AIR CARG O WEEK


WEEKLY NEWS higher.


“In 2026, the pressure isn’t only that costs are It’s that


they’re harder Technological adoption is central to maintaining to forecast with


VOLATILITY, TECHNOLOGY, AND SUSTAINABILITY


BY Ajinkya GURAV


AS the airfreight sector picks up pace in 2026, it faces a complex mix of rising fuel prices, labour costs, and regulatory changes. This volatility is reshaping decision-making, forcing carriers and forwarders to balance profitability, network reliability, and long-term customer


dedicated to high-value,


trust. Freighter capacity is increasingly time-critical cargo, while


standard shipments are absorbed by bellyhold and multimodal solutions. Companies are reconfiguring networks to accommodate evolving trade flows,


particularly from Southeast Asia, and to mitigate risks posed by regulatory shifts like the end of the U.S. de minimis exemption. Operators must anticipate capacity bottlenecks,


evaluate route consolidation strategies, and maintain operational flexibility, all while delivering predictable outcomes. Forwarders with integrated platforms and cloud-based tracking systems can provide visibility across multiple carriers, reducing friction and enabling proactive management.


These capabilities are


particularly critical in segments with tight operational tolerances, including perishables, project cargo, and specialised healthcare shipments.


confidence. Fuel, handling fees, port-related charges and labour costs can shift in parallel, often with little warning. That changes the conversation with customers,” Pavlos Poutos, Managing Director and CEO of Marinair, explained. “It’s no longer just ‘What’s the price?’ It’s ‘Which option will hold its promise in transit time, process stability, and final landed cost once real- world variables start moving?’ The opportunity sits with forwarders that combine structure with visibility. At Marinair, we’ve leaned into predictability: clearer planning,


tighter operational control, and stronger


customer visibility, not only to protect margins, but to protect outcomes.” Building on this, strategic network agility allows


companies to respond faster to shifting demand. By integrating multiple gateways and leveraging regional alternatives, operators can sustain service quality even when unexpected disruptions occur. This proactive approach helps forwarders remain competitive while protecting both margins and client trust. “From my


perspective, the biggest


resilience, yet human expertise remains decisive. Systems such as cloud-based TMS and AI analytics support early forecasting and proactive capacity planning, but cannot replace judgment in handling exceptions or navigating regulatory complexity. The most successful operators are those who combine predictive tools with experienced teams capable of rapid, informed decisions. “The challenge is managing cost volatility without


disrupting service consistency across networks. Poorly managed surcharges or forced consolidations can erode margins and customer trust, especially when


capacity tightens unexpectedly. The


opportunity lies in closer carrier alignment, smarter capacity planning, and network-wide pricing discipline that protects margins while maintaining reliability,” Ernest Mokoena, International Network Manager


at highlighted. challenge


today isn’t volatility itself: it’s the pace at which it shifts. Fuel, labour, energy, regulatory frameworks… everything is moving on shorter cycles. That forces the industry to abandon long-range assumptions and become far more adaptive,” Jan Harnisch, Member of the Board for Air & Ocean at Rhenus Group, said. “But I see an opportunity in that. Expanded global capacity and diversified trade lanes give us more strategic room to manoeuvre, and we can finally build supply chains that are resilient by design, not by exception. That mindset shift toward agility as a core capability is what gives us strength going into 2026.”


Exclusive Logistics


commitments, and flexible routing across multiple carriers and hubs help avoid overreliance on any single solution. Relationship management, compliance


decisions, and disruption


Solutions, “Proactive forecasting, early space


handling


remain human-driven. Technology is least effective during irregular operations or sudden regulatory changes.” Maintaining operational reliability also requires a


balance between freighter and bellyhold capacity. Effective network orchestration ensures that high- value, time-sensitive shipments receive priority without compromising access for standard freight. This blend of flexibility and planning is particularly valuable


during peak periods, when constraints are most acute. capacity 09


ALWAYS ON TARGET. ALWAYS ...


UN


YOUR CARGO GSSA schedule


a meeting


JUN 1-3


TIACA Executive Summit 2026


Your Journey, Our Expertise. www.aircargoweek.com Hilton Warsaw Hotel and Convention Centre www.strike.aero 20 APRIL2026 ACW ABLE


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