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flights and Shanghai with 14 AFKL passenger flights. We closely follow all market dynamics and listen carefully to our customers to see how and where we further can better fulfil their needs,” he concludes.


Looming geopolitical concerns Duval is observing geopolitical events across the globe as they may come to influence AFKLMP’s airfreight routes and operations in the Asia Pacific region. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, tensions in the Red Sea and Middle East and labour disruptions such as US port strikes create ripple effects across global supply chains. Additionally, Asia faces frequent natural disruptions, including typhoons, volcanic eruptions, and floods which significantly impact operations. Heightened concerns around the potential deterioration of China-


Taiwan relations add another layer of uncertainty. Such developments could have far-reaching implications for regional and global trade routes. In light of this unpredictability, AFKLMP is proactively exploring alternative scenarios to mitigate risks and maintain operational resilience. The airfreight industry is inherently shaped by geopolitical and economic


factors, and AFKLMP remains committed to continuous reassessment of its full freighter network to capitalise on emerging opportunities. The company’s ability to adapt swiftly to changing contexts ensures both profitability and alignment with customer needs. Agility is the cornerstone of AFKLMP’s strategy, considers


Duval. By maintaining a flexible approach to network planning and operations, the company is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of global and regional challenges, safeguarding its leadership position in the dynamic airfreight sector.


Heightened competition The expansion of freighter capacity by competitors in the Asia Pacific region presents both challenges and opportunities. As some airlines shift capacity to Asia to align supply with rising demand, it inevitably reduces available capacity in other global regions. This redistribution could result in traffic being rerouted to alternative destinations, potentially altering traditional trade flows. European airlines, including AFKLMP, face a unique set of


challenges in this competitive landscape. Asian and Gulf carriers benefit from Russia’s airspace availability, allowing for more direct and cost-efficient routes. In contrast, European airlines are forced to bear additional costs due to extended flight paths that increase crew hours, aircraft utilisation and overall operational expenses. This disparity creates a competitive imbalance, particularly as regional and global demand fluctuates. Despite these headwinds, AFKLMP remains focused on leveraging


its extensive expertise, high-quality service, and strategic network to maintain its leadership position. Continuous optimisation of its freighter and belly capacity, coupled with adaptability to shifting market conditions, ensures that the company can meet customer demands while navigating competitive pressures. In this dynamic environment, maintaining agility and delivering


value to customers will be critical to countering the impacts of competitor expansions and addressing the inherent challenges of operating in a globally interconnected airfreight industry.


Standing out from the competition Naturally, the Asia Pacific market has attracted a great deal of competition for its airfreight business. How does AFKLMP counter this? Duval says: “Our AFKLMP teams are passionately delivering best in class customer experiences at every touch point, bringing customised solutions to each and every customer. “On the platform “myCargo”, Asia is one of our top performing


regions in the world with 85% of our bookings initiated online via myCargo. Thanks to our high level of digitisation, we can offer personalized solutions to our customers. “At AFKLMP, we differentiate ourselves from competition thanks


to the expertise of our teams combined with advanced technology and digitisation.”


Investing in innovation and sustainability AFKLMP continues to invest in advanced technologies and infrastructure to optimise cargo handling and improve operational efficiency across the Asia Pacific region. One significant initiative includes the implementation of ULD (Unit Load Device) trackers and readers. This technology enhances the monitoring of ULD inventory, enabling greater operational control and offering potential applications such as ambient temperature monitoring for sensitive cargo. Another cutting-edge development under evaluation is digital


volume scanning. This innovation is poised to revolutionise capacity management and streamline onward connections from AFKLMP’s key hubs in Paris (CDG) and Amsterdam (AMS). By providing high- resolution digital images of shipments at acceptance, the technology allows for better planning and visualisation of cargo conditions and dimensions enabling remote handling and reducing dependency on warehouse support.


Fleet versatility AFKLMP’s fleet, a mix of full freighters and wide-body belly aircraft, is uniquely configured to address the complex demands of airfreight in Asia Pacific. Equipped with flexible layouts and temperature- controlled holds, the fleet ensures the safe and efficient transport of varied cargo types, from perishables to high-value goods.


Sustainability initiatives Sustainability is central to AFKLMP’s strategy. The company has implemented eco-piloting techniques, partnered with customers on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) initiatives, and introduced the goSAF programme on its digital platform, myCargo, enabling optional SAF contributions with every booking. Recent milestones include the signing of five new SAF contracts


during the Air Cargo China 2024 convention in Shanghai, adding to existing partnerships with 14 customers in Greater China. In addition, AFKLMP extended its Ground Handling Agreement (GHA) with EAL in Shanghai (PVG), collaborating on sustainable solutions to reduce plastic usage in cargo operations. Through these investments and initiatives, AFKLMP reinforces


its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence in the dynamic Asia Pacific airfreight market.


“At AFKLMP,


we differentiate ourselves from competition thanks to the


expertise of our


teams combined with advanced


technology and digitisation.”


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