Agents gear up for summer season in the Middle East

Technological advancements provide air cargo agents in the Middle East with the confidence and operational stability needed in order to meet the demands of the summer peak, enabling them to deliver goods with precision. Setting the pace for summer movements is not merely routine—it is a critical necessity.

-Dr. Shehara Fernando

As the summer season approaches, cargo agents across the Middle East begin a well-practiced and strategic process of preparation, ensuring that operations remain seamless despite the region’s extreme weather conditions. Setting the right pace for summer movements is not merely routine—it is a critical necessity deeply understood by logistics professionals throughout the region.

These agents equip themselves with a variety of proactive initiatives to address the unique challenges posed by high temperatures, particularly for temperature-sensitive cargo.

The Middle East region serves as a significant air cargo and logistical hub, bridging East and West, North and South.

This strategic geographical positioning makes it a focal point for global cargo flows, particularly for transshipments of perishables, pharmaceutical products, flowers, and other temperature-sensitive commodities. Ensuring the integrity of these shipments requires advanced multimodal transportation networks and resilient supply chain systems.

Fortunately, the Middle East region is heavily invested in infrastructure development, positioning itself at the forefront of modern logistics. From cutting-edge cold storage facilities to efficient customs operations and integrated ports and airports, the trade ecosystem is well-equipped to support high-performance cargo movements.

These technological advancements provide the air cargo agents with the confidence and operational stability needed in order to meet the demands of the summer peak, enabling them to deliver goods with precision and care across the region’s vast and complex trade corridors.

Cool dollies to handle temp-sensitive products

Guillaume Crozier, Chief Cargo Officer, dnata

As we prepare for the busy summer season, we are launching a company-wide readiness campaign focused on safety and service excellence. With Dubai temperatures exceeding 40°C, our advanced facilities meet IATA standards for temperature-sensitive cargo. This includes ferrying using high-tech ‘cool dollies’ and 22 dedicated storage areas at our DWC hub. We also manage HAZMAT and CEIV lithium products ensuring safe handling in line with rules.

Etihad Cargo expanding capacity on key routes

Leonard Rodrigues, Director, Revenue Management & Network Planning, Etihad Cargo

Air cargo follows factory production cycles, but summer sees a clear rise in perishables. From April to June, India exports 2,500 tonnes of mangoes monthly, from Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Volumes increase from June to August as the season peaks across India and Pakistan. Etihad Cargo is also expanding its capacity on key routes to support this demand.

Cooling systems must to store sensitive products

Manjula Kizhedath, Senior Manager, Corporate Sales, Orient Cargo Agency

All products need packaging to withstand summer heat during transport and storage. There are precautions to ensure safe storage and transport of general cargo. Warehouses should have cooling systems to store sensitive products, and direct transfer from the supplier’s warehouse to airport facilities in cool trucks is ideal. Non-palletised cartons should be small, as many airports restrict manual handling of 40 kg a piece in summer.

Proactive planning for managing quality

A.S. Farhan, Asst. General Manager, Freight & Logistics, Al Rais Cargo Agencies

We see increased movement of perishables, pharmaceuticals, fashion goods, electronics, and e-commerce shipments during summers. Airlines often add frequencies, and we adjust operations to ensure cargo integrity. Special attention is given to temperature-sensitive handling using cool dollies, thermal covers, and swift transfers. Proactive planning and coordination with partners are essential to maintain service quality.”

Proper ventilation for perishables necessary

Yousif Najim, CEO, Orbit Logistics

Summer is a busy time for air cargo. With increased demand for perishables and general cargo, such as clothing, auto spare parts, and furniture, carriers often see a surge in shipments, and we hope as well. During the summer months, airlines may also offer special services like temperature-controlled cargo holds to ensure the safe transport of sensitive goods. It is important to take ensure proper ventilation and monitoring temperatures to prevent spoilage.