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Frontloading lifts 2025 air cargo demand for Asia Pacific airlines

Frontloading activities helped Asia Pacific airlines achieve a healthy year-on-year increase in air cargo demand last year, showed preliminary figures released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA). Air cargo demand, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), rose by 3.5%. This demand increase was "supported by front-loading activities ahead of tariff hikes, as airlines responded swiftly to evolving trade flows", stated the AAPA. Full-year global air cargo demand for 2025, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), increased 3.4% compared to 2024, according to IATA. The AAPA said cargo revenue for Asia Pacific airlines increased by 1.4% year on year to $23.6bn, but weakness in freight rates resulted in a 2% fall in cargo yields to 32.1 US cents per FTK. Carriers operating in the passenger and cargo markets alike faced ongoing supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures that contributed to higher expenditure on staff, leasing, maintenance and airport charges. By contrast, fuel expenditure declined, reflecting a fall in global jet fuel prices. Wong Hong, AAPA director general said, "Asia Pacific airlines entered 2025 from a position of strength, with robust passenger and cargo demand supporting another year of profitable growth. "While easing fuel prices provided some relief, persistent supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures pushed non-fuel operating costs higher." Commenting on the current operating environment, Hong said airlines are contending with ongoing conflict in the Middle East, plus high operating costs, including volatile jet fuel prices "Consequently, fuel expenditure, the largest single operating cost item for airlines, is expected to rise this year," he added.

Forwarder AIT appoints chief digital and tech officer

Global freight forwarder AIT Worldwide Logistics has hired Justin Kosslyn as its chief digital and technology officer. In the newly created role, Kosslyn will lead the company's global technology strategy, continuing to implement AIT's existing plans while accelerating the adoption of next generation digital, data, AI and customer-facing systems. Kosslyn arrives with more than 15 years of experience leading technical teams in the development and scaling of cutting-edge digital products. He recently served in senior leadership roles at Google, where he led product management for the company's news ecosystem, overseeing widely used platforms such as Google Trends and Search Console. Earlier in his career, he spent a decade at Google Jigsaw, developing tools to enhance digital and information security, including initiatives to mitigate threats from cyberattacks. "With a history of delivering for companies at the center of global technology and innovation, Justin brings the kind of forward-looking perspective we believe can help AIT lead the next evolution of logistics," said president and chief operating officer, Keith Tholan, "His experience building digital products and leading technical teams will complement the deep logistics, infrastructure, cybersecurity, data and AI expertise already within AIT as we create more connected, scalable and customer-focused tech solutions." At Chicago-based AIT, Kosslyn will focus on advancing the company's technology enablement strategy, including the continued evolution of its global transportation management system, broader digital transformation efforts, and enterprise AI adoption that supports decision making, innovation and value for customers. His leadership is expected to help AIT strengthen alignment across its technology landscape while empowering teammates with tools that improve efficiency, connectivity, transparency and customer service. Tholan added: "AIT has earned a reputation as a disruptor in the forwarding industry with our people-centric culture, entrepreneurial mindset and unique global strategy," he added. "As technology, data and AI reshape logistics, we see an opportunity to build on that history by developing capabilities that help customers navigate complexity with greater clarity, speed and confidence. The vision for our next chapter is that technology will evolve to become a strategic differentiator for AIT, redefining how logistics services are delivered." In February this year, AIT was sold to Greenbriar Equity Group in a deal that represents one of the largest private acquisitions ever in the global freight forwarding sector.

Freighter trial flights take place at soon-to-open Western Sydney

Cargo trial flights have commenced at Western Sydney International (WSI) as the new airport readies to open for commercial operations. The trial flight saw Qantas operate an Airbus A321 freighter to the airport as it prepares for its formal opening later this month. WSI chief executive Simon Hickey said: "These trials are an integral part of ensuring that our systems, infrastructure and staff have been put through their paces in a live and controlled operating environment. "Today's flight will be followed by further trials over the following fortnight as we make our final preparations for commercial freight services." He added: "We've utilised the latest technology and innovations to deliver a highly efficient, sustainable, and future-proofed Cargo Precinct. Our trials present an excellent opportunity to test these capabilities." Other companies that will operate at the airport's cargo precinct include Menzies Aviation, dnata and Texel Air. Qantas Freight executive manager Igor Kwiatkowski said WSI will become one of Australia's key airfreight hubs. "In just a few weeks, this new 24-hour facility will provide greater flexibility for our freight network, helping us meet growing demand for e-commerce and next-day deliveries," he said. "The airport will increase Sydney's air cargo capacity, helping us to move time-critical supplies around Australia and overseas in the months ahead." The Cargo Precinct will offer a capacity of 220,000 tonnes of freight annually. It offers dedicated access via the recently upgraded Northern Road, and proximity to key freight and logistics hubs in Kemps Creek and industrial sites across the Aerotropolis. The precinct has capacity to "expand significantly" over the years ahead, in line with the needs of "consumers, businesses and associated market demands", WSI said in a press release.