On Air with Air Cargo Next

In this episode of the Air Cargo World Weekly Wrap, Senior Editor Charles Kauffman, Editor Caryn Livingston and Associate Editor Jeff Lee discuss airfreight trends for the week of Nov. 30, 2020.

Show Notes

Dozens of trans-Pacific cargo flights into Los Angeles Airport (LAX) were canceled this week through at least Dec. 10. COVID-19 cases among ground handlers at LAX and other U.S. airports, including Chicago O’Hare (ORD), have slowed airfreight handling, even as longer delays in ocean freight are pushing shippers toward air. The supply chain strain comes at the height of this year’s peak season, when airfreight sees its busiest time of year, and subsequently higher airfreight rates have pushed more passenger freighters back into cargo service. 
Simultaneously, shipments of personal protective equipment are increasing again as the U.S. hits its worst point yet for new infections and European countries have reinstituted lockdowns. India-based SpiceJet, which operates converted freighters and passenger freighters, is planning to transport PPE between the U.S. and India, and has applied to the U.S. Department of Transportation for a foreign air carrier permit. Initial shipments are likely to occur using wet leased A340 passenger freighters operated by Hi Fly. 
Vaccines also began flying recently ahead of regulatory approvals, with United Airlines using its passenger freighters to position vaccines made by Pfizer ahead of wider distribution. Forwarders this week explained why passenger freighters may have found a niche for initial distribution and point-to-point vaccine shipments in the weeks and months ahead. 

What is On Air with Air Cargo Next?

The On Air with Air Cargo Next podcast explores air cargo operations and logistics. The podcast delves into topics such as air cargo integration into the logistics supply chain, new technologies, and operational strategies, especially for freight forwarders. On Air with Air Cargo Next is brought to you by Air Cargo Next, the leading air cargo magazine.

Air Cargo Next provides insightful information by way of data analysis and in-depth coverage that tracks the next chapter for the Air Cargo industry.