Avianca Cargo leads flower shipments from Colombia to the U.S. during the 2026 Valentine’s Day season and Record Growth Across Key Markets

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Avianca Cargo leads flower shipments from Colombia to the U.S. during the 2026 Valentine’s Day season and Record Growth Across Key Markets

February 14th, 2026 Tim Jay Leave a comment

During the 2026 Valentine’s Day season, Avianca Cargo reaffirmed its leadership as the leading carrier of Colombian flowers to the United States, transporting a total of 19,000 tons of flowers from Colombia and Ecuador.

Throughout the season, Avianca Cargo operated nearly 320 freighter flights to key destinations such as Miami and Los Angeles. To support the higher volumes, the airline invested in infrastructure upgrades and increased its workforce by more than 30%, enabling it to successfully deliver on its service and reliability commitments. Likewise, this performance was made possible by a reinforced operation supported by a joint fleet of nine freighter aircraft, operated in coordination with Avianca Cargo Mexico.

“For the 2026 Valentine’s Day season, we strengthened our operation to deliver the capacity, reliability, and consistency our customers rely on during the industry’s most critical peak. Today, one in every three Colombian flowers exported to the United States traveled with Avianca Cargo, reaffirming our leadership after transporting a total of 19,000 tons of flowers. This performance is also made possible thanks to the coordinated work with our strategic partners across the entire logistics chain,” said Diogo Elias, CEO of Avianca Cargo.

Key Operational and Logistics Achievements in Colombia:

Secured the #1 position for flower transport from Colombia to the United States.
Workforce increased by more than 30% during the season, with specialized teams deployed at critical hubs to support uninterrupted U.S. imports.
Maintained end-to-end cold-chain integrity, with flowers handled in temperature controlled zones, internal coolers maintained between 4–8°C, and dispatched on aircraft with temperature-controlled cargo holds.
Operated approximately 320 cargo flights over 22 days.
On the peak day of the 2026 season, Avianca Cargo handled close to one flight per hour.

With a strong focus on service excellence and operational innovation, Avianca Cargo aims to further solidify its leadership in transporting perishable goods—particularly flowers—across key markets such as the United States and Europe.

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Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, International Trade

Air Cargo Market Adjusts Amid Peak Season and Regulatory Shifts

February 6th, 2026 IndexBox Leave a comment

Global air cargo volumes are experiencing an adjustment as demand from the e-commerce sector temporarily softens, according to a report from The Loadstar. The market is seeing change as a combination of Valentine’s Day, Chinese New Year, and new European Union regulations affects demand patterns.

Forwarders report that demand from Chinese e-commerce players has decreased, with one stating, “The market is definitely not as busy as before.” This decline comes despite the market being in a typical seasonal peak period leading up to Chinese New Year. A logistics executive noted, “The fact that we’re in a peak period, but still not seeing volumes, shows the drop has been quite significant.”

The EU’s new pre-loading advance cargo information (PLACI) rules, effective since June 2025, are cited as a factor. These regulations require more data on e-commerce shipments, which has slowed down logistics processes. An executive from a major forwarder said, “We are seeing the market adjust after the PLACI regulations came into force.”

Concurrently, air freight rates from Asia have fallen. Spot rates from Shanghai to North Europe dropped 12% week-on-week to $3.55 per kg, while rates to North America fell 6% to $4.74 per kg. This price decline aligns with the reduced demand, though capacity remains constrained due to ongoing geopolitical disruptions affecting key air and sea routes.

The report also highlights that the EU’s new Import Control System 2 (ICS2) release 3, which requires full entry summary declarations for all goods entering the EU, is adding further complexity. A source at a large European handler said the system is causing “teething problems” and delays at cargo terminals.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

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Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, International Trade

Air Cargo Demand Grew 4% in 2025, Analysts Forecast Slower 2026 Growth

January 8th, 2026 IndexBox Leave a comment

According to data provider Xeneta, the air cargo market closed 2025 with a 6% year-on-year increase in demand for December and an overall annual growth of 4%. Capacity rose 5% in December, and the dynamic load factor improved by one percentage point to 63%.

Despite the demand increase, the average airfreight spot rate for December declined 4% compared to December 2024, reaching $2.83 per kg. The steepest declines were seen on the westbound transatlantic trade, which fell 13%, from Southeast Asia to Europe, down 11%, and from Southeast Asia to North America, down 6%.

Xeneta stated that the demand performance reflected shippers’ willingness to shift to the speed and reliability of air cargo during times of disruption and economic uncertainty, a situation influenced by US tariffs.

Analysts Forecast Slower Growth and Lower Rates for 2026

For the coming year, Xeneta expects volume growth to moderate to an increase of 2-3%. “With many questions remaining over trade, and geopolitical tension adding a further layer of uncertainty, I personally think something has to give in 2026 from a volume perspective – and that means theres going to be more in it for shippers in terms of lower rates,” said Xeneta chief airfreight officer, Niall van de Wouw.

Xeneta said that what happens next will be “heavily influenced by e-commerce”. “One of the tailwinds for air cargo demand growth in 2025 came from investment linked to the development of artificial intelligence solutions,” van de Wouw said. “This supported flows of high-value goods and is expected to continue. In contrast, the less buoyant forward-looking signals for e-commerce, particularly Chinese cross-border e-commerce exports, are worrying.”

Chinese customs data shows low-value and e-commerce exports in November rose by just 1% year on year, after flatlining in October. “Exports to the US represented the brunt of this decline, plunging 52% year on year in November after a corresponding 51% fall in October, the steepest declines on record,” Xeneta said.

New Regulations and Consumer Spending Pose Risks

E-commerce platforms are facing increased tax reporting requirements in China with costly fines for missed deadlines. Meanwhile, the European Union in December agreed to introduce a EUR3 customs duty per item on e-commerce parcels valued below EUR150 from July 2026.

Countries including Japan and Thailand have also discussed or announced new rules commencing in fiscal 2026. Consequently, e-commerce volumes are likely to grow at a slower pace in 2026, said Xeneta, but still faster than the general airfreight market. “Air cargos e-commerce volumes are also likely to be impacted by declining consumer purchasing power as they face higher prices for more essential everyday items, making consumers more mindful of how they spend their money,” van de Wouw said.

“When I look at the biggest risks this year, right now I would say its more likely we will see something that will put a stopper on the level of airfreight growth we have seen in the last two years,” van de Wouw added. “Overall, the market has been relatively stable, but we are entering a phase when shippers will be looking for better rates and demand may deteriorate in the first quarter of the year.”

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

Air cargo, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, International Trade, News

Global Air Cargo Hits Record High in October with 4.1% Growth

December 9th, 2025 Tim Jay Leave a comment

Global air cargo demand reached a new record in October 2025, rising 4.1% year-on-year and marking the eighth straight month of growth, according to the latest data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). International cargo demand grew even faster at 4.8%.

Capacity increased by 5.1% globally compared to October 2024, with international capacity up 6.4%. Despite shifting trade patterns and the impact of U.S. tariffs, the industry continued to show resilience as supply chains adjusted.

“Air cargo demand grew 4.1% year-on-year in October, setting a new monthly volume record,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “While the Asia–North America market remained in contraction for a sixth month, there was strong double-digit growth across Asia, the Middle East–Europe, and Europe–Asia. This shows air cargo’s role in helping global trade adapt to tariff pressures as the sector enters its peak fourth-quarter season.”

Key Economic Drivers

1. Global goods trade increased 3% in September.

2. Industrial production grew 3.7%, the strongest pace since late 2022.

3. Jet fuel prices rose 2.5%, even as crude oil softened, driven by a tighter diesel market.

4. Manufacturing sentiment improved, with the PMI climbing for the third consecutive month, although new export orders remained below the expansion threshold.

Regional Performance – October 2025

1. Asia-Pacific demand grew 8.3%, supported by strong intra-Asia and Asia–Europe flows.

2. North America posted a 2.7% decline, the weakest regional result, despite a slight capacity increase.

3. Europe saw a 4.3% rise in demand, matching its 4.3% increase in capacity.

4. Middle East carriers recorded a 5.7% increase, though capacity surged by 10%.

5. Latin America also saw a 2.7% decline in demand despite capacity growth.

6. Africa led all regions with a remarkable 16.6% jump in demand and a 20% increase in capacity.

Trade Lane Growth

Most global trade lanes posted positive growth in October, except for Asia–North America and intra-Europe routes.

1. Europe–Asia saw the strongest performance with 11.7% year-on-year growth.

2. Middle East–Asia grew 11.5%, continuing an eight-month upward streak.

3. Within Asia rose 9%, maintaining two years of uninterrupted expansion.

4. North America–Europe increased 2.6%, extending its growth trend to 21 consecutive months.

5. Africa–Asia also saw strong double-digit growth at 10.9%.

6. Declines were recorded on Asia–North America (-1.4%) and within Europe (-0.7%).

With new records in demand and continued strength across key corridors, the air cargo sector is entering the year’s peak season with solid momentum—despite persistent pressure from tariffs, fuel costs, and shifting trade flows.

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Global Air Cargo Powerhouses: The 2024 Rankings and the Unexpected Contender in the Top 10

November 7th, 2025 Tim Jay Leave a comment

The global air cargo sector proved its resilience in 2024, overcoming economic headwinds, geopolitical tensions, and persistent supply chain disruptions. According to the latest IATA World Air Transport Statistics (WATS) report, the top 25 cargo airlines collectively posted a 9.4% year-on-year increase in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), highlighting the industry’s capacity to adapt and grow amid uncertainty.

Driven by the Red Sea shipping disruptions and a surge in cross-border e-commerce, air freight demand outpaced capacity across several regions — setting the stage for some surprising shifts in the year’s airline rankings.

FedEx Express and UPS: The Unshakable Leaders

FedEx Express (FX) maintained its global dominance with 18.1 billion CTK, a 1.2% annual increase, reinforcing its role as the world’s top cargo airline. Its extensive hub operations in Memphis (MEM) and Indianapolis (IND) continue to anchor its network efficiency. FedEx plans to modernize its fleet by 2026 with two Boeing 777Fs, 14 Boeing 767Fs, 10 ATR 72-600Fs, and 31 Cessna 408s, improving both reach and fuel efficiency.

Close behind, UPS Airlines (5X) reported 15.1 billion CTK, maintaining its strong position through its Louisville (SDF) superhub. UPS’s focus on healthcare logistics and time-critical shipments has made it indispensable to global supply chains. With 294 aircraft — including 95 Boeing 767-300s — UPS continues to expand operational agility while maintaining its high service reliability.

Qatar Airways Cargo: The Middle East Titan

Qatar Airways Cargo (QR) continues its rapid ascent, transporting 15.2 billion CTK and ranking among the top three globally. From its Doha (DOH) hub, the airline has expanded routes across Asia, Europe, and Africa, boosted by restored belly capacity on passenger flights.

Qatar Airways transported over 1.5 million tonnes of freight during its 2024–2025 fiscal year and is doubling down on digital cargo management and sustainability initiatives, including carbon offset programs and advanced fuel optimization.

Emirates SkyCargo: Optimizing for the Future

Operating out of Dubai (DXB), Emirates SkyCargo (EK) handled 12.35 billion CTK, supported by new Boeing 777Fs and expanded routes into Africa and South America. The carrier’s specialization in pharmaceuticals, perishables, and luxury goods has solidified its reputation as a preferred partner for time-sensitive shipments.

With one of the youngest widebody fleets globally, Emirates continues to leverage its massive cargo network to bridge emerging and established markets.

Atlas Air: The Contract Cargo Powerhouse

U.S.-based Atlas Air (5Y) ranks fifth globally, moving 11.94 billion CTK — a sharp increase propelled by its expanding partnerships with Amazon, DHL, and other e-commerce and logistics giants. The airline’s fleet of 86 widebody freighters (including 48 Boeing 747-400s, 17 747-8s, and 11 777Fs) allows flexible global operations under its ACMI leasing model.

Atlas’s growth in long-haul and charter services underscores its rising influence — a position that may surprise some observers given its asset-light, partnership-driven model.

Asia-Pacific Carriers: Regional Strength on Display

Korean Air Cargo (KE) and China Airlines Cargo (CI) continue to dominate regional markets, carrying 8.7 billion CTK and 4.35 billion CTK, respectively. Their strong presence in electronics and automotive logistics has kept volumes steady despite regional headwinds.

Both airlines are modernizing fleets with Boeing 777Fs and freighter conversions to enhance efficiency across high-demand trade corridors linking Asia, North America, and Europe.

Lufthansa Cargo and Turkish Cargo: European Momentum

Lufthansa Cargo (LH) is setting benchmarks for sustainability and digital innovation, adding A321 freighters for short-haul operations and deepening collaboration with DB Schenker to decarbonize European logistics.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cargo (TK) continues to rise at record pace, transporting 10.24 billion CTK in 2024. With its new Istanbul Airport terminal and routes spanning Asia, Africa, and Europe, Turkish Cargo is becoming a vital logistics hub linking three continents.

Southeast Asia’s Strong Performers

Singapore Airlines Cargo (SQ) and Cathay Pacific Cargo (CX) remain cornerstones of Southeast Asian trade. Both carriers are investing heavily in digital tracking systems, AI-based cargo optimization, and fuel-efficient aircraft, while focusing on high-value commodities like pharmaceuticals and semiconductors.

Cargolux: Heavy-Lift Specialist

Luxembourg’s Cargolux (CV) continues to excel in oversized and project cargo, operating a fleet of 29 Boeing 747 freighters across specialized global routes. With growing charter activity for the energy, aerospace, and humanitarian sectors, Cargolux remains one of the most reliable niche players in the world cargo market.

Integrators and Regional Powerhouses

DHL Aviation and SF Airlines round out the top ranks, showcasing how integrators are reshaping the logistics ecosystem. DHL has expanded its European and transcontinental capacity, while SF Airlines, China’s largest private cargo carrier, continues to build its e-commerce logistics dominance.

A Competitive Year Ahead

As 2025 unfolds, the cargo aviation sector is poised for further transformation. Fleet renewals, digital innovations, and sustainability mandates will shape the next phase of competition — with established giants consolidating strength and emerging carriers challenging industry norms.

Air cargo, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, International Trade

FAA to Reduce Air Traffic by 10% in 40 Markets

November 6th, 2025 IndexBox Leave a comment

The Federal Aviation Administration says it plans to reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 “high-volume” markets beginning Friday morning to maintain safety during the ongoing government shutdown, according to Yahoo Finance.

The reduction is a measure to preserve safety standards while the shutdown continues.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

Air cargo, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News

IAG Cargo, Qatar Airways, and MASkargo Set Sights on Global Cargo Alliance Launch in Late 2025

June 3rd, 2025 Tim Jay Leave a comment

At Air Cargo Europe in Munich, IAG Cargo, Qatar Airways Cargo, and MASkargo confirmed plans to formally launch their Global Cargo Joint Business by late 2025, pending regulatory approvals. First announced in April, the strategic alliance is expected to transform international air freight operations through expanded network connectivity, increased routing flexibility, and streamlined customer service.

The partnership aims to connect key cargo markets across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the Indian Subcontinent, and the Americas, offering routing combinations not currently available through individual carriers. At launch, the focus will be on select trade lanes, with additional countries phased in as regulatory clearance is obtained.

Key integration efforts will include the alignment of booking systems, digital solutions, and commercial products, alongside the introduction of a joint loyalty offering based on the Avios rewards program. The collaboration will also optimize both freighter and belly hold capacity, improving operational efficiency across the partners’ combined networks. Unified ground handling and trucking are expected to further simplify the customer experience.

Beyond commercial gains, the alliance also announced a significant humanitarian initiative. Each airline will enter into individual agreements with the UN World Food Programme (WFP) to provide a combined 1,000 tonnes of free cargo capacity to support global food aid. The move reflects the carriers’ joint commitment to social impact through logistics.

David Shepherd, CEO of IAG Cargo, called the partnership a “step change” for the industry: “This single network will unlock new trade opportunities and create a more efficient, coordinated cargo experience than traditional interline setups.”

Qatar Airways Cargo’s Chief Officer, Mark Drusch, emphasized both service enhancements and corporate responsibility: “Our collective networks and resources will deliver top-tier cargo solutions—and make a real difference through our support of the World Food Programme.”

MASkargo CEO Mark Jason Thomas added: “This is more than network expansion—it’s a shift in how cargo moves globally. We’re proud to be part of a partnership that increases efficiency and reach while contributing to humanitarian aid.”

WFP Deputy Director for Private Sector Partnerships, Virginia Villar Arribas, welcomed the collaboration: “This reflects the vital role the private sector plays in accelerating humanitarian response. We’re excited to work with these carriers to enhance our delivery capabilities at scale.”

With regulatory processes underway, the partners remain on track for a late 2025 launch and plan to share further updates as the go-live date approaches.

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IAG Cargo Sees Surge in Temperature-Controlled Pharma Shipments Amid Global Demand

March 19th, 2025 Tim Jay Leave a comment

IAG Cargo has reported a 22% year-over-year increase in tonnage for its Constant Climate product in 2024, highlighting the rising need for temperature-controlled air freight in the pharmaceutical sector.

Designed to transport critical medical products like vaccines, biotech materials, and diagnostic samples, Constant Climate plays a crucial role in the pharma supply chain. Nearly half of these shipments originated from India and Ireland, both of which have seen significant growth in pharmaceutical exports.

Jordan Kohlbeck, Head of Pharmaceutical at IAG Cargo, emphasized the importance of secure, temperature-controlled logistics, stating, “Ensuring life-saving medicines and treatments reach patients in optimal condition is more important than ever. We continue to invest in our facilities and workforce to meet this growing demand.”

Recent industry data reflects this expansion:

Ireland’s medical and pharmaceutical exports rose by €2.9 billion (+48%) in January 2024 compared to the previous year, making up nearly half of the country’s total exports.
India’s drug and pharma exports increased from $2.13 billion in 2023 to $2.31 billion in 2024, accounting for 20% of the global pharma supply chain.

IAG Cargo has also expanded its Constant Climate network, adding approved stations in Cincinnati, Cape Town, and Strasbourg. Additionally, the opening of the New Premia facility at London Heathrow has doubled its cool chain storage and handling capacity, reinforcing IAG Cargo’s position as a key player in pharmaceutical logistics.

With global pharma demand accelerating, IAG Cargo remains committed to providing reliable, temperature-controlled solutions to ensure medicines reach patients safely and efficiently.

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Trump Pressures Boeing Over Delayed Air Force One Production

February 20th, 2025 IndexBox Leave a comment

President Donald Trump has expressed his dissatisfaction with Boeing, following delays in the production of the new Air Force One. According to a report from Fox Business, the timeline for the next-generation Air Force One jet has been pushed back to 2029 or later, primarily due to complications related to global supply chains and changing project requirements.

Trump pointed out that the contract for the Air Force One was awarded several years ago under a fixed price agreement, and the slow progress has prompted him to consider alternative options. The former president mentioned the possibility of purchasing and converting a used aircraft from another country. Despite the delays, Trump ruled out considering Airbus over Boeing, emphasizing the importance of selecting a domestic manufacturer.

Boeing’s Challenges and Industry Impact

The delay in delivering the new Air Force One is attributed to various factors affecting Boeing, including supply chain disruptions, inflation, and workforce challenges. IndexBox data highlights that these issues have significantly impacted not only the aerospace sector but also the broader industrial landscape, as manufacturers globally struggle to cope with supply chain bottlenecks and rising costs. The Boeing 747-8s, which are set to serve as the new Air Force One aircraft, are undergoing extensive modifications to meet military specifications for security and communication capabilities.

As the aerospace industry continues to navigate these hurdles, efforts to accelerate production timelines are ongoing. The modifications and delays are expected to increase pressure on Boeing to streamline operations and meet contractual obligations.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

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Cargoai and CMA CGM AIR CARGO Forge Alliance To Elevate Digital Airfreight Booking

February 5th, 2025 Tim Jay Leave a comment

CargoAi, a leading digital enabler in the air cargo industry, has announced a strategic partnership with CMA CGM AIR CARGO, the air freight division of the global logistics powerhouse, CMA CGM Group. This collaboration is set to revolutionize airfreight booking by integrating CMA CGM AIR CARGO’s extensive network into CargoAi’s advanced CargoMART platform.

Following a successful pilot phase, CMA CGM AIR CARGO will now offer its digital booking services through CargoAi. This integration is designed to provide freight forwarders with an enhanced, streamlined booking experience, granting them access to a broader range of routes and services.

Matt Petot, CEO of CargoAi, shared his enthusiasm: “Partnering with CMA CGM AIR CARGO, a key player in the air cargo sector, underscores our commitment to delivering cutting-edge digital solutions that enhance efficiency and optimize operations in the airfreight industry.”

CargoMART stands out with features like real-time capacity and rate visibility, instant quoting, e-Booking, and comprehensive Track and Trace capabilities. A unique offering of the platform is its sustainability tools, enabling users to compare flight options based on carbon emissions, monitor CO2 emissions per shipment, and purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as needed.

The integration of CMA CGM AIR CARGO’s services will offer CargoMART users greater flexibility and a wider range of booking options. In turn, CMA CGM AIR CARGO will gain exposure to over 17,000 freight forwarders across more than 130 countries who actively utilize the CargoAi marketplace.

This partnership reflects both companies’ dedication to innovation and excellence in air cargo services, reinforcing their leadership positions within the global logistics landscape.

Avianca Cargo leads flower shipments from Colombia to the U.S. during the 2026 Valentine’s Day season and Record Growth Across Key Markets

Analysts Forecast Slower Growth and Lower Rates for 2026

New Regulations and Consumer Spending Pose Risks

Key Economic Drivers

Regional Performance – October 2025

Trade Lane Growth

FedEx Express and UPS: The Unshakable Leaders

Qatar Airways Cargo: The Middle East Titan

Emirates SkyCargo: Optimizing for the Future

Atlas Air: The Contract Cargo Powerhouse

Asia-Pacific Carriers: Regional Strength on Display

Lufthansa Cargo and Turkish Cargo: European Momentum

Southeast Asia’s Strong Performers

Cargolux: Heavy-Lift Specialist

Integrators and Regional Powerhouses

A Competitive Year Ahead

Boeing’s Challenges and Industry Impact

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