2026 AIRFREIGHT MARKET OUTLOOK AIR CARG O WEEK


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Crawford Hamilton, Head of Freighter Marketing at Airbus


FREIGHTER FUTURES


Gilles Collaveri, Business Development Director at ATR BY Anastasiya SIMSEK 08 A


“We are very proud to see the industry move toward emissions and efficiency requirements.”


s the air cargo industry matures, attention turns to modernizing freighter fleets. Replacing aircraft is no longer just about capacity or economics. Today, sustainability, digital infrastructure, and network agility are reshaping how carriers plan their fleets — and what they expect from manufacturers.


Airbus and ATR, representing two very different market segments,


both indicate that 2026 could be pivotal. Long-haul and regional freighter sectors face rising e-commerce demand and shifting cargo flows. At the same time, new environmental standards and fragmented supply chains are reshaping fleet requirements. The next generation of freighters must work smarter, cleaner, and more efficiently — and the race to deliver is on.


Airbus targets long-haul efficiency For Airbus, momentum behind widebody fleet renewal in 2025 marked a clear shift in market intent. Carriers that had spent recent years managing volatility and extending older fleet life are now accelerating toward newer, more efficient aircraft capable of meeting both commercial and regulatory demands. “We are very proud to see the industry move toward emissions and requirements,” said Crawford Hamilton, Head of Freighter


efficiency


Marketing at Airbus. “We have won 35 firm orders for the A350F, the next- generation widebody freighter. 2025 also saw Avilease place the largest A350F order yet — 10 aircraft.” The A350F — designed to replace aging MD-11Fs and DC-10Fs still


operating in many fleets — entered final assembly in 2025, marking a tangible milestone for Airbus. Its first flight, scheduled for 2026, will demonstrate performance metrics and establish the aircraft as the only freighter fully meeting ICAO’s forthcoming CO2


emissions standards, effective 2027. This is more than a design achievement — it is a strategic lever.


Airlines operating international cargo routes face pressure to align fleets with sustainability goals while maintaining profitability. The A350F’s efficiency, combined with digital-native planning features, positions it as a solution for carriers seeking modernized operations, reduced fuel burn, and increased route flexibility. “2025 has been a strategic year for many operators making crucial


investment decisions for their fleet and operations,” said Hamilton. Airbus sees a shift from reactive post-pandemic fleet planning toward long-term investment driven by regulation, cost of ownership, and network optimization.


ATR focuses on regional flexibility While Airbus targets intercontinental corridors, ATR addresses short- haul accessibility, secondary market demand, and cost-sensitive cargo operations. For many operators in underserved or decentralized markets, right-sizing is no longer a tactical choice — it is essential. “2025 was a year of recalibration: global players faced uncertainty,


but regional cargo proved its resilience,” said Gilles Collaveri, Business Development Director at ATR. “Demand for flexible, right-sized aircraft grew


ACW 05 JANUARY 2026 www.aircargoweek.com


as operators sought to maintain service quality in a challenging environment.” The growth of e-commerce, pharmaceutical shipments, and perishable


cargo — often decentralized and requiring higher frequencies — has made smaller freighters like the ATR 72-600F increasingly attractive. These aircraft offer low fuel burn, operational simplicity, and profitability even without full loads. “The surge in e-commerce and need for resilient supply chains created


significant opportunities for regional cargo,” said Collaveri. “As consumers demanded faster delivery beyond major hubs, ATR freighters offered a compelling solution.” 2025 was not without setbacks. Engine maintenance and component


availability caused disruptions, highlighting that even smaller fleets are not immune to global supply chain challenges. Yet these constraints underscored the value of right-sized, easily deployable freighters in maintaining service continuity.


Sustainability and adaptability across the industry Across both manufacturers, sustainability has shifted from marketing language to operational imperative. Regulatory standards — particularly ICAO’s CO2


emissions rules — are now shaping procurement decisions and


fleet strategy at the board level. “With the new ICAO regulation of CO2


emission standards taking effect


in 2027, 2026 will be a year of cargo carriers reviewing or actively updating fleets to ensure compliance,” said Hamilton. Airbus positions the A350F not just as a replacement aircraft but


as a compliance-ready platform for international carriers. Older fleets carry high stakes: delays could mean operating non-compliant aircraft in regulated airspace, risking financial penalties and reputational damage. At the regional level, ATR promotes turboprop conversions and the


purpose-built ATR 72-600F as lower-emission alternatives, with reduced fuel burn per tonne-kilometre and lower infrastructure requirements. “The ATR 72-600F offers a large cargo door, optimized payload, and


economical short-haul operation,” said Collaveri. “Converting ATR 72 and ATR 42 passenger aircraft into freighters demonstrates the sustainability and versatility of our platform.”


2026 and Beyond As trade lanes shift and geopolitical pressures disrupt global logistics, adaptability will define success in 2026 and beyond. For ATR, this means higher- frequency, lower-volume operations that respond to market volatility without overcommitting. For Airbus, it is about combining long-range efficiency with digital tools to manage fluctuating demand and complex routes. “Using ATR freighters at higher frequency allows operators to adjust


capacity without waiting for large aircraft to fill up,” said Collaveri. “Operators are keen to improve networks and embed sustainability and digital solutions for efficient long-term planning,” added Hamilton.


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