Frankfurt, Germany – June 3, 2025
By Maria Kalamatas | The Logistic News | Section: Air Freight
Amid renewed uncertainty in ocean freight and continued disruption across key trade corridors, air cargo is seeing a sharp and strategic resurgence. New figures released this morning show a year-over-year increase of nearly 6% in global air freight volumes for April 2025, signaling a decisive shift in how shippers are navigating volatility.
“What we’re seeing is no longer short-term improvisation—it’s calculated logistics planning,” said Lars Johansson, Director of Air Cargo at Skymove Europe. “Air freight is being locked in early, not as a last resort but as a risk management tool.”
Retailers and Manufacturers Turn to Speed
For supply chain leaders, the pressure to deliver fast and avoid disruption has never been greater. Companies in electronics, pharmaceuticals, and just-in-time automotive manufacturing are booking air freight to bypass shipping delays in the Suez Canal and bottlenecks at Asian ports.
Warehouses across Europe are now operating on tighter inventory levels. As a result, air transport is increasingly favored for replenishment strategies that demand shorter lead times and more agility.
Airlines in Asia and the Gulf Take the Lead
Air carriers in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions have been agile in adapting to demand surges. With flexible networks and shorter booking windows, they’ve stepped in to fill the reliability gap left by maritime operators.
According to industry analysts, Gulf-based airlines saw a double-digit jump in cargo bookings on their Europe-Asia routes, fueled by rising demand for predictable delivery windows.
“Speed is no longer a luxury—it’s a guarantee customers expect,” said Reem Al Darzi, Commercial Manager at AeroGate Dubai. “We’ve adapted our service models to reflect that urgency.”
From Crisis Response to Strategic Planning
While air cargo was once reserved for emergencies, logistics planners are now embedding it directly into their long-term transport mix. More forwarders are locking in contracts with dedicated capacity, while also leaning on data-driven forecasting to time shipments around peak periods.
What’s clear is that this isn’t a temporary spike. With global disruptions now a recurring feature, air freight has found a permanent seat at the logistics table.
“Companies have redefined what resilience looks like,” said Monica Estevez, Head of Logistics Insights at EastBridge. “And for many, that includes a more balanced use of air.”
