International Forwarding Association Blog » Air freight in Europe
Air freight in Europe
Shein and Temu, Chinese e-commerce giants specializing in small shipments delivery directly to consumers, are reaching unprecedented scales in the global market. Temu’s reach has extended to 40 countries and continues to expand while Shein delivers to more than 150 countries. These companies, known for their affordable household and clothing items, are heavily impacting the air cargo sector by consuming substantial capacity. Cargo Demand Strains Air Freight Capacity Currently, Shein is shipping around 5,000 tonnes, Temu about 4,000 tonnes, TikTok – 800 tonnes, and Alibaba – 1,000 tonnes, which is the equivalent of 108 Boeing 777 aircraft daily. Consequently,… Read more
Handling hazardous materials at airports requires strict safety protocols to prevent accidents and ensure public safety. These measures include using designated storage facilities, specially equipped transport vehicles, and handling equipment with safety features to mitigate risks associated with hazardous cargo. Designated Storage Facilities Airports use designated storage areas to safely store hazardous goods based on the type and potential risks. For example, flammable liquids such as gasoline, solvents, and paints require storage in fire-resistant facilities equipped with high-airflow ventilation systems, which effectively disperse hazardous vapors to prevent them from accumulating. Meanwhile, explosive materials such as fireworks, ammunition, and industrial… Read more
Secondary airports offer unique advantages that can enhance air freight in Europe. These benefits, including competitive pricing, specialized cargo handling, shorter taxi times, and comprehensive security checks, directly impact cost-efficiency, speed, specialized service capabilities, and safety for freight forwarders. Competitive Pricing Smaller airports can offer lower landing, storage, and handling fees for several reasons. First, their location away from major urban centers means that land and development costs are significantly reduced, which makes it less expensive to build airport facilities. Second, with fewer flights to manage, small airports face less competition for resources such as runway slots and terminal… Read more
Cargo aircraft involved in air freight in Europe must adhere to stringent safety protocols to prevent accidents while in the air. These protocols include advanced containment systems, monitoring technologies, and fire suppression strategies designed to ensure the safe transport of dangerous goods. Cargo Containment Solutions Cargo aircraft carrying dangerous materials are typically equipped with fire-resistant containers and spill containment pallets to ensure safe transportation. Fire-resistant containers are used to ship dangerous goods that are flammable, explosive, or highly reactive, including materials such as nitroglycerin, picric acid, and sodium. These containers are constructed from advanced materials such as high-grade steel… Read more
Nighttime operations at airports bring a number of advantages for transporting cargo. These include better accommodation for large aircraft, improved weather conditions for aircraft performance, enhanced security measures, and optimal conditions for shipping temperature-sensitive items. Large Cargo Aircraft At night, airports can better accommodate large aircraft due to decreased passenger flight schedules. With fewer passenger flights, airports can allocate longer time slots for large aircraft that carry substantial loads and require more time for loading and unloading. Additionally, they often transport oversized cargo and irregularly shaped items, which extends the process because such cargo does not fit standard conveyors… Read more
In logistics, air charter services play a multifaceted role, facilitating urgent deliveries, accessing distant locations, and managing oversized cargo. Their ability to meet diverse transportation needs makes them essential across various industries. Meeting Urgent Delivery Deadlines Air charter services stand out for their unmatched ability to speed up delivery times. Unlike traditional air freight in Europe, which must adhere to the pre-set schedules and routes of commercial airlines, air charters fly directly to the closest airport to the destination. This speed is not just beneficial but critical for emergency shipments of medical supplies, transportation of high-tech equipment or prototypes,… Read more
In the competitive landscape of aviation, pilots’ preference for passenger airlines over cargo operations is shaped by factors such as career development, training opportunities, and quality of life. This preference not only impacts the career trajectories of many pilots but also influences the operations of ground freight forwarders. Career Development The appeal of passenger airlines largely stems from the wide range of career development opportunities available. Pilots in passenger aviation have the chance to fly a variety of aircraft, from smaller jets suited for regional services to larger aircraft designed for international flights. This variety enables pilots to familiarize… Read more
Air freight forwarding is undergoing infrastructural transformations, with key developments such as the modernization of runways and taxiway systems, advanced air traffic control equipment, and automated cargo handling. These improvements enhance airport operations and result in a more efficient, secure, and rapid movement of goods. Modern Runway and Taxiway Systems A major infrastructural improvement in air freight forwarding is the modernization of runway and taxiway systems at airports. Enhancements involve LED lighting for improved visibility, upgrading the runway surfaces, and installing ground radar systems for managing aircraft movements on the tarmac. For ground forwarders, this translates into fewer delays… Read more
Air freight faces the constant threat of theft and tampering, especially during critical points like loading and unloading, storage at airport facilities, and during transit to and from airports. To address these vulnerabilities, port authorities implement a range of security measures, including CCTV systems, biometric access controls to secure areas, and security checkpoints for thorough screening. The implementation of these measures not only fortifies the security of the cargo but also instils confidence among ground freight forwarders that their shipments are protected at every stage of transit. Moreover, measures aimed at detecting concealed items or preventing smuggling safeguard freight forwarders… Read more
The air freight forwarding industry in Europe is undergoing a significant transformation thanks to a range of technological innovations. Each of these, from advanced cargo tracking with IoT to the automation of sorting and handling, introduces improvements that enhance efficiency, strengthen security, and promote sustainability in the sector. Advanced Cargo Tracking with IoT Integrating IoT (Internet of Things) technology into air freight forwarding has significantly improved cargo tracking. IoT devices, including sensors and RFID tags, now offer real-time updates on cargo location and condition. This is particularly beneficial for shipments that are time-sensitive or condition-critical, including transport of perishable… Read more
In Europe’s diverse landscape, some regions pose logistical challenges due to their unique geographical positioning. Air freight offers a solution for these regions, especially for hard-to-reach areas and landlocked countries. By understanding the importance of air transport in these contexts, European freight forwarders can develop more effective and reliable logistics strategies. Air Freight in Remote Europe The European continent, comprising not only urban centers but remote, hard-to-reach areas, often leans on air transport to ensure that goods reach even the farthest corners timely. Regions such as the Scottish Highlands and the Alpine areas in Switzerland rely on air transport… Read more
Europe’s air freight forwarding industry sees pronounced changes between its summer and winter seasons. These variations are driven by factors like consumer behaviors, tourism, and the particular commodities in demand during each period. Summer Demand: The Flourishing of Perishables During the warmer months of summer, spanning from June to August, Europe sees a significant spike in the transportation of perishable goods. Warm temperatures stimulate the demand for fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood. Mediterranean countries, for instance, ramp up the export of their prime produce, including Spanish oranges, Greek olives, and Italian grapes. Additionally, summer sees a surge in… Read more
When freight forwarders undertake the task of transporting animals by air, they are handling more than just cargo. The process demands a deep understanding of species-specific needs, a commitment to animal welfare, and an awareness of logistics. Among the core challenges forwarders encounter in this sector are temperature and atmospheric pressure variations, prolonged confinement, noise disturbances, regulatory compliance, contamination risks, and dietary requirements. Regulatory and Documentation Hurdles European logistics providers specializing in animal air transport must navigate a maze of stringent regulations that vary across European borders. When transporting exotic birds into the UK, several details require close attention…. Read more
Shipping cargo by plane can be an efficient, safe, and quick way to move goods but there are some risks to be aware of, including human error, extreme weather, turbulence, cargo fires, and shipping hazardous materials. In some cases, a combination of factors may influence outcomes, such as extreme weather, communication problems between the crew and the airport, and pilot error. Extreme weather Bad weather such as heavy snowfall, high winds, and thunderstorms can cause cancellations and delays. Thunderstorms, in particular, can produce heavy rain, hail, high winds, and lighting, all of which can cause damage to cargo… Read more
If you are shipping air freight, there are different options to look into, including cargo and commercial airlines, onboard couriers, and expedited charters. They vary in terms of cost, risk of late arrival, and speed, and the choice depends on the type of cargo and your specific business objectives. Cargo Airlines Many of the major carriers lease or own aircraft so that they can ship cargo. The majority of freight forwarders use cargo aircraft or freighters, but some operators also use passenger flights. This option can work well for forwarders that regularly ship cargo along a particular route. The… Read more
The pandemic has drastically reduced passenger flights around the world. But unlike this type of flight, the air transport of goods and cargo continues to take place without a decline. International air freight decreased by 5% compared to 2021 levels between 31 January and 13 February 2022. The imposition of cargo volume restrictions and higher prices compared to other modes of transport did not have a significant impact on the air cargo. Factors for maintaining the demand for air transport of goods With the onset of the pandemic, a great demand for goods for protection in public places and… Read more
Pet shipping accounts for a significant share of cargo onboard aircraft, with a diverse array of species being transported by air. When moving pets, there is plenty to know when it comes to shipping regulations and requirements and the documents you need to submit. Regulations and Scope Any business or person transporting pets falls under the scope of the IATA Live Animals Regulations, including freight forwarders that are shipping animals for agricultural, scientific, conservations, and zoological purposes. The regulations also apply to everyone who is shipping racehorses and pets. What to Do Before Shipping Before transporting live animals by air,… Read more
The ongoing pandemic is not only a humanitarian and health crisis but it is also a time of economic turmoil and shock. Figures show that air capacity was down by 7 percent between December 2021 and January 2022 compared to 2018. There have also been capacity fluctuations during the holiday season due to the new Omicron variant. On the positive side, airlines have been using aircraft for vaccine distribution around the globe. Yet, a major supply chain disruption factor is the fact that restrictions have left thousands of employees stuck in quarantine. Freight, Airlines, and Clogged Chains Airlines around the… Read more
There are certain types of cargo and small shipments that are not allowed to enter most countries by air. The reasons can be different – political, economic, religious, or harmful to human health. Some items are restricted while others are prohibited. Below is an overview of the difference between prohibited and restricted items and examples of goods that cannot be shipped by air. Restricted Goods These are items that are subject to special treatment or inspection or you will need to obtain an import license to ship by air. Prohibited Goods Some restricted items are considered to be dangerous for… Read more
The number of coronavirus vaccine shipments is steadily increasing as rollout begins in more countries and more products become available. While the jabs are mostly transported by land and air, ships are also expected to join the race against the global pandemic. According to Financial Times, ships will get involved in vaccine distribution so that shots reach healthcare professionals instead of piling up in warehouse facilities. Why Use Ships? According to European logistics experts, vaccine supply and distribution is expected to exceed air freight capacity by the middle of 2021. Because of the surplus of jabs, the supply chain will… Read more
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