CHARTER BROKERS AIR CARG O WEEK


F


NAVIGATING A TURBULENT MARKET


BY Edward HARDY


10


T


“Most players are staying flexible, so they can react quickly to sudden changes.”


ACW 16 MARCH 2026


he airfreight charter sector continues to face volatility driven by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and fuel price swings,


for operators and brokers alike. Companies are increasingly reliant on agility and strong industry relationships to respond


to sudden market changes, while maintaining service quality and cost efficiency. As demand patterns fluctuate, specialised service offerings, technological integration, and experienced personnel are emerging as critical differentiators in a competitive landscape. Recent global events have amplified the unpredictability of airfreight


demand, prompting companies to develop strategies that balance responsiveness with commercial sustainability. For smaller charter providers, organisational structure plays a key role in enabling rapid decision-making, while for brokers, strong supplier networks and sector knowledge are critical in managing fluctuating capacity. “Very often in the charter business we are already dealing with global


events before they hit the news headlines,” said Brian Davis, Commercial Director at NEO Air Charter. “These disruptions fuel unpredictability which is, of course, challenging, but at the same time provide us with opportunity. “The world is shifting incredibly fast at the moment and we have to


keep our ear to the ground and be prepared. Our structure allows our team to act autonomously while still following the NEO way. We focus on giving freight forwarders reassurance and high service quality for urgent shipments. It is this approach that differentiates us in the time- critical charter market.” “With the current pressure on international trade coming from the


Trump administration, everyone is concerned about a significant downturn in our market,” explained Pierre Van Der Stichele, Managing


www.aircargoweek.com


creating both challenges and opportunities


Director of AVICO Group. “The system itself isn’t failing, but the mood is tense: companies are nervous, long-term planning has stalled, and investment is being delayed. “Most players are staying flexible so they can react quickly to sudden


changes. Despite severe cuts in humanitarian freight movement, our cargo air charter sector is performing well due to our vast working experience with relief agencies and NGOs. Flexibility and agility are key to responding effectively in this environment. We continue to focus on aligning supply and demand while delivering cost-efficient solutions for our clients.”


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