Ongoing geopolitical tensions are having a significant impact on the airfreight sector, with uncertainty continuing to shape global trade f lows.According to Paul Danvers, commercial director of Groupair South Africa, conf licts in the Middle East, as well as the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, have disrupted air cargo operations, affecting capacity, routes and costs. More recently, political developments in the United States have added another layer of unpred ic t abilit y.“Key decisions still need to be made in the US, and depending on what the new administration opts to do, trade could either be supported or face further restrictions,” he said.Danvers added that geopolitical uncertainty remained a major concern for the airfreight sector, particularly as shifting alliances, trade policies and security concerns influenced market dynamics. “The industry is watching closely to see how these developments unfold, as they will directly impact freight rates, transit times and overall supply chain efficiency.”With global trade facing increasing headwinds, local industry players are preparing for further disruptions by investing in their operations. Danvers highlighted some of Groupair’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen its service offering.“Locally, we continue to train and upskill our staff, ensuring we stay ahead of industry demands. The development of our facility is ongoing, with exciting projects currently in progress. Meanwhile, our UK operation is expanding steadily. We have built a key network of agents across Europe that we tap into for added reach and ef f icienc y,” he said.However, Danvers noted that while the industry was adapting to geopolitical and economic pressures, sustainability remained a significant challenge – particularly in Africa.“If one considers the definition of sustainability and the impact of air cargo operators, Africa has made very little investment,” he said. “Once again, the focus on decarbonisation, waste management, biodiversity and wildlife conservation is restricted to a handful of African countries.”According to Danvers, the most notable progress in sustainability efforts is being driven by multinational companies, particularly those with headquarters in regions where environmental responsibility is already a key focus.“More education and collaboration are needed to add momentum. Without a collective effort across the continent, Africa risks falling further behind in implementing the necessary changes for a more sustainable airfreight sector,” he said. LV
