On Air with Air Cargo Next

AI creates technological ‘inflection point’

Raft Chief Marketing Officer Greg Kefer discusses how AI has created a global inflection point, akin to those created by the introduction of the personal computer and the internet, in the latest episode of “On Air with Air Cargo Next.” 

Brandon Fried discusses funding for airports, illicit drugs, e-commerce

Airforwarders Association Executive Director Brandon Fried emphasizes the need for the U.S. government to invest in airport infrastructure in the latest episode of “On Air with Air Cargo Next.”

Podcast: DP World on nearshoring, automation, supply chain efficiency

Joining Morten Johansen, Carla Montenegro, vice president of commercial freight forwarding for the Americas at DP World, discussed automation integration, globalization trends and nearshoring in this episode of “On Air with Air Cargo Next.” 

cargo.one’s Claussen on end-to-end quotes, AI, tech integration

Cargo.one founder and co-Chief Executive Moritz Claussen sat down with Air Cargo Next at the World Cargo Symposium in Hong Kong to discuss end-to-end quotation capabilities, digitalization, AI and cybersecurity for the latest episode of “On Air with Air Cargo Next.” 

Podcast: Highs, lows and 2024 airfreight trends with Geodis' Kronenberger

With emerging technologies and growing demand, this year marks a comeback period for airfreight, Joe Kronenberger, senior vice president of airfreight for the Americas at Geodis, told Air Cargo Next in this episode of “On Air with Air Cargo Next.” 

Aventus founder touts Web3 for LHR, supply chain

Aventus founder and Chairperson Alan Vey discusses how Web3 technology works, how it benefits supply chain operations and how the air cargo industry is lagging other sectors in digitalization.

Aircon CEO on benefits, challenges of airfreight consolidation

Dallas-based airfreight consolidation company Aircon is using AI and machine learning to offer a platform that helps smaller freight forwarders consolidate shipments. Aircon Chief Executive Chris Condon discusses the benefits and challenges of airfreight consolidation. 

Podcast: Quantum-South’s quantum computing solves problems despite integration challenges

Quantum-South's Product Lead Matteo Stipanicic discusses quantum computing, artificial intelligence and challenges to technology integration in the supply chain in this episode of "On Air with Air Cargo Next."

Overhaul's Stevens on AI misconceptions, predictions

Risk management solutions provider Overhaul is using AI to mitigate cargo thefts. With products like RiskGPT, launched in July, Overhaul integrated AI into its software to scrape the internet for information on cargo theft and synthesize it. Overhaul response teams use then use the information to determine where a crime is likely to occur and quickly identify a corrective path. 

Awery’s Koch talks AI, eMagic and new talent

In this episode of "On Air with Air Cargo Next," Tristan Koch, chief commercial officer at Awery Aviation Software discusses the future of AI in air cargo, how it can attract new talent and where the industry stands in the digitalization shift.

The future is tech with data integration, drones, sustainable solutions

In the latest episode of the “On Air with Air Cargo Next” podcast, James Golding, head of cargo at London Heathrow Airport; Kenneth Chircop, general manager at Dronamics; and Mike van Berkel, account manager at VRR, discuss community cargo systems, drones and sustainability ahead of their appearances at the upcoming Air Cargo Tech Summit 2023, set for Sept. 18-19 in Brussels.

Air cargo amps up digitization efforts, cybersecurity

In the latest episode of the “On Air with Air Cargo Next” podcast, Celine Hourcade, founder of Change Horizon, and Gianluca Marcangelo, head of industry relations and marketing at Challenge Group, discuss cybersecurity and digitization ahead of their appearances at the upcoming Air Cargo Tech Summit 2023, set for Sept. 18-19 in Brussels.

Further tech innovation is crucial to air cargo

Today we will be speaking with Michelle Williams, managing director of strategy and business services at Southwest Airlines Cargo, and Ed de Reyes, chair and chief executive of Sabrewing Aircraft. Each will participate in panel discussions at our second annual Air Cargo Tech Summit in Brussels on Sept. 18-19. 

Digitalization is future of air cargo industry

Automation adds speed, reliability to air cargo supply chain

“On Air with Air Cargo Next” speaks with David Rose, director of London operations for IAG Cargo, about automation’s growing role in the air cargo industry. 

TSA to implement screening regulation of unique cargo shipments Nov. 1

Steve Alterman, president of the Cargo Airline Association, discusses a new policy TSA will implement November 1 of this year regarding screening of unique shipments exported from the U.S. The new policy is in line with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization which requires 100% screening of all air cargo. Alterman discusses the challenges of the policy as well as how it will affect shipments moving forward.

Kale VP on tech and logistics

Kale Logistics is making software that allows for easier information sharing among the branches of the supply chain.  In this episode of “On Air with Air Cargo Next,” Air Cargo Next Senior Consultant Cathy Roberson speaks with Donna Mullins, vice president of Kale Logistics, about technology’s role in improving the airfreight industry — and how more tech is necessary.  “During the pandemic, the technology grew three times, like the Grinch’s heart, but it needed to grow 30 times,” ...

A discussion on the future of AI-driven chatbots

Rippey AI has built an AI-powered chatbot with a logistics language library for use in digital booking.  In this episode of “On Air with Air Cargo Next,” Air Cargo Next Senior Consultant Cathy Roberson speaks with Matt Motsick, chief executive of Rippey AI, formerly RPA Labs, about the future of AI chatbots in logistics.  Listen as Motsick discusses how the Rippey AI bot speeds up the process of booking shipments and obtaining quotes, as well as the future of AI in logistics.

United Airline Ventures’ Chang on biofuel investment, new aircraft

United Airlines’ venture capital arm, United Airlines Ventures, in November became the first U.S. airline to invest in a biofuel refinery with its $37.5 million planned investment into a Houston-based renewable fuel company. NEXT Renewable Fuels will begin production at its flagship renewable fuel refinery in 2026, with an expected production of up to 50,000 barrels a day, according to United’s release. In this episode of “On Air with Air Cargo World,” Associate Editor Ashley Mowr...

IAG Cargo’s Cheetham on 2023 outlook

IAG Cargo is gearing up for a return to “normal” in 2023, resuming routes that had been closed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and stepping up digitalization efforts.   In this episode of “On Air with Air Cargo World” John Cheetham, chief commercial officer of IAG Cargo speaks with Senior Associate Editor Ivan De Luce about leveraging digital booking capacity and the carrier’s recent route expansion and sustainability initiatives.  The carrier in November resumed flights ...

Retailers clear out inventories with discounts

The 2022 peak season, or lack thereof, is becoming more apparent as consumers begin holiday shopping. The Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping sprees gave retailers a much-needed opportunity to clear out warehouses, but inflation and economic uncertainty continue to play into consumer spending habits. In this episode of the “On Air with Air Cargo World” podcast, Associate Editor Ashley Mowreader speaks with Cathy Morrow Roberson, founder of Logistics Trends & Insights, about the ...

Rhaegal drone makes history with first flight

Drone manufacturer Sabrewing Aircraft Company carried a 374-kilogram payload on a record-breaking first hover flight with its RH-1-A Rhaegal cargo drone, and now owns the new world record for heaviest deadlift of any commercial, vertical takeoff, uncrewed air vehicle. In this episode of “On Air with Air Cargo World,” Sabrewing Chairman and Chief Executive Ed de Reyes discusses the flight, drone development and commercial use cases for the Rhaegal.  California-based Sabrewing’s dro...

Digital tools grow with adoption

The airfreight industry remains slow to adopt new technology and to automate and streamline manual processes to create a more efficient supply chain for all stakeholders. In the meantime, developers work to make platforms simple, user-friendly and accessible.   In this episode of “On Air with Air Cargo World,” Associate Editor Ashley Mowreader speaks with Matt Petot, co-founder and chief executive at software developer CargoAi, about the origins of the company, CargoAi’s digital so...

On Logistics: BoxC on peak season, global e-commerce capacity

E-commerce is an ever-exploding market in the logistics industry, as more businesses move from a B2B to B2C model, giving customers access to goods faster. But global e-commerce has felt the rising pressures of trade regulations by governments, creating new challenges in the market.  In this episode of the “On Logistics: On Air with Air Cargo World” podcast, Craig Strickland, chief sales officer at e-commerce logistics management platform BoxC, joins Air Cargo World columnist Cathy...

Cost-efficiencies drive sustainability

Within the next 28 years, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) will be carbon-neutral — or at least that’s the goal. Other airfreight stakeholders have set their own targets and deadlines for carbon offsets or carbon neutrality, but as the industry continues to prioritize sustainability, supply chain members must balance the costs. In this episode of “On Air with Air Cargo World,” Associate Editor Ashley Mowreader speaks with Soham Chokshi, Shipsy’s co-founder and chi...

On Logistics: Digitization streamlines cargo charter market

Digitalization has come slowly to the airfreight market as stakeholders in recent years have taken steps to digitalize booking and move to paperless environments.   In this episode of “On Air with Air Cargo World,” Simon Watson, co-founder of booking platform CharterSync, speaks with Air Cargo World columnist Cathy Morrow Roberson, president of Logistics Trends & Insights about the digitalization of the cargo charter sector.   When it first launched in July 2019, the platform’s fo...

Data visibility the future of supply chain

Supply chain stakeholders in the past two years have seen myriad global challenges, ranging from the war in Ukraine, COVID-19, inflation and reduced capacity. As the supply chain has shifted, the industry has looked to adopt new solutions like digitalization and data analytics.   In this episode of “On Air with Air Cargo World,” Manouj Tahiliani, general manager of master data management and 360 applications at software development company Informatica, speaks to Air Cargo World abo...

Global disruption challenges old habits

Global disruptions and the threat of cyberattacks present new challenges for airfreight stakeholders, specifically for freight forwarders looking to protect their clients’ cargo and their own business. Insurance brokers have seen rising costs alongside coverage exceptions amid international conflict, leaving cargo vulnerable.   Airforwarders Association board member Amanda Barlow also serves as regional vice president, western region for Roanoke Insurance. In this episode of “On Ai...

Air Cargo Tech Summit 2022 in Miami preview

The pandemic has helped put technology into focus for the airfreight industry, accelerating the pace of digitization for processes and operations. The Air Cargo Tech Summit, presented by Air Cargo World next week, will address the latest tech innovations in the airfreight sector.  The inaugural event, to be held live in Miami June 6-7, will cover a variety of industry topics, including sustainability, drone operations, digital records, digital booking and more. View the ACTS agend...

Drone Delivery Canada CEO on upcoming drone launches, 2022 goals

In this episode of “On Air with Air Cargo World,” Editor Caryn Livingston speaks with Steve Magirias, CEO of cargo drone developer and operator Drone Delivery Canada (DDC), about his plans for the company in his new role, the upcoming launches of the Canary and Condor drones and the regulatory landscape for drone operations. DDC’s completed and expected 2022 milestones include the launch of dangerous goods (DG) transportation in Ontario for DSV Canada, the planned Q2 launch of its ...

FedEx leadership change and earnings overview

In this episode of “On Air with Air Cargo World,” Editor Caryn Livingston speaks with Cathy Morrow Roberson, founder of Logistics Trends & Insights and Air Cargo World columnist, about the most recent earnings results from FedEx, UPS and other logistics companies, as well as this week’s announcement of the departure of Fred Smith as FedEx’s CEO. High airfreight rates once again supported revenues for express and airfreight during the most recent quarter, but headwinds are emerging ...

Air Partner on 2022 charter trends, demand

Charter services have been in high demand since the start of the pandemic and have continued to be used to help mitigate capacity issues caused by supply chain disruptions and rising sea-to-air conversions. In turn, charter companies, freighter and passenger freighter operators, and freight forwarders with own-controlled networks have had to remain flexible to navigate the ever-changing market, especially as airfreight rates continue to fluctuate and COVID-19 outbreaks among cargo c...

On Logistics: LPF Spend Management reviews peak season, retail logistics trends

The 2021 holiday season has passed, but with global supply chains still struggling due to capacity issues and the omicron variant, volumes have spilled into the first quarter of 2022. Nevertheless, logistics providers took the hard-won lessons of 2020 to heart and avoided some of the delays and issues that plagued 2020’s holiday peak. In this On Logistics episode of “On Air with Air Cargo World,” Cathy Morrow Roberson speaks with Nate Skiver, founder of LPF Spend Management. LPF Sp...

cargo.one’s Claussen on leveraging data, 2022 expectations

The pandemic has fueled modernization efforts as airfreight stakeholders reimagine and optimize day-to-day operations using automation and digitization. Digital booking developments have especially been on the rise over the past year, with carriers launching their own application programming interfaces (APIs) or joining digital booking platforms like Germany-based cargo.one. In addition to e-booking becoming a helpful tool for small and medium-sized freight forwarders to more easil...

Consultant Roberson reflects on 2021’s noteworthy moments, and what is yet to come

2021 was yet another turbulent year, to say the least. However, despite COVID-19 outbreaks at major airports, ongoing capacity struggles and numerous supply chain disruptions, the airfreight industry has remained resilient and flexible through innovative solutions and changes to typical operations. Freight forwarders launched own-controlled networks, industry operators adopted new technologies to provide greater transparency throughout the supply chain, and industry acquisitions wer...

On Logistics: What ocean freight should know about airfreight

The capacity shortage caused by COVID-19 has pushed airfreight operators to pursue creative solutions like the implementation of passenger freighters. The demand imbalance has also seen new entrants dip their toes into the airfreight market, as with the decisions from major players in ocean shipping including CMA CGM and Maersk to pursue own-controlled air capacity.  In this On Logistics episode of “On Air with Air Cargo World,” Cathy Morrow Roberson speaks with Brandon Fried, exec...

Q3 earnings overview and peak season outlook

In this episode of “On Air with Air Cargo World,” Editor Caryn Livingston speaks with Cathy Morrow Roberson, founder of Logistics Trends & Insights, about third-quarter foreshadowing of the 2021 peak season expectations.  Q3 brought more strong earnings reports from major integrators benefitting from the hot e-commerce market. Freight forwarders also extended their prior solid performance, as the early Q3 avoided the typical summer slump due to global supply chain disruptions encou...

On Logistics: Takeaways from the 2021 World Cargo Symposium

October saw the return of the International Air Transport Association’s World Cargo Symposium, rescheduled from March 2020 and relocated from Istanbul to Dublin, where around 800 delegates gathered to discuss priorities for airfreight. In this On Logistics episode of “On Air with Air Cargo World,” Cathy Morrow Roberson speaks with Air Cargo World Editor Caryn Livingston about announcements made during WCS and the three themes of this year’s event: Digitalization, Sustainability, an...

On Logistics: LPF Spend Management on peak season parcel trends

With the fourth quarter beginning this week, retailers are bracing for a flood of e-commerce orders — many of which will end up in the networks of UPS and FedEx on their way to holiday shoppers later this year. Express providers are also getting an early start, with peak surcharges, typically reserved for the holidays, in place throughout the pandemic and rising further for the traditional peak.  In this On Logistics episode of “On Air with Air Cargo World,” Cathy Morrow Roberson s...

Expeditors shares Opportunity Knocks internship guide

Washington-based logistics company Expeditors this month opened its Opportunity Knocks internship program to other companies hoping to launch their own version of the program. In cooperation with non-governmental organizations, the program supports interns just starting their careers, introducing them to Expeditors, logistics and the professional world more broadly. More than 90 of the program’s former interns went on to full employment with Expeditors. Now, Expeditors has made the ...

DB Schenker’s Kumar on decarbonizing the airfreight industry

Throughout the past year, carriers and freight forwarders have partnered on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) initiatives to help reduce carbon emissions within the airfreight industry. While aviation currently accounts for roughly 12% of all carbon dioxide emissions from transport sources, according to the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), airfreight stakeholders recognize that cargo growth comes with the responsibility to reduce its carbon emissions. In this episode of “On Air wit...

On Logistics: Orchard Custom Beauty on managing supply chains

The supply chain upheaval that began with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 is persisting through 2021 and has been recently exacerbated by the port and airport closures in China in recent months. Manufacturers and other shippers who may have previously relied on as-needed updates from their logistics partners are now taking a more active role to avoid transportation pitfalls and keep their products on shelves.  In this episode of “On Logistics with Air Cargo World,” Cathy Morrow Rober...

Q2 performance round-up and second-half outlook

In this episode of “On Air with Air Cargo World,” Editor Caryn Livingston speaks with Cathy Roberson, founder of Logistics Trends & Insights, about the second-quarter results of major airfreight industry stakeholders announced in recent weeks.  With more earnings presentations to come through early August, the benefits of the current high rate, low-capacity market are clear as integrators continue to blow past records set in previous pandemic quarters.  Not all operators are avoidi...

On Logistics: Foundry Commercial on demand for warehouse space

The recent surge in e-commerce amid the pandemic, alongside technology improvements for logistics, is driving demand for warehouse space in markets around the world, but availability varies widely by market.  In this episode of “On Logistics with Air Cargo World,” Cathy Morrow Roberson speaks with Melissa Alexander, vice president of the Industrial Services team at real estate company Foundry Commercial, about the high demand for warehousing space, the factors behind shortages in U...

AirBridgeCargo’s Zotov on carrier-forwarder relationships

In this episode of “On Air with Air Cargo World,” Associate Editor Kelly Stroh speaks with Alexey Zotov, head of sales of AirBridgeCargo, part of Volga-Dnepr Group, about how the air cargo market has been reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effect on the carrier’s relationship with forwarders.   The pandemic has dramatically altered global supply chains, complicating not only capacity availability, but also the traditional ways in which carriers and forwarders cooperate. Con...

On Logistics: Manhattan Associates on expectations for logistics technology

The increased focus on digitalization in air cargo during the pandemic is by now well established as logistics companies seek to become more agile and adapt to a rapidly changing global airfreight market. Legacy processes that relied on phone calls and emails are now too slow to accommodate shipper needs in today’s disrupted market. Years before the pandemic began, major forwarders began adopting transportation management systems (TMS), which allow logistics companies plan and opti...

Teleport captures Southeast Asia e-commerce growth with tech focus

The past year in airfreight logistics has seen the rise of multiple trends, among them an increase in digital initiatives and a rapid rise in demand for e-commerce cargo. Teleport, the logistics venture of Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia, focuses heavily in both areas. A younger company in the logistics space, Teleport has built its logistics services to align with its digital goals, including with the 2020 launch of its digital air cargo network on the blockchain platform Freig...

On Logistics: Canada Post on making e-commerce airfreight profitable

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of most brick-and-mortar retail locations in countries around the world, retailers and many other businesses entered the e-commerce space or grew their e-commerce investments to adapt to changes in consumer behavior. The growth in this sector of retail has been a major driver of airfreight strength over the past year, and is leading to investments that will expand logistics footprints for decades to come. Despite the recent increase in ...

On Logistics: Airspace talks tech-enabled time-critical shipments

The pandemic’s challenges to all modes of transportation have contributed to varied solutions, from passenger freighters to an increase in express ocean freight shipments. The logistics industry is also looking to technology to help mitigate market volatility and smooth processes around capacity booking, airport pickup and drop-off of cargo, and other areas.  California-based startup Airspace has created a technology platform that expedites transportation and improves accuracy and ...

Change Horizon, Meantime launch Women in Aviation and Logistics Pledge

Improving gender balance in air cargo has been a topic for many years, and the need for change is evident in the way that there are very few women in decision making and executive roles, or speaking at industry events, according to an industry data report by IATA. A new partnership between Meantime Communications and Change Horizon forged on March 8, or International Women’s Day, aims to bring gender imbalance issues to the foreground and help the air cargo logistics industry overco...