Embracing resilience and innovation in air transport

The pandemic has challenged us in ways we never imagined, but it has also shown us the resilience and critical importance of air freight. Amar More, CEO of Kale Logistics, said air freight volumes are recovering, driven by a resurgence in global trade and rapid growth in e-commerce. This recovery is not just about returning to pre-pandemic levels; it is about building a more robust, agile and sustainable future.

The pandemic has accelerated the evolution of business models in our industry. Traditional sales channels have given way to digital platforms, enabling more efficient and transparent transactions.

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E-commerce in particular has seen a surge in growth. Consumers’ shift to online shopping during lockdowns has led to a permanent change in shopping habits. As a result, people are seeing a growing demand for faster, more reliable air cargo services. Our ability to adapt to these changes will define our success in the years to come.

“Amidst these changes lie significant opportunities. Cross-border e-commerce is booming, which presents a huge opportunity for air cargo operators. We need to streamline customs processes and increase our logistics capabilities to capitalize on this. Multimodal transportation, combining air freight with other modes of transport, offers new opportunities and environmental benefits. By investing in the right logistics infrastructure and adhering to rigorous quality standards, we can solidify our role as indispensable partners to the pharmaceutical industry,” explained Amar More.

But these opportunities are not without their challenges. Regulatory changes, such as de minimis value adjustments, require us to remain agile and compliant. Geopolitical tensions can disrupt supply chains and create uncertainty. Navigating these complexities requires a proactive approach, ongoing dialogue with regulators, and strategic partnerships to mitigate risk and ensure continuity.

“Digitalization is the cornerstone of our future growth. ICAO Annex 9 on Facilitation, UN Recommendation 33 and WTO guidelines are paving the way for a more efficient and integrated global air cargo system. By leveraging digital tools, from paperless documentation to AI-powered analytics, companies can increase operational efficiency, reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction. AI promises to revolutionize everything from demand forecasting to route optimization.”

In this rapidly changing landscape, collaboration is essential. The growth of integrators presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

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In summary, the air transportation industry is at a crossroads.

“The path we choose today will define our legacy for generations. Let us embrace recovery with optimism, adapt to changing business models with agility, seize key opportunities with innovation, meet challenges with resilience, and drive forward with a focus on digitalization and collaboration. Together, we will not only recover, but thrive, leading the global economy into a new era of connectivity and prosperity.”