The International Air Cargo Association (Tiaca) has again issued a warning that industry is facing unprecedented challenges – especially during the last months of the year as peak season hits and demand for air cargo services increases.“As we move into the fourth quarter and the growing number of annual online shopping events increases, the stress on the system is expected to grow substantially,” said Steven Polmans, Tiaca chairman.The air cargo industry has responded to 18 months of relentless pressure and challenges as it faced high demand for PPE, e-commerce, vaccines, perishables and other critical cargo as economies and society went into lockdowns then reopened. Addressing this demand, supply chain partners have had to deal with capacity withdrawals, then capacity shortfalls, as well as ever-changing travel, work and quarantine restrictions forced upon crew, handling staff and other key workers.Meanwhile, the maritime industry is continuing to face its own issues, with ever-growing port congestion, hinterland transfer delays, blank sailings and rising costs of shipping. Many shippers, faced with such challenges to traditional supply chains, are exploring air cargo to ensure customer demands can be met.Tiaca has urged governments around the world to fast-track ad hoc charter permits and consider supporting 7th freedom regimes where they are being implemented. States are also urged to work with industry representatives to identify in advance potential system blockages in order for them to be addressed before they further impact supply chains. “Supply chain disruptions are already being experienced in certain markets and could worsen,” said Polmans.
