Shein and Temu, Chinese e-commerce giants specializing in small shipments delivery directly to consumers, are reaching unprecedented scales in the global market. Temu’s reach has extended to 40 countries and continues to expand while Shein delivers to more than 150 countries. These companies, known for their affordable household and clothing items, are heavily impacting the air cargo sector by consuming substantial capacity.   Cargo Demand Strains Air Freight Capacity Currently, Shein is shipping around 5,000 tonnes, Temu about 4,000 tonnes, TikTok – 800 tonnes, and Alibaba – 1,000 tonnes ..read more

Handling hazardous materials at airports requires strict safety protocols to prevent accidents and ensure public safety. These measures include using designated storage facilities, specially equipped transport vehicles, and handling equipment with safety features to mitigate risks associated with hazardous cargo.   Designated Storage Facilities Airports use designated storage areas to safely store hazardous goods based on the type and potential risks. For example, flammable liquids such as gasoline, solvents, and paints require storage in fire-resistant facilities equipped with high-airfl ..read more

Secondary airports offer unique advantages that can enhance air freight in Europe. These benefits, including competitive pricing, specialized cargo handling, shorter taxi times, and comprehensive security checks, directly impact cost-efficiency, speed, specialized service capabilities, and safety for freight forwarders.   Competitive Pricing Smaller airports can offer lower landing, storage, and handling fees for several reasons. First, their location away from major urban centers means that land and development costs are significantly reduced, which makes it less expensive to build airp ..read more

Cargo aircraft involved in air freight in Europe must adhere to stringent safety protocols to prevent accidents while in the air. These protocols include advanced containment systems, monitoring technologies, and fire suppression strategies designed to ensure the safe transport of dangerous goods.   Cargo Containment Solutions Cargo aircraft carrying dangerous materials are typically equipped with fire-resistant containers and spill containment pallets to ensure safe transportation. Fire-resistant containers are used to ship dangerous goods that are flammable, explosive, or highly reacti ..read more

Nighttime operations at airports bring a number of advantages for transporting cargo. These include better accommodation for large aircraft, improved weather conditions for aircraft performance, enhanced security measures, and optimal conditions for shipping temperature-sensitive items.   Large Cargo Aircraft At night, airports can better accommodate large aircraft due to decreased passenger flight schedules. With fewer passenger flights, airports can allocate longer time slots for large aircraft that carry substantial loads and require more time for loading and unloading. Additionally ..read more

In logistics, air charter services play a multifaceted role, facilitating urgent deliveries, accessing distant locations, and managing oversized cargo. Their ability to meet diverse transportation needs makes them essential across various industries.   Meeting Urgent Delivery Deadlines Air charter services stand out for their unmatched ability to speed up delivery times. Unlike traditional air freight in Europe, which must adhere to the pre-set schedules and routes of commercial airlines, air charters fly directly to the closest airport to the destination. This speed is not just benefici ..read more

In the competitive landscape of aviation, pilots’ preference for passenger airlines over cargo operations is shaped by factors such as career development, training opportunities, and quality of life. This preference not only impacts the career trajectories of many pilots but also influences the operations of ground freight forwarders.   Career Development The appeal of passenger airlines largely stems from the wide range of career development opportunities available. Pilots in passenger aviation have the chance to fly a variety of aircraft, from smaller jets suited for regional services ..read more

Air freight forwarding is undergoing infrastructural transformations, with key developments such as the modernization of runways and taxiway systems, advanced air traffic control equipment, and automated cargo handling. These improvements enhance airport operations and result in a more efficient, secure, and rapid movement of goods.   Modern Runway and Taxiway Systems A major infrastructural improvement in air freight forwarding is the modernization of runway and taxiway systems at airports. Enhancements involve LED lighting for improved visibility, upgrading the runway surfaces, and ins ..read more

Air freight faces the constant threat of theft and tampering, especially during critical points like loading and unloading, storage at airport facilities, and during transit to and from airports. To address these vulnerabilities, port authorities implement a range of security measures, including CCTV systems, biometric access controls to secure areas, and security checkpoints for thorough screening. The implementation of these measures not only fortifies the security of the cargo but also instils confidence among ground freight forwarders that their shipments are protected at every stage of tr ..read more

The air freight forwarding industry in Europe is undergoing a significant transformation thanks to a range of technological innovations. Each of these, from advanced cargo tracking with IoT to the automation of sorting and handling, introduces improvements that enhance efficiency, strengthen security, and promote sustainability in the sector.   Advanced Cargo Tracking with IoT Integrating IoT (Internet of Things) technology into air freight forwarding has significantly improved cargo tracking. IoT devices, including sensors and RFID tags, now offer real-time updates on cargo location and ..read more