E-commerce drives demand

Rapid growth in e-commerce shipments from Asia is reshaping airfreight demand across Airlink Cargo’s domestic and regional network. According to Hardus Kuschke, executive manager of ground operations at Airlink Cargo, e-commerce and courier shipments have become the airline’s biggest cargo drivers. “The growth in e-commerce, accelerated by the Covid pandemic, has been phenomenal and cannot be ignored,” he told Freight News. “We are also seeing an uptick in demand for courier items, particularly regionally.” However, Kuschke said the viability of e-commerce supply chains depended on more than air connectivity. While Airlink Cargo could transport shipments over the longest part of their journey, reliable and efficient last-mile delivery remained critical. Efficient customs clearance and cargo handling are equally important, particularly for cross-border and longer-distance international shipments. Beyond e-commerce, Airlink is seeing steady regional demand for small mining, machinery and automotive components, electronics and other high-value, low-weight manufactured goods. Fresh produce, including cut flowers, fruit and wine, also continue to generate demand across domestic and regional markets, while live- animal transportation remains another important segment of the airline’s cargo business. Kuschke said these varied cargo flows demonstrated airfreight’s importance in connecting regional markets and supporting time-sensitive supply chains. LV