Opportunities in the Air Cargo Industry from the Point of View of dnata

Air cargo is a vital part of the global economy. It contributes to the rapid and efficient transportation of goods all over the globe, as well as providing millions of jobs.

Reports say that the global air cargo market size is estimated to grow by 5.32% CAGR up to the year 2027. The market size is also expected to increase in weight transported by 19.52 million tonnes.

Let’s learn more about this sector, plus insights straight from dnata’s SVP of UAE Cargo & Global Cargo Strategy, Guillaume Crozier.

Every year, airlines transport $6.8 trillion worth of goods, or 35% of global trade. Air cargo ensures that goods are ready for transport in compliance with the operator and the regulations of IATA. There is a need to follow an acceptance process and abide by the specific export and import rules of each country.

To be efficient, air cargo should rely on the right solutions. These should simplify inventory tracking, give a clear picture of the movements of the goods, and help reduce costs. Integrating the right technology should be able to optimise performance and improve customer service in the market.

Crozier is happy to report that dnata has the capability to provide a wide range of services, including the end-to-end supply chain. It operates cargo handling at two major airports: Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC). dnata is actively bringing solutions to the customer on the ground, connecting ports with better inventory management, sea-air services, and more logistical solutions.

The aviation industry was responsible for 2% of global energy-related CO2 emissions in 2022. The sector needs to work on diverse technical measures to curb the growth in emissions and ultimately reduce its impact on the environment. Part of a global effort towards cleaner airport transportation is the electrification of ground handling.

Transitioning to electrification reduces fuel consumption and contributes to improved air quality. In the long run, it helps the management save significantly on operating costs.

dnata is one with the industry’s goal of achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2050. The company invests in the electrification of its ground handling fleet and the use of biofuels where feasible. It also allocates its funding to biodiesel, electric, hydrogen, and hybrid types of equipment to maximise environmental and operational efficiency globally.

Specific pallets and containers are important when dealing with air freight. Each aircraft has precise requirements for the types of loads that it can accommodate. As a result, each aircraft can also accommodate an individual pallet specifically designed for the aircraft’s fit.

Cargo nets are also an important component in the air cargo industry. It may portray something straightforward, but cargo nets are vital because this piece of aircraft equipment restrains the contents of a loaded pallet in place during extreme flight conditions. To meet in-flight restraint requirements, cargo nets must always be in an airworthy condition and be correctly fitted over the load.

To further keep the goods safe, advanced handling solutions include the use of a transfer belt. It offers faster and easier unloading of cargo. As a result, twisting and lifting movements become obsolete. The use of transfer belts also results in reduced manpower, allowing operators to do other work and become more productive.

dnata is up-to-date with all these technologies needed for more efficient air cargo handling. To be in line with the industry’s sustainable efforts, the company is building more sustainable pallets. It also reuses and repairs cargo parts whenever necessary. Moreover, discarded materials within the ground handling process are upcycled, such as cargo nets and transfer belts.

The increase in e-commerce sales is a key driver of the notable growth in the air cargo market. However, certain challenges, such as rising fuel prices, are something that the sector needs to look out for to counteract any possible threats. If you are a part of the air cargo industry, the Airport Show is something you should not miss. Shape the future of air cargo as you discuss opportunities and strategies with industry leaders and experts in the field.

Looking for something else?