Coyne Airways masters logistics to the world’s toughest locations

Sonia Sali

Shipping cargo to remote and hard-to-reach places is not easy. Limited airport facilities, unpredictable trade flows, and fragile or high-value goods add to the challenge. Coyne Airways focuses on safety, reliability, and efficiency, using flexible operations, trusted local partners, and specialised aircraft to overcome these obstacles. In an interview with CargoTalk Middle East, Liana Coyne, Director, Coyne Airways, highlights how the carrier meets these challenges and keeps cargo moving smoothly.

What are the challenges of shipping cargo to remote or hard-to-reach locations?

Transporting cargo to remote or hard-to-reach destinations comes with several major challenges. First, infrastructure is often limited. Short runways, minimal ground equipment, and basic airport facilities mean shipments require specialised aircraft and strong local expertise to manage conditions on the ground. Second, cargo volumes can be unpredictable. Trade flows are often uneven, with heavy demand in one direction and little in the other. Finally, there are the same cost constraints and requirements for customer service that apply to mainstream destinations. At Coyne Airways, our focus is to bring cost-effective, seamless transparency to the world’s most difficult destinations. Overcoming these challenges requires flexible solutions, trusted local knowledge, strong partnerships, and clear, reliable communication throughout the supply chain.

How does Coyne Airways safeguard fragile or high-value cargo in remote regions? 

Ensuring the safety of fragile or high-value cargo in challenging regions starts with maintaining control and visibility across the entire journey. We try to manage the full logistics chain. Before acceptance, we often advise customers on proper packing to reduce the risk of damage or interference. At origin and destination, we work closely with trusted ground handling partners to make sure the right security measures are in place. We also recognise that “high-value” can mean different things depending on the market: sometimes sneakers are a high-theft risk. That’s why we rely on experienced local partners who understand on-the-ground risks. We also use a single air waybill from origin to destination to keep documentation tight, while professional handling, secure storage, and quick transit help minimise exposure throughout the shipment’s journey.

How does Coyne Airways ensure reliable service in conflict-affected regions?

Maintaining reliability in unstable regions is about being proactive, not reactive. At Coyne Airways, we have experience in dealing with the unexpected, holding our nerve, and finding innovative solutions. A big part of that is operational agility. We use a hub-and-spoke model, moving cargo from global origins to key hubs via interline partners. From there, we have access to a wide range of aircraft and operators. That flexibility allows us to choose the right aircraft for the mission — whether it’s a rugged aircraft suited to challenging environments or a Western-operated option — while keeping costs competitive. Just as important are our trusted local partners, who provide on-the-ground insight and help us maintain seamless service and visibility, even when infrastructure is limited.

How do you deliver cargo where airport facilities are minimal and infrastructure poor?

When airport facilities are minimal or transport networks are underdeveloped, flexibility is everything. At Coyne Airways, we have a lot of experience with some of the industry’s most rugged aircraft, namely the Ilyushin Il-76, and the Antonov An-12 and An-124. These aircraft are built for tough environments, with strong short take-off and landing performance that allows them to operate on unpaved or damaged runways where standard freighters simply can’t land. They are also self-sufficient, equipped with onboard ramps and lifting equipment, which means we can load and unload heavy cargo even when no ground handling equipment is available. While they are less fuel-efficient than many Western aircraft, we balance costs by using interline lift and even sea lift into regional hubs where possible.