen in more than six years.
International Air Freight volume shows sharp increase in September
Encouraging growth numbers are the highlight of the latest international air freight report from WorldACD. After some erratic results over the summer months, September instead showed a global volume improvement in excess of 5% year over year which will be welcome news throughout the industry.
July sees strong growth in air freight demand
Measuring the health of the global air freight market is a difficult proposition, but fortunately, the International Air Transport Association (
IATA) compile data to help achieve just that. In keeping with our experience at
AirFreight.com, IATA reported that July was a truly encouraging month and the demand for global air freight increased by five percent for the month.
FedEx announces long-term air freight deal with Atlas Air
Strategic long-term planning within the air freight sector by FedEx sees them secure a long-term deal with Atlas Air to provide additional air cargo capacity during peak shipping seasons. Atlas Air will be supporting Fedex with the provision of five additional Boeing 747-400 air freighters commencing next year through to 2021.
DFW becomes the first carbon neutral airport in North America
For many years DFW (
Dallas-Fort Worth International) has been a leader in both international and domestic air freight. Now the important hub for the both passengers and the air freight industry has an additional claim to fame as DFW has officially become the first carbon neutral airport in North America.
Top 25 Global Air Freight carriers show 4.3% growth in demand in 2015
There were few changes to the latest list of the world's top 25 busiest air cargo carriers with the top five spots staying identical to a year earlier. Once more Federal Express top the list followed by Emirates and UPS, with the bulk of the top 15
Air Freight demand continues to grow in Texas
Texas is experiencing growing overall demand for air freight services and capacity to and from the Lone Star state, d
espite a difficult year for the oil and gas sector. Air Freight volume is dominated by operations at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Houston Intercontinental Airport in terms of tonnage and demand remains healthy statewide.
Rescued lions return home to South Africa via an air cargo charter flight
Air Freight services play a critical role in shipping supplies and equipment around the world to help keep industry and businesses ticking over but sometimes you learn about an air cargo charter being arranged for a less conventional but incredibly worthwhile cause.
FAA study projects healthy growth for Air Freight industry
News that will be welcomed throughout the Air Freight industry comes from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) who have posted very encouraging growth projections for the sector. According to their annual market review and forecast, they anticipate that total air cargo traffic, which they measure in revenue tonne kilometers (RTKs), will grow by some 4.5 percent in 2016.
Air Freight and Air Charters soaring at Edmonton International Airport
Despite a relatively sluggish economy in Alberta, Edmonton International Airport has been experiencing tremendous growth in terms of air freight tonnage. In tandem with air freight options in terms of flights expanding at the airport and helping the regional economy despite an overall downturn.
Global Air Freight numbers show an impressive January
January demand for global air freight delivered very encouraging results, in complete contrast to some of the pessimism exhibited by industry analysts in recent months. In fact, demand accelerated at the highest level seen since April of last year according to the latest numbers released by the International Air Transport Association.
Record growth in Air Freight at Reno-Tahoe International
Very encouraging news for Nevada as Reno-Tahoe International Airport announced that record setting air freight tonnage passed through the airport in 2015. Overall the results were exceptional with totals reaching more than 138 million pounds of air cargo over the course of the year, a 7 percent increase over 2014.
Boeing provides a potential glimpse of the future of Air Freight
It's never easy to forecast exactly what the future of global freight will look like and air freight falls under the same mystery but a new patent from Boeing suggests that a unique air cargo aircraft specifically designed for standard containers could be an option one day.
Exclusive Content and Invitation to the Cold Chain Canada Summit
To conclude the week, here at AirFreight.com we wanted to take a deeper look at the forthcoming Cold Chain Canada Summit in Toronto that takes place from February 29 to March 3 in Toronto. In addition, by joining our Air Freight LinkedIn group, you can receive a special discount for your conference pass this year (full details are below).
New study projects healthy global air freight growth over the coming years
As 2015 comes to an end it's an ideal time to write about a brand new study that examines the immediate future for the global air freight market for both 2016 and beyond. The report has been published by Market Research Reports and is titled 'Global Airfreight Forwarding Market 2015-2019'.
Future Plans for Cold Chain focus on Air Freight
- According to Cold Chain Executives, 63% of their investment priorities over the next 24 months is Air Freight.
- 44% of them are looking for new outsourced solutions in Freight, Distribution, Shipping, Warehousing, and Clinical Supply Logistics.
Check out the Cold Chain in Canada: Future Plans piece to get a full picture of cold chain’s future:
Bombardier given financial lifeline in pursuit of CSeries jets for passenger and freight market
In a move that is causing debate in Canada, Quebec has confirmed a $1 billion bailout for aerospace company Bombardier. The aerospace division of the Canadian company currently employs over 34,000 people globally and manufacture light and medium aircraft in addition to other aerospace systems.
Air Freight markets show growth in September
The latest study from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) showed that global air freight markets reported growth in the month of September. Based on air freight tonnage, total volume improved by 1.0% versus September of 2014 which compares favorably with August when air freight totals were remained level.
US airlines meet with government about air freight subsidies, practices by Gulf carriers
The international air freight market has always been competitive but over the last few years the voices from American carriers about unfair practices damaging the North American market for pricing and capacity have been growing louder. Allegations that large subsidies haved allowed air freight powerhouses Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways to significantly disrupt the air cargo market for U.S. carriers have been escalating due to instability that capacity changes seem to have brought to the intercontinental market.
DHL expansion underlines growth in U.S. Air Freight demand
Reinforcing the signs that the air freight market is in a growth cycle comes news that DHL are moving forward with the next phase of expansion plans for their central operations at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. The expansion and revitalization plans have been ongoing since 2008 and the newest steps are now getting started.
Chicago's O'Hare leads domestic airports seeing double digit growth in air freight volume
As air freight hubs in the U.S. go, few are larger or more important than Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. The fact is that additional growth in air cargo tonnage over the last twelve months at the airport has seen O'Hare struggle to manage the growing volume leading to some difficulties for shippers using the airport.
New air freight facility opens at Hamilton international airport
Situated at the western edge of Lake Ontario, Hamilton is one of the most rapidly growing commerce centers in Canada with increases in population and industry driving demand for air freight services across North America and globally. Last week saw the official opening of a brand new air freight terminal at John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport which will only assist in that growth.
Air Freight news update volume ten
Welcome back to the AirFreight.com blog as we again take our regular review of some of the recent news and stories that have generated interest within the air freight/air cargo industry. There have been a number of industry developments over the last month and each can help to provide a fuller understanding of the overall state of the air freight industry today. Within each summary piece, you can click on the blue link(s) to read more.
Paris Air Show leaves air freight industry buoyant about the future
The recently completed Paris Air Show has sent very positive news to Boeing and to a lesser extent Airbus Industries about the future health of the global air freight industry. Directly contradicting the prediction of many analysts Boeing came away from the Paris show in bouyant mood about the direction that the freighter market is likely to take in the mid-term.
New aircraft projections from Boeing indicate strong growth for air freight and passenger demand
When Boeing makes their annual long term projections about aircraft production the air freight and passenger airline industry sit up and take notice and the latest figures are very encouraging from the manufacturing giant. The newest projections from Boeing show demand reaching 38,050 new aircraft over the next twenty years
New construction at Honolulu International Airport will improve air freight services
For domestic and international air freight Hawaii is uniquely situated and deeply dependent on air cargo services and the growth in this arena continues. Located over 2,000 miles from the U.S. west coast and almost 3,900 miles from Japan, Honolulu International Airport is a key ecomonic hub for the islands.
Global air freight market experiences a slower yet more diversified April
After a promising beginning to 2015 international air freight volumes have shown some concerning drops versus 2014 over recent months. New data released from WorldACD shows that the international air cargo market has both diversified and diminished during the first third of the new year.
Could the future of air freight include unmanned cargo aircraft?
It's always interesting to examine the future of the Air Freight industry and while typically we tend to focus on the next few years we don't often hear about how the sector could possibly change a few decades from now. A new article that I read this week suggests that there just might be a future for large unmanned cargo aircraft
St. Louis edges closer to approval of new air freight development project
Promising news for both the air freight industry and the local economy in St. Louis as confirmation that plans for a brand new air cargo facility at Lambert-St. Louis International (STL) appear set to proceed.
Air Freight news update volume nine
Welcome back to the AirFreight.com blog as we take another of our regular looks at some of the recent news and stories that stir interest within the air freight/air cargo industry. There have been a number of interesting updates over the last month and each can help furnish a fuller understanding of the overall state of the air freight industry today. Within each summary piece, you can click on the blue link(s) to read more.
Could a stronger Air Freight market save the Boeing 747?
When you think about the modern era of international jet travel chances are your mind will conjure up images of the Boeing-747. Whether it was passengers or international air freight the original jumbo jet truly revolutionized intercontinental transportation from the moment it arrived on the commercial aviation scene back in 1970
Changing air freight market sees Thai Airways cease freighter service
The recent news that Thai Airways have withdrawn their dedicated air cargo services via freighter after decades of freight forwarding demonstrates the rapidly changing profile of air freight in Asia but also a global market that continues to realign itself. Even as the Southeast Asian market for freight adjusts to new trends the growing dominance of middle eastern freight numbers is replacing much of capacity in a growing market.
Air Freight news update volume eight
Thanks for visiting the AirFreight.com blog and today we take our regular look at some of the recent news and articles causing interest within the air freight and air cargo industry recently. It's been about three weeks since
Top 5 U.S. Airports for Air Freight tonnage in 2014
When we consider the busiest airport hubs for air freight in the United States some may tend to naturally assume the airports serving the largest cities will dominate the list. The reality is that the monumental impact of FedEX and UPS dominate the landscape to such an extent
IATA reports a mixed set of global air freight market results to open 2015
The global air freight industry received a mixed set of results courtesy of the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) monthly freight figures released last week. The index provides a good but very broad snapshot of global air cargo trends on a year-over-year basis and the January results while steady paled in comparison to the exceptional numbers of January 2014.
Domestic air freight award goes to Southwest Airlines for 15th consecutive year
When it comes to customer satisfaction Southwest Airlines has been dominating surveys, polls and awards for many years receiving passenger accolades far more frequently than other longer-established U.S. carriers. Now the airline is generating even more fanfare for their North American air cargo operations that continue to expand.
IATA director highlights 3 key goals for global air freight industry
The 9th World Cargo Symposium in Shanghai, China featured a telling opening speech by IATA’s Director General and CEO Tony Tyler this week. During his speech, he highlighted three areas that are of vital importance to the global air freight / air cargo industry touching on technology efficiencies, safety, and global handling standards.
Airline mergers and acquisitions have changed the face of domestic air freight
As the economy continues to improve it's been very interesting to view the annual profit statements of the major passenger airlines in the United States for 2014. Especially interesting is the gradual recovery of air freight tonnage domestically for most of the carriers although international air cargo remains the primary source of air cargo revenue for many of the airlines. Even so the return to healthy profitability overall has not just been a consequence of a stronger economy but also other major factors.
Air Freight news update volume seven
Welcome back to the AirFreight.com blog for our regular look at some of the recent news stories and articles that are trending within the air freight and air cargo industry recently. It's been three weeks since we took our last look at some of the other reports, data and opinions that help forge a better understanding of the overall health of the air freight industry today. Within each summary piece you can click on the blue link(s) to read more.
Port settlement reached and the demand for urgent ground and air freight services escalates
It's taken nearly nine months but at last a settlement has been reached on a new labor deal between longshoremen and port owners which enables West Coast ports to return to full operations. The collective positive impact on the economy, exporters, manufacturing and retailers will be huge but the huge cargo backlog won't be remedied overnight. Meanwhile as delayed freight is unloaded there will be a swelling demand for air freight services and expedited ground services to get the shipments to their final destinations as quickly as possible.
Honda, Toyota and Nissan turn to air freight as port issues impact supply chain
As the West Coast port issues continue few industry sectors are finding the impact to business quite as pronounced as the big three Japanese automakers. The port delays are gnawing away at the economy in general with it estimated that in total the commercial freight traveling through these ports accounts for a staggering 12.5 percent of the nation's GDP. Numbers like that make you sit up and take notice and it's no wonder that air freight and air charter services are a growing option for many. For some automakers so reliant on imports from Asia the obstacles increase on a day-to-day basis.
Ongoing port dispute leaves more seeking air freight and air charter services
As companies across the country know only too well the impact of the West Coast ports slowdown has had a dramatic knock-on effect in terms of keeping stock and supplies at the levels needed to operate their businesses at maximum efficiency. As freight continues to back up at ports the urgent need for air freight and air charter services becomes the only viable option for many companies as they try and make up for delayed shipments. While things might at last be heading towards a showdown with dockworkers the ongoing impact to supply chains is set to last weeks or even months for many reliant on cargo from Asia.
Air Freight news update volume six
Welcome once more to the AirFreight.com blog for our regular look at recent important news stories and articles that are trending within the air freight and air cargo industry. It's been almost four weeks since we took our last look at some of the other facts, figures and opinions that help to build a better understanding of the overall health of the air freight industry today. Within each summary piece, you can click on the blue link(s) to read more.
Final 2014 IATA Air Freight data shows 4.5 percent growth and cause for optimism this year
Continuing an impressive return to growth, the final global air freight numbers have been released by the International Air Transport Association and while the results shouldn't cause outright celebration or over-confidence they should help to cement the overall sense of positive expectations within the industry as 2015 gets into full flight.
The Airbus Beluga continues to transport the largest air freight
Throughout the history of air freight services. transporting over-sized cargo has always been a concern that sometimes can't be overcome. Based on dimensions alone there are many types of cargo that have to be forwarded via road, rail or ship. However when you are the second largest commercial aircraft manufacturer in the world and you build various parts of your planes in different countries this can become even more of an obstacle.
Should LA/Ontario International Airport be sold and would that improve air freight results?
When it comes to an airport that should be a major air freight hub few are better positioned than LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT) located in Ontario, California. While ONT currently ranks 15th nationally for air freight tonnage the total could be better and has been in the past. Situated 42 miles east of downtown Los Angeles the airport serves the Inland Empire, huge amounts of manufacturing businesses and more than 4 million people live within a short distance of the airport. Considering that it sits on I-10 and in close proximity to I-15 it would be hard to strategically better position an airport for air cargo operations.
Air Freight news update volume five
Welcome back to the AirFreight.com blog for our regular look at recent important news stories and articles that are trending within the air freight and air cargo industry. These updates complement our regular blog updates and will provide some of the other facts, figures and opinions that help to build a stronger understanding of the overall health of the air freight industry today. Within each summary piece click on the blue link(s) to read more.
Emirates SkyCargo returns to 'all in pricing' for air freight
New air freight pricing structures that will commence at the beginning of next month have been announced by Emirates and they are sure to cause a ripple if not a wave throughout the industry as a result. Emirates SkyCargo are turning back the clock in announcing a return to 'all-in pricing' for air cargo to replace their existing base plus surcharges structure, a pricing model that is commonly used across the sector.
Boeing 777F orders demonstrate growth in air freight market
It might make you feel old but did you realize that this coming June marks the 20th anniversary of the first Boeing 777 being introduced into service, initially within the fleet of United Airlines? I remember taking a trip to London on a 777 within a year of that introduction and it seemed like a glimpse into the future at time compared with the other long range wide body jets operating at that time.
Air Freight news update volume four
Welcome once more to the AirFreight.com blog as we continue our regular look at some recent important news stories and articles that impact the air freight and air cargo industry. Designed to complement our normal updates and provide many of the other facts, figures and opinions that help to bring a stronger understanding of the health and developments within the air freight industry today. Within each summary piece click on the blue link(s) to read more.
November results help pave optimism for air freight performance in 2015
Welcome back to the Air Freight blog and a very happy New Year to you. Although we're still about a month away from seeing the final global air cargo/air freight data reports for 2014 some very encouraging results from November have just been released.
Seattle Air Freight tonnage increase in part due to port slowdown
After eight months of ongoing labor slowdowns at west coast ports together with no immediate signs of resolution there has been a growing tendency for some of those with the most urgent shipments to explore the air freight options in the market. There are few places where this has been more noticeable than the operations for air cargo out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Air Freight news update volume three
Welcome back to the AirFreight.com blog as we take another regular look at a number of the recent important news stories and articles that impact the air freight and air cargo industry. These posts complement our normal updates to provide many of the other facts, figures and opinions that help to bring a stronger understanding of the health of the air freight industry today. After each summary piece you just need to you can click on the blue link if you wish to learn more, so let’s get started.
October IATA data shows solid air freight totals for October and positive indicators for 2015
A mixed but good set of numbers this week from the International Air Transport Association confirm that overall air freight and indeed air travel numbers were greatly improved for October versus last year but air freight profitability is currently lagging behind in global terms. Overall air cargo tonnage trends remain in the ascendancy and continuing capacity issues remain in a number of markets as we edge nearer to 2015. The IATA optimism for next year that we wrote about last month will not be weakened by this latest set of data.
New US/Mexico Air Freight agreement will also impact domestic market in 2016
A new trade agreement has been reached that should drastically improve air freight options for many cities that provide the most air connections to Mexico and indeed onto much of Latin America. While the agreement is framed around strengthening international economic ties between the US and Mexico there ought to also be positive repercussions for a number of US domestic air freight/air cargo markets that will benefit from an increased selection of carriers for selected city pairs. Specifically a release from the U.S. Department of State said that, under the agreement, “cargo airlines, for the first time, will have expanded opportunities to provide service to new destinations that were not available under the current agreement.”
Retailers look to air freight solutions as port delays continue
The ongoing labor disputes at West Coast ports are causing a growing log jam in the national distribution of freight, an issue that is causing many businesses severe headaches in terms of getting orders fulfilled on time. As the apparent work slowdowns continue many companies and especially retailers are looking towards air freight as a solution to get overdue shipments into their inventory.
Air Freight news update volume two
Welcome back to the AirFreight.com blog as we take our second regular look at some of the most recent important news and articles that relate to the air freight and air cargo industry. In addition to our normal updates these news updates will feature many of the other facts, figures and opinions that help to provide a better overall understanding of the health of the air freight industry today. After each summary you can click on the blue link to learn more, so let's get going.
Optimistic Air Freight future opening theme of the Cargo Facts Aircraft Symposium
Optimism within the air freight / air cargo world is typically cautious but a consistent run of positive indicators from industry analysts, manufacturers and associations sees a bright run of growth ahead for 2015. These are the underlying themes from the recent 2014 Cargo Facts Aircraft Symposium which was held at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami, with feedback courtesy of Air Cargo World.
Could JFK International Air Freight operations be moving 60 miles upstate?
When you think of things that are synonymous with New York City you're likely to include the Statue of Liberty, the Yankees, the Empire State Building and Central Park. If you were to extend that to include New York airports that are famous for the volume of air freight and passengers that they process you're going to inevitably include JFK International Airport.
Air Freight news update volume one
Welcome back to the AirFreight.com blog for our latest update. Every few weeks we'll be taking a look back at some of the industry reports that have been released over the previous period that impact the air cargo/air freight industry both in North America and a few that are worldwide. Consider these updates a starting point to access some of the data and reports that shape the industry in terms of capacity, airport freight data, company reports and changes that are worth keeping abreast of.
IATA Air Cargo projections through 2018 show global and North American growth
Very encouraging projections about global air cargo/air freight projected volumes reaches us from the very important forecast by the International Air Transport Association. IATA's data is one of the finest sets of indicators within the industry and these four year projections released in the last week are a signal that the global recovery for air freight is in full swing.
Boeing projections show healthy future for air cargo market
Healthy global Air Freight statistics highlight most recent ACI report
A very warm welcome to our new blog at AirFreight.com where we'll be taking a regular look at the North American air freight industry, providing reports, analysis and looking at the issues that impact it. The blog aims to be a resource for those interested or involved in air cargo, urgent shipping and the transportation sector and we value and welcome your input. We're a proud member of the The Expedited Group of Companies who each specialize in delivering professional and dependable urgent freight shipping by air and road.