AIR CARG O WEEK


CARGO TECHNOLOGY


SUPPLEMENT


REVOLUTION IN THE SKIES: HOW TECH IS RESHAPING AIR CARGO


I


n a world increasingly reliant on speed, precision, and sustainability, the airfreight industry is undergoing a technological revolution. Once considered a traditional sector tied to paperwork and manual labour, air cargo is now rapidly transforming thanks to a wave of innovation. From artificial intelligence to sustainable aviation fuel, five major


technological developments are driving this change - all working together to create a smarter, faster, and greener global cargo network.


Digitalisation and the e-AWB At the heart of air cargo’s digital transition is the shift from paper to electronic documentation. The e-Air Waybill (e-AWB) is at the forefront, replacing the thick bundles of paperwork that have accompanied international shipments for decades. Spearheaded by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the e-AWB simplifies cargo processing, reduces the risk of human error and speeds up clearance at customs checkpoints. “Digitalisation allows for real-time access to shipment data,” says an


IATA spokesperson. “It streamlines the supply chain and allows every stakeholder - from forwarders to customs officers - to work from the same source of truth.” Supporting this movement is IATA’s ONE Record initiative, a new


standard that enables all parties in the air cargo chain to share data through a single, standardised and secure interface. It’s not just about eliminating paper - it’s about building a fully integrated digital ecosystem that boosts efficiency and transparency from origin to destination.


AI at the helm Artificial Intelligence (AI) is another transformative force. As global air cargo volumes increase, optimising operations has become essential. AI systems now assist in cargo routing, load optimisation and demand forecasting, enabling airlines to better allocate resources and maximise payload efficiency. For example, predictive analytics powered by AI can anticipate


disruptions due to weather events, labour shortages or port congestion. This allows carriers to reroute flights or adjust loading schedules in advance, reducing costly delays. “AI isn’t just reactive - it’s predictive,” explains a logistics


consultant based in Frankfurt. “It’s helping cargo operators make smarter decisions before problems occur.”


Cargo that talks back In an age where customers can track their online purchases in real time, the same expectation now extends to global cargo shipments. Thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT), the industry has introduced smart sensors and RFID technology that enable real-time monitoring of cargo location, temperature, humidity and even shock or vibration. This is especially critical for sensitive cargo like pharmaceuticals,


perishable foods and high-value electronics, where even a slight deviation in conditions can result in significant losses. IoT devices not only provide peace of mind but also


reduce disputes and insurance claims. When every movement and condition is logged in real becomes


time, easier to pinpoint and resolve it issues,


improving accountability and security throughout the cargo’s journey. On the ground, a shift is underway toward electric-powered


ground support equipment (GSE), replacing traditional diesel vehicles. This move not only cuts emissions but also reduces noise pollution at airports, aligning with global efforts to make aviation more sustainable.


The warehouse floor Behind the scenes, at sprawling cargo terminals and warehouses, robots and automated systems are taking centre stage. Automated Unit Load Devices (ULDs) and robotic arms now handle tasks once done manually - stacking cargo, scanning barcodes, and loading pallets onto aircraft.


3 In high-traffic hubs like Singapore and Dubai, Autonomous Guided


Vehicles (AGVs) are now a common sight, transporting freight across terminals with speed and precision. These technologies not only reduce human labour costs but also improve safety and decrease turnaround times, a critical factor in time-sensitive logistics. According to a report by the International Civil Aviation Organization,


automation can increase cargo handling efficiency by up to 30%, a boost that could reshape how global supply chains are managed.


The future is now The convergence of these five innovations - digital documentation, AI, IoT, sustainability and automation - signals a fundamental shift in the airfreight landscape. No longer just a fast mode of transport, air cargo is evolving into a highly intelligent, responsive and environmentally conscious industry. The transformation is far from over. As global trade grows and customer


expectations rise, air cargo companies that embrace these technologies will be best positioned to thrive. What was once considered the back end of aviation is now emerging as one of its most dynamic and future- forward sectors. As the skies get smarter, the future of cargo looks not only faster and more efficient- but cleaner and more connected than ever before.


See you next month!


James James GRAHAM, ACW Supplement Editor


The ACW Supplement Team


Supplement Editor: ACW Editor:


News Reporter: Regional Representative (APAC):


James Graham Edward Hardy


Anastasiya Simsek Ajinkya Gurav


Regional Representative (North America): Oscar Sardinas Associate Editor:


Director of Operations:


International Media Sales Director: Senior Publishing And Events Manager: International Sales Executive: Finance Manager:


Design & Production Manager: Production Supervisor: Website Consultant: Managing Director:


Chris Lewis Kim Smith


Rosa Bellanca Chris Richman Zainab Khalid Rachel Burns Alex Brown Kevin Dennis


Tim Brocklehurst Steven Polmans


The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Whilst every care is taken, the publishers cannot be held legally responsible for any errors in articles or advertisements. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by electronic, mechanical, photographic or other means without the prior consent of the publishers. USA: The publishers shall not be liable for losses, claims, damages or expenses arising out of or attributed to the contents of Air Cargo Week, insofar as they are based on information, presentations, reports or data that have been publicly disseminated, furnished or otherwise communicated to Air Cargo Week.


AZURA INTERNATIONAL


In our next supplement, we look at The Americas.


If you wish to be involved, please contact the editor, James Graham at james.graham@azurainternational.com.


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