DAILY NEWS
US CARGO INFRASTRUCTURE FACES A REALITY CHECK
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s air cargo volumes fluctuate and trade policy tensions flare, the United States faces an uncomfortable truth: cargo infrastructure is lagging behind demand. Despite surging e-commerce volumes and shifting trade patterns, many US airports continue to prioritise passenger development, while
cargo facilities operate under increasing strain. “There is a two-fold issue,” says Jared Azcuy, CEO of AGI, one of the largest
independent ground handling and cargo service providers in North America. “First, many airports lack a long-term, integrated cargo development strategy. Second, there is a gap between sustainability goals and the infrastructure needed to support them.” While passenger terminals receive billions in funding and modernisation, the
cargo side remains underfunded, often operating with legacy facilities and limited expansion plans. “Cargo infrastructure is evolving, but with demand continuing to rise, there’s still room for growth,” he notes. “Airports that have proactively planned for capacity expansion are setting themselves up as key strategic partners for airlines when space is at a premium. Those forward-thinking airports are already reaping the benefits, attracting operators who value readiness and flexibility.” This lack of preparedness becomes even more apparent when geopolitical
disruptions reconfigure global trade flows. With de minimis tariff exemptions expiring and escalating trade friction with China, volatility is back on the table. “We’re closely tracking the impact of new US tariffs,” Azcuy says. “At AGI, we’ve
grown significantly, but done so with intentional flexibility—ensuring we can adapt quickly to shifting customer needs.” For Azcuy, resilience lies in long-term thinking. “You can’t just plan for the next
12 months,” he stresses. “You have to be looking 15 to 20 years ahead, anticipating trade patterns and building the capacity to adapt. In times of disruption, it’s the companies that stay agile and innovative that come out ahead, and that’s exactly how we’re positioning ourselves.”
Post-Covid-19 lessons and economic pressures Congestion at major US gateways isn’t new, but Covid-19 made it unignorable. While volume spikes exposed cracks, they also triggered a change in behaviour. “We saw some carriers reassessing routes and shifting to alternative gateways
where the operating environment was more flexible and responsive,” Azcuy recalls. The lasting impact? Confidence now hinges on infrastructure planning and
handler performance. “Air cargo is highly dynamic,” he says. “That volatility is exactly why long-term infrastructure planning is essential. We are thinking beyond what could be a temporary trade issue and focusing on how airfreight would respond thereafter. History shows that supply chain strain is followed by immediate peak- like recovery, which causes temporary congestion.” Across North America, sustainability features heavily in airport master plans.
www.aircargoweek.com
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