Ports

Air Cargo Solidifies Role in Supply Chain Planning as Ocean Transport Becomes Less Predictable

Air freight has graduated from contingency option to core supply chain strategy for many shippers, according to Global Shippers Forum director James Hookham speaking at Aviation Connect in Athens this week. Ocean transport unpredictability since the pandemic has driven this shift, creating sustained demand for airfreight capacity. Shippers increasingly rely on air solutions approaching peak retail seasons, with Black Friday, Thanksgiving and Christmas deadlines driving volume. However, recent modifications to direct air waybill liability rules present emerging challenges for the sector. Industry observers note that shippers have varying requirements based on cargo type, destination, speed demands and handling needs. For airport operators, minimizing cargo dwell time remains critical and requires efficient coordination between commercial and regulatory processes.