CargoTalk is media partners for the 25 th edition of the Airport Show, set to take place at Dubai World Trade Centre from12–14 May 2026. The event marks a milestone for the region’s aviation industry, drawing over 140 exhibitors from more than 20 countries, all showcasing the latest in airport technology and innovation. With a theme that sets the tone for the industry’s future—“The Future of Airport Innovation Starts Here,” the show will highlight how airports are embracing

Emirates SkyCargo has transported 1.25 million tonnes of cargo in the first half of the 2025-26 reporting cycle, marking a 4% increase over the same period last year. The rise reflects steady global demand for air freight, even amid geopolitical uncertainties and economic fluctuations in some markets. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, highlighted the company’s resilience and profitability during the half-year perio

SolitAir has successfully completed its inaugural cargo flight to Kabul, Afghanistan, marking a new milestone in the airline’s regional expansion. Operating to one of the world’s highest capital cities, situated about 1,800 meters above sea level, the route underscores SolitAir’s growing presence in Central and South Asia’s logistics network. The new service opens direct trade and supply chain opportunities between Afghanistan and key regional markets, supporting faster, more

Etihad Cargo and China’s SF Airlines have strengthened their partnership with a major capacity boost connecting Abu Dhabi to two of China’s busiest logistics hubs: Shenzhen and Ezhou. The move follows their Joint Business Agreement signed earlier this year, aiming to build a shared and more efficient cargo network. The partnership brings a total of nine weekly freighter flights to Shenzhen and seven to Ezhou, expanding links between the Middle East and Asia. Shenzhen Airport,

The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) and logistics accelerator HAUS61 have joined forces to promote innovation and support start-ups in the global air cargo sector. The agreement aims to create opportunities for collaboration between established industry players and emerging businesses, helping to shape the future of logistics, Hendrik Bender, CEO, HAUS61 said. Under the partnership, HAUS61 will be recognized as TIACA’s Innovation and Start-Up Partner. The collabor

7X, the UAE-based trade, transport, and logistics group, has partnered with Zelostech to launch AutoLogiX Smarttech LLC, a JV deploying Level 4 autonomous vehicles for cargo transport across the country. The initiative aims to create an integrated logistics ecosystem, moving goods between hubs faster, safer, and more sustainably. In its first phase, AutoLogiX will support EMX, 7X’s logistics arm, using driverless vans and trucks designed for seamless cargo movement. The ventu

SolitAir has received approvals to handle UN3480 and UN3090 lithium battery shipments, enabling safe and compliant transport of one of the most high-demand and high-risk cargo types across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia (MEAA). The certification strengthens SolitAir’s position as a trusted logistics partner for industries that rely on the timely and secure movement of batteries used in electronics, electric vehicles, and medical devices. Lithium batteries are essential to

Velora, formerly Etihad Airport Services (EAS) is taking Abu Dhabi’s aviation sector into its next phase of growth with a unified identity that brings together ground handling, cargo and logistics, and security services under one brand. The move represents a strategic effort to streamline operations and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global aviation hub. Jubran AlBreiki, Chief Executive Officer, Velora said the change builds on four decades of expertise established unde

The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) welcomed Dubai South and Cargo Crew as trustee members during the Air Cargo Forum 2025 in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the growing collaboration within global air freight and logistics. On the other hand Amazon Air Cargo, Magma Aviation, SolitAir, TAC Innovation, and Turkmenistan Airlines joined as corporate members. TIACA leaders stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships to advance efficiency, digitalisation, and sustain

China Eastern Airlines has launched a new all-cargo route connecting Shanghai, Riyadh, and Budapest, marking its first fifth-freedom cargo service in the Middle East. Operating three times a week, the route creates a direct logistics corridor between China, the Middle East, and Europe, enhancing trade flows along the growing “Air Silk Road.” The Shanghai–Riyadh–Budapest service is designed to support the movement of goods across key markets, providing a faster and more effici

Emirates Courier Express has launched operations in Germany, marking a significant step in its European expansion. Headquartered in Frankfurt, the service aims to connect the country’s manufacturing hubs with international suppliers and partners, offering faster and more direct delivery options for both B2B and B2C customers. The service provides 21 weekly flights in each direction between Dubai and Frankfurt, offering morning, afternoon, and evening departures. Dennis Lister

Etihad Cargo is expanding its reach in Southeast Asia with the launch of a new freighter service from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The twice-weekly flights from Techo International Airport will begin this winter, operated in partnership with Teleport, a regional logistics specialist. The Airbus A321F service adds 50 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity, offering exporters in Cambodia greater access to global markets through Abu Dhabi. The agreement was signed today at the Air Cargo South

The Middle East is emerging as one of the world’s most dynamic air cargo regions, with strong trade growth linking Gulf economies to Asia’s manufacturing powerhouses. From January to July 2025, demand for air freight between Asia and the Middle East rose 27%, while capacity expanded by 11%.

Middle Eastern carriers currently operate around 20,000 tonnes of freighter capacity and have a further 20,000 tonnes on order, taking the total close to 40,000 tonnes, almost equal to the combined future capacity of all other regions. By comparison, carriers in other Asia-Pacific regions hold roughly 15,000 tonnes in service and about 10,000 tonnes on order. Europe and North America each fall below 15,000 tonnes, while China, Africa, and Latin America remain well behind, sho

Zayed International Airport (AUH) announced a major step forward in strengthening its position as a global logistics hub with the development of the East Midfield Cargo Terminal (EMCT), said Jubran Albreiki, CEO, Velora, addressing the TIACA Air Cargo Forum 2025. The state-of-the-art facility, spanning 90,000 sqm, will be capable of handling up to 1.5 million tonnes of cargo annually when it opens by the end of 2027. “With the EMCT, we are shaping the future of logistics and

In partnership with LODD Autonomous, Etihad Cargo is taking a bold step toward the future of logistics by testing a new generation of hybrid VTOL aircraft that could reshape how goods move across the UAE. Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer, Etihad Airways, said, “We are constantly looking for ways to enhance connectivity within the UAE. This collaboration opens new possibilities for smarter, faster, and greener air cargo.” The airline will explore using the ‘Hili’ hybrid air

Capital A Berhad, the parent company of AirAsia, is looking at Bahrain as a potential hub for aviation, cargo, and logistics operations in the Middle East. The group has signed a Letter of Intent with Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications to explore establishing a base that could link Southeast Asia with Europe, Africa, and the United States. Plans under consideration include developing cargo services, maintenance operations, and regional connectivity to

Air cargo traffic between the Middle East and Asia stayed strong in September 2025, rising 4.6 per cent year-on-year, supported by steady exports and transshipment through major Gulf hubs, according to the latest data from IATA. The Europe–Asia route, which depends heavily on connections through Middle Eastern airports, also grew by 12.4 per cent, showing the region’s key role in global trade. Air cargo demand in the Middle East rose 0.6 per cent compared to last year, markin

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s SAL Logistics Services has taken its first step into the international arena through a new partnership with Hong Kong-based TAM Group, aimed at strengthening air cargo links between the Kingdom and China.SAL CEO Omar Hariri said the partnership opens the door for Chinese companies to use Saudi Arabia as a gateway to global markets, powered by SAL’s integrated logistics capabilities. TAM Group’s Senior Vice President Alvin Tam added that the coop

CargoTalk is proud to be a media partner for TIACA’s Air Cargo Forum 2025, which kicks off on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, bringing together the global air cargo community under one roof. The event is set to host airlines, logistics players, tech innovators, and policymakers from around the world. The forum will explore the trends reshaping the industry, from digital transformation and sustainability to workforce challenges and e-commerce growth. This year’s programme dives into the