Strong Air Cargo Market, is it the New Normal?

air cargo blog n1

Strong Air Cargo Market, is it the New Normal?

Airfreight rates may have fallen back slightly – but remain high, while demand is also strong. New data reveals volumes only fell by half the normal amount over the Chinese new year, and this ‘new normal’ is attracting new operators. DHL Express announced recently that leisure airline Condor would fly four of its passenger 767s on its behalf. From Leipzig, they will operate to Shannon, Milan-Malpensa and Cologne until the end of May.

At Uneek Forwarding, we began flying more cargo last year at the start of the pandemic and we continue to build on our air freight each month. However, many questions about how long cargo-only passenger flights would be able to operate as the cost of fuel rises and makes them uneconomic. At Uneek Forwarding, we believe that this could be the new normal, as the airlines need to keep flying and passenger numbers are still at an all-time low.

It was also announced recently that DHL Express has partnered with SmartLynx Malta to introduce two A321-200Fs into the integrator’s fleet. SmartLynx, part of Avia Solutions Group, the same stable as Chapman Freeborn, has also decided to enter the freighter market. SmartLynx Malta is planning to add two A321Fs this year and up to four during 2022, with, it said, a business target of becoming one of the largest narrowbody cargo freight carriers within the next three years.

Meanwhile, Aerotranscargo, the Moldovan operator based in the UAE, is to launch a Dutch freighter operator in the Netherlands to be led by the former head of Saudia Cargo Peter Scholten and ex-Martinair executive Frank de Jong. The new Dutch entity will lease aircraft from Aerotranscargo in the UAE and services with two 747-400Fs will start this summer to China, Hong Kong and the US. Mr Scholten said he hoped to grow the carrier to 10 aircraft and the venture would create between 100 and 125 jobs at Schiphol.

One thing is for sure, at this time we have many air cargo options available to us and are keen to offer the best price and service to our clients. So whether you are looking for a European or Far East air cargo service, we have the contacts and know-how to find the right solution for you.

For more information about Uneek Forwarding and the services we can offer you, please contact us via this website or give us a call.

[email protected] / +44 (0) 20 8984 0425