THE Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, with its burgeoning markets and diverse economic drivers, has become a focal point for many leading air cargo operators, reports Surrey, UK's Air Cargo Week.
Experiencing double-digit growth in cargo volume, the APAC market's expansion has been driven by a shift from general cargo to a diversified mix that includes a substantial e-commerce component, reflecting the rapid expansion of online shopping.
'Particularly in Asia-Pacific, the volume is growing rapidly. We see three key hubs: Hong Kong, Singapore, and Shanghai,' Jacqueline Han Lin Ni, Etihad Cargo's area manager responsible for China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, stated.
However, the rapid growth has brought challenges, with development at hubs struggling to keep pace with the increasing demand in certain areas.
'The infrastructure, including ground handling agents (GHAs) and airport facilities, is not keeping pace with demand,' she noted.
Additionally, the region's regulatory complexities add another layer of difficulty.
'People often think of Greater China as one entity, but Hong Kong, mainland China, and Taiwan have different rules, languages, and currencies.'
The transportation of goods in the cool chain has become increasingly important, especially post-Covid-19, sparking the need for specialized handling, particularly in challenging climates.
Geopolitical issues have also influenced cargo operations. 'The Red Sea crisis has transformed demand in Southeast Asia and India from ocean to airfreight, highlighting the industry's adaptability,' Ms Han Lin Ni said, leading to the need to innovate and adapt quickly to maintain service levels.
'It's very challenging and keeps you on your toes. The industry changes rapidly. Transitioning from ocean to airfreight, I've seen how air cargo demands constant adaptation, with shipments changing up to four hours before departure,' she explained.
SeaNews Turkey
Experiencing double-digit growth in cargo volume, the APAC market's expansion has been driven by a shift from general cargo to a diversified mix that includes a substantial e-commerce component, reflecting the rapid expansion of online shopping.
'Particularly in Asia-Pacific, the volume is growing rapidly. We see three key hubs: Hong Kong, Singapore, and Shanghai,' Jacqueline Han Lin Ni, Etihad Cargo's area manager responsible for China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, stated.
However, the rapid growth has brought challenges, with development at hubs struggling to keep pace with the increasing demand in certain areas.
'The infrastructure, including ground handling agents (GHAs) and airport facilities, is not keeping pace with demand,' she noted.
Additionally, the region's regulatory complexities add another layer of difficulty.
'People often think of Greater China as one entity, but Hong Kong, mainland China, and Taiwan have different rules, languages, and currencies.'
The transportation of goods in the cool chain has become increasingly important, especially post-Covid-19, sparking the need for specialized handling, particularly in challenging climates.
Geopolitical issues have also influenced cargo operations. 'The Red Sea crisis has transformed demand in Southeast Asia and India from ocean to airfreight, highlighting the industry's adaptability,' Ms Han Lin Ni said, leading to the need to innovate and adapt quickly to maintain service levels.
'It's very challenging and keeps you on your toes. The industry changes rapidly. Transitioning from ocean to airfreight, I've seen how air cargo demands constant adaptation, with shipments changing up to four hours before departure,' she explained.
SeaNews Turkey
