Digitalization, ESG, and data sharing are widely accepted priorities, but turning alignment into action is where the industry is still falling short.
At the World Cargo Symposium in Lima, Peru, one message came through clearly. The air cargo industry agrees on what needs to change but the challenge now is making it happen.
Across conversations with shippers, airlines, and industry leaders, there is no shortage of alignment. Digitalization, data sharing, sustainability, and innovation are now widely accepted priorities. They are essential to the future of air cargo.
Execution is still a challenge.
Galo Sanchez, Executive Vice President at Elite Group, and Brendan Sullivan, Global Head of Cargo at IATA, both discussed the changes needed across the air cargo industry.
Digitalization, ESG, and innovation are clear priorities, but progress is uneven
From the shipper perspective, Galo Sanchez pointed to three areas that could significantly improve the air cargo supply chain.
1.) The first is digitalization, particularly how data is managed and shared across the entire ecosystem.
Airlines, cargo agents, and distributors are still working with fragmented systems, limiting visibility and making it harder to measure performance consistently. A more connected approach, with shared data and common KPIs, would improve both efficiency and service quality.
2.) The second is ESG. Sustainability is no longer a separate initiative, but something that needs to be built into the supply chain itself. This includes finding ways to reduce CO2 emissions while maintaining the quality and reliability that customers expect.
3.) The third is innovation. AI and data analytics are already shaping how supply chains operate, but the focus needs to be on practical application. Standardizing processes and improving how cargo is handled end to end would lead to better outcomes for both shippers and end customers.
Industry alignment is strong, but execution still lags
Brendan Sullivan reinforced these themes from an industry perspective. There is strong alignment across stakeholders on what needs to improve, even in a challenging environment.
Digitalization and data sharing continue to sit at the center of that effort. Without them, many of the industry’s broader goals, including efficiency, sustainability, and standardization, are difficult to achieve.
At the same time, there is a growing push for more consistent practices and closer coordination across governments and industry players. Despite ongoing disruptions, there is still a willingness across the sector to collaborate and solve shared challenges.
And while technology continues to evolve, one point is unchanged. Air cargo is still very much a people business.
Air cargo remains a people business
Even as technology evolves, the human element is still central.
Jan Krems, President of United Cargo, emphasized that air cargo is, at its core, a people business. Behind every shipment is coordination, problem solving, and constant communication between partners.
Disruptions are now part of daily operations. Airspace closures, sudden policy changes, and ongoing geopolitical tensions have made them constant.
In response, airlines and forwarders are working more closely together to keep cargo moving and avoid delays.
Quality comes first. Systems and automation can improve efficiency, but they do not replace the relationships that keep cargo moving when conditions are uncertain.
Routine shipments may become more automated over time. But complex, high value cargo still depends on expertise, trust, and direct communication.
Disruption is reshaping global trade flows
The past few years have made one thing clear. Disruption is no longer occasional. It is constant.
While specific situations continue to evolve, the broader impact is already visible. Capacity shifts, longer routing, and cost volatility are now part of the operating environment.
New opportunities are also taking shape.
India continues to grow, particularly in pharmaceuticals and high value cargo. Southeast Asia is expanding as manufacturing diversifies, with markets like Vietnam and Thailand seeing increased activity. South America also presents opportunities, though infrastructure and network complexity can make operations more challenging.
According to Dimerco’s market observations, intra-Asia demand is still strong, with key markets such as Vietnam, India, and Southeast Asia continuing to show resilience despite broader uncertainty .
For shippers, this creates a more complex decision-making environment. Sourcing strategies, routing options, and inventory planning all need to adapt more quickly than before.
Volatility defined 2025, and the same pressures continue
From a data perspective, Ray Zedov, Commercial Director at Rotate, highlighted how volatile the market has become.
In 2025, shifting trade policies, tariff uncertainty, and supply chain disruptions created constant changes in both demand and capacity. Despite this, the market held up relatively well, supported by steady consumer demand and growth in sectors like technology.
Capacity is still one of the biggest constraints. Sudden disruptions can remove a significant share of available lift, tightening the market almost immediately.
Even as some capacity returns, imbalances continue. Aircraft availability, fuel costs, and longer flight paths continue to put pressure on rates and service reliability.
Demand is also shifting across regions, creating new trade lanes and new bottlenecks.
Looking forward to 2026, the same pressures are expected to continue, with capacity constraints and cost volatility shaping the market.
What Shippers Should Take From This
Several themes are emerging from the discussions in Lima.
Air cargo is aligned on the need for digitalization, better data sharing, and more sustainable operations. But progress depends on execution across the entire ecosystem.
Disruption will continue to shape how supply chains operate. Flexibility in routing, sourcing, and capacity planning is now essential.
The role of partnerships is also evolving. Forwarders and logistics providers play a critical role in helping shippers navigate complexity, secure capacity, and maintain visibility.
In a market defined by uncertainty, the ability to connect data, adapt quickly, and execute consistently is what will set supply chains apart.
Subscribe to the Freight Buyers’ Club podcast to hear the full conversation and see how these shifts are impacting global supply chains.
If you are navigating capacity constraints or shifting sourcing strategies, get in touch with a Dimerco specialist to discuss how these changes may impact your supply chain.
