The LinkedIn Jury was out in a recent mini-poll regarding 2025’s eventual air cargo revenue results – almost 40% were certain that it will be a better year than 2024, yet an equal amount felt it was impossible to say, given that there are too many variables. 17% held the opinion that it will likely be the same, and only 6% predicted doom. IATA voices forecast further growth though at a slower rate than in 2024. At CFG, we are generally optimistic.
On top of existing geopolitical struggles, the variables now also include Trump’s planned protectionist tariffs particularly on various countries, beginning with Canada, Mexico, and China, which will likely cause retaliation and imbalance. Add to that continued inflation (albeit slowing down), increasing labor costs as well as the ongoing difficulty to attract workers, limited aircraft availability, production delays for new freighters and conversion program setbacks – the latter exacerbating an already tight capacity situation – volatile weather impacts, various infrastructure deficiencies putting the brakes on sustainability progress, and last but not least: increasing regulatory burdens, not to mention a completely uneven playing field on many levels, and the witches brew that makes up air cargo industry competition is complete. Not easy.
Careful planning and navigation
These challenges collectively create a complex operating environment for the air cargo industry in 2025, requiring careful management and strategic planning to navigate successfully.
Despite facing these challenges, however, the air cargo industry can look forward to several positive success factors in 2025, including revenue growth, cargo volume increases, cross-border e-commerce growth, continued above-average yields, global economic growth, new market opportunities (developing markets in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East), technological advancements in terms of digitalization and automation aimed at improving efficiency and customer experience, and, of course, various sustainability initiatives, boosting both resource efficiency as well as improved public perception. ‘Collaboration’, too, which has long been a buzzword, appears to now be progressing more tangibly within the industry, with the growth of cargo communities.
Showcase your success in CFG
As always, CFG looks forward to showcasing all your 2025 success stories – be they regarding new business partners, expansion, sustainability, digitalization, new products, routes, freighters, strategic milestone achievements, etc. And we will be continuing our popular Spotlight On… series, where we highlight the multifaceted world of air cargo logistics through the individuals that ensure its success. Why? Because we also want to do our bit to attract talent to this fascinating industry.
We always enjoy learning through what we write, and are grateful to you, our readers, sponsors, guest authors, contributors, and media partners for your sincere and faithful support during 2024. Thank you and may 2025 bring us all more of the positive aspects!
Happy New Year!
Our next edition of CargoForwarder Global will be sent out on Tuesday 07JAN25. If you would like to see your article or advert in there or in a subsequent issue, simply send an email to us at info@cgofor.eu
CFG wishes everyone, whether at work, at home, or away on holiday during this time, a peaceful festive season, and an inspirational start to the new year.
Your CargoForwarder Global Team
