THE world air cargo business is slowing, but is still performing much better than it usually does, according to a membership survey for the Washington, DC-based Airforwarders Association, reports London's Air Cargo News.
After one of the industry's strongest years ever, volumes remain robust, and many predict the first half of 2023 will be positive, the survey concluded.
Forecasts indicate that air freight will account for almost 25 per cent of airline revenue, which is significant, especially after passenger revenue had been so adversely impacted during the pandemic.
The positive outlook is tempered by existing global and macroeconomic challenges that could change the current prosperity wave, but forwarders remain optimistic and prepared for what may lie ahead.
Forwarders expect an early peak season as companies rush to deliver shipments trapped by the Covid-related worker lockdowns in China.
During this time, idled labourers remained at home while factories closed throughout regions showing concentrations of the disease.
As a result, manufacturing orders stalled, and hundreds of ships were unable to load or discharge cargo at Shanghai and other key maritime gateways.
Some forwarders fear air cargo shipments from Asia to the US as customers seek to avoid potential maritime bottlenecks.
A primary concern is the availability of capacity since most passenger flights from Asia, and their belly capacity, remain grounded.
SeaNews Turkey
After one of the industry's strongest years ever, volumes remain robust, and many predict the first half of 2023 will be positive, the survey concluded.
Forecasts indicate that air freight will account for almost 25 per cent of airline revenue, which is significant, especially after passenger revenue had been so adversely impacted during the pandemic.
The positive outlook is tempered by existing global and macroeconomic challenges that could change the current prosperity wave, but forwarders remain optimistic and prepared for what may lie ahead.
Forwarders expect an early peak season as companies rush to deliver shipments trapped by the Covid-related worker lockdowns in China.
During this time, idled labourers remained at home while factories closed throughout regions showing concentrations of the disease.
As a result, manufacturing orders stalled, and hundreds of ships were unable to load or discharge cargo at Shanghai and other key maritime gateways.
Some forwarders fear air cargo shipments from Asia to the US as customers seek to avoid potential maritime bottlenecks.
A primary concern is the availability of capacity since most passenger flights from Asia, and their belly capacity, remain grounded.
SeaNews Turkey
