Category Archives: International

CargoAi has announced a strategic partnership with Fits Cargo aiming to expand global network. The collaboration further strengthens CargoAi’s robust portfolio of airline partners. Through this new collaboration, freight forwarders can now access Fits Cargo’s latest schedules and competitive rate sheets via CargoAi’s digital platform. By enabling efficient quote and booking requests, the partnership provides a streamlined process tailored specifically for general cargo shipments — helping forwarders quickly secure capacity and optimize their supply chain operations. Matthieu Petot, CEO, CargoAi, said, “Partnering with Fits Cargo represents an important step forward in expanding our global network. This collaboration not only offers our users access to specialized general cargo solutions across high-growth markets but also reinforces our commitment to driving digital transformation in the airfreight industry.”

H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World says, “When it comes to manufacturing for a consumer market, there is no better place than India for nearshoring. Prime Minister Modi’s initiative “Make in India” for the world is truly working.  The country’s roadways and railways are expanding and witnessing an increase in capacity and efficiency. Looking ahead, industrial parks and free trade zones near ports will be key to sustaining India’s trade momentum as it explores new markets. India holds great strategic importance for DP World. We have invested over US$ 2.5 billion in the country’s logistics ecosystem to enhance domestic and global connectivity. With a strong presence across the world, we are leveraging our global expertise and capabilities to provide Indian businesses with seamless access to new markets like Africa, and beyond.”

According to Xeneta, the air cargo demand stood at 2 per cent YoY in January 2025 in comparison to the corresponding period in 2024. This growth is lower -than-expected as there was double-digit growth in air cargo demand growth throughout the year 2024. “January’s data was impacted by the earlier Lunar New Year reducing volumes out of China, but the big drop in demand was still as a surprise,” says Xeneta’s Chief Airfreight Officer, Niall van de Wouw. “The lower growth in air cargo demand in January was not down to President Trump, nor, entirely, the earlier Lunar New Year. It also compares to an unusually high comparison in January 2024. Nonetheless, the air cargo market in entering a period of uncertainty, which makes planning extremely challenging.” he added.

Network Airline Management (NAM) continues to strengthen and expand its fleet of aircraft by adding a further B747-400F production freighter to its ranks. The additional nose-loading aircraft, registered as TF-AKG, joined NAM’s fleet at the end of last year. The addition of this aircraft further enhances NAM’s ability to meet the growing demand for air cargo transportation around the world, particularly for large and specialised shipments. As of January 2025, the NAM fleet operates three B747 production freighter, nose door aircraft, plus a B747-400BDSF converted freighter aircraft. “Adding another B747 nose door aircraft to our fleet is a step in the right direction to becoming an all-production freighter fleet. This latest addition is an ex-China Airlines Cargo freighter which has already begun delivering world-class cargo services. Renowned for its exceptional range, payload capacity, and reliability, the Boeing 747 is the ultimate workhorse for global air cargo operations,” Jonathan Clark, CEO, Network Aviation Group, said.

Oman Cargo has extended collaboration with Jettainer for next four years to manage the fleet of currently around 2,000 ULDs tailored to the needs of the national airline of the Sultanate of Oman, contributing to increased revenue, sustainability, flexibility, and reduced costs. Oman Air has benefitted from Jettainer’s ULD management services since 2017, together they have navigated challenges such as the Covid pandemic, and adapted nimbly to changes during these years, including the network, schedules, and fleet. “Jettainer has been our partner of choice for ULD management for several years now, and their expertise and services have ensured that we are always optimally supplied with ULDs. The combination of innovative solutions, excellent customer service, and absolute reliability convinces us that Jettainer is the right partner for us now and in the future,” Michael Duggan, Vice President Cargo, Oman Air, said.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), Asia-Pacific airlines saw 14.5 per cent year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in 2024, the strongest among all the regions. The capacity increased by 11.3 per cent YoY, whereas demand growth for the month of December YoY surged 8.4 per cent. Asia-Pacific airlines were followed by Middle Eastern carriers, which saw an increase of 11.2 per cent in demand growth for air cargo in 2024. The capacity increased by 7.8 per cent year-on-year, during the same period. “Air cargo was the standout performer in 2024 with airlines moving more air cargo than ever before. Importantly, it was a year of profitable growth. Demand, up 11.3 per cent year-on-year, was boosted by particularly strong e-commerce and various ocean shipping restrictions,” Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA, said.

Kale Logistics Solutions is all set to develop Africa’s first Airport Cargo Community System (ACS) for use by Mozambique Airport Handling Service (MAHS). The airport handling service company has invested in streamlining its operations digitally to be able to take advantage of Mozambique’s increasing air cargo volumes and potential to become a multimodal cargo hub within Africa. Kale’s ACS provides stakeholders with enhanced visibility and transparency, enabling the real-time tracking and monitoring of cargo movements, incorporating automated regulatory compliance checks. These further streamline operations and ensure adherence to industry standards. In the first phase of the MAHS project, integration of finance and customs systems is to be installed along with the latest GALAXY 3.0 – Kale’s airport cargo digital management system. Vineet Malhotra, Co-founder and Director, Kale Logistics Solutions said, “We at Kale are excited to deploy Africa’s first ACS. We are proud to bring our expertise and best practices to this collaboration, ensuring the highest standards of service and innovation. Developing ACS for a major player like MAHS in Mozambique is a milestone for Kale. We are committed to offer the best-in-class service for MAHS and look forward to having a long-lasting business relationship with them.”    

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) revealed full-year demand in 2024, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK) increased 11.3 per cent in comparison with 2023. The full-year 2024 demand growth surpassed the record volumes set in 2021. The Full-year capacity in 2024, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 7.4 per cent compared to 2023 (9.6 per cent for international operations). “Air cargo was the standout performer in 2024 with airlines moving more air cargo than ever before. Importantly, it was a year of profitable growth. Demand, up 11.3 per cent year-on-year, was boosted by particularly strong e-commerce and various ocean shipping restrictions. This combined with airspace restrictions which limited capacity on some key long-haul routes to Asia helped to keep yields at exceptionally high levels. While average yields continued to soften from peaks in 2021-2022, they averaged 39 per cent higher than 2019,” Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA, said.

To drive the growth in its global operations, Ethiopian Cargo has added a Boeing 777 freighter to its fleet. Ethiopian Airlines mentioned on LinkedIn post that the new 777 freighter carried humanitarian aid in its first flight. “Ethiopian Cargo is proud to expand its capacity and enhance its global operations with the addition of a new Boeing 777 Freighter Aircraft, ET-BA. This milestone strengthens our ability to serve global markets with increased efficiency and reliability, ensuring we meet the growing demand for air freight services worldwide. The new freighter will play a pivotal role in fortifying our extensive network and delivering unparalleled service to our customers. Its first flight carried humanitarian aid, exemplifying our commitment to making a meaningful impact in our corporate social responsibilities,” the post stated. The airlines serve 70 cargo and 140+ passengers destinations spread across Africa, Middle East, Europe, Asia and America.

Riege Software has launched its integration with CargoAi’s innovative Quote & Book API. This collaboration empowers Scope users to instantly search for rates and book air cargo shipments with over 117 airlines directly within the TMS, significantly streamlining operations for users. This partnership equips freight forwarders with a competitive edge, offering instant rate times, improved operational efficiency, and better service to their users. This strategic integration represents a significant step forward in the digital transformation of airfreight, combining Riege’s robust TMS with CargoAi’s cutting-edge digital solutions. “Riege’s Scope is one of the most trusted TMS platforms in the industry, and we are excited to collaborate with them. Our Quote & Book API integration brings unmatched global airline access directly to Scope users, making their workflows smoother and more efficient,” Matt Petot, CEO, CargoAi, said.