In the New Year, the Middle East is all set to emerge as a linchpin for the future of the air cargo industry, as envisioned by industry experts. Located at the nexus of global trade routes, the region is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of international logistics.
Aspirations for the Middle East’s air cargo sector in 2024 are multifaceted, encompassing strategic objectives to fortify its position as a premier hub.
Abigail Mathias
IInfrastructure development takes center stage, with ambitious plans to expand and modernize airports and cargo facilities. These enhancements aim to facilitate smoother and efficient cargo movement, accommodating the escalating demands of a burgeoning global market.
Simultaneously, there is a concerted effort to streamline customs procedures, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and enhancing the overall agility of the supply chain.
The region’s strategic location continues to make it a pivotal hub for global logistics.
Aspirations for the air cargo sector in the Middle East revolve around enhancing infrastructure, streamlining customs processes, and embracing cutting-edge technologies. Stakeholders aim to capitalize on the region’s geographical advantage by fostering innovation and collaboration.
Furthermore, there is a focus on sustainability, with initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of air freight operations. In summary, the Middle East’s air cargo industry aspires to be a beacon of efficiency, technological advancement, and sustainability by 2024, contributing significantly to the global logistics landscape.
Cybersecurity must for navigating skies
Shankar Chatterjee, Chairman & Managing Director, S CUBE Trans Continental Group
Forecasts predict 13.92 billion km in air freight and 376.30k carrier departures by 2023, with international surge hitting 35.0 billion tonne-kilometers (+14.28%) by 2028. I have witnessed the impact of sustainable aviation, drone deliveries, AI integration, and enhanced cargo tracking aligning with climate initiatives to reduce carbon footprint.
Navigating these skies demands cybersecurity prowess. The e-commerce sector is eyeing a US$8 billion boom by 2025, fueling last-mile delivery demand and steering the logistics market’s remarkable growth.”
Middle East region a vital air cargo hub
Pongsathorn Sangasang, Director, Ground Operation and Commercial, Pattaya Airways
The location of the Middle East, situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, underscores its importance as an air cargo hub. Investment in infrastructure has been made by many countries in the region, focusing on development of airports and related infrastructure, and enhancing capacity for air cargo management and transportation.
The airlines, which have expanded their networks globally, play a vital role in air cargo. These factors make the region one of the key global points for air cargo transportation.”
Kingpin in supply chain movement
Shibu George, Chief Executive Officer, KRS Logistics
The Middle East has become a cargo and logistics hub for world cargo movement whether by air or sea. Two of the world’s best five airlines for cargo and passengers belong to the region thus making it stronger to meet the air cargo needs of the day.
Dubai International, Hamad International and King Abdul-Aziz International make the region a
kingpin in the supply chain movement. The cargo hub’s existing infrastructure can meet challenges in supply chain for next two decades, including e-commerce logistics and future AI.”
ME crucial spot in global air cargo
Imtiaz Ahmed, Manager, Warehouse & Operation, Orient Cargo Agency
The Middle East stands as an indispensable force in global trade dynamics. Renowned for its geographic positioning, the region serves as a nexus linking continents. With cutting-edge infra and commitment to technological innovation, its hubs are transforming into epicenters of sustainable air cargo ops.
As the world relies on rapid and reliable logistics, the Middle East emerges as an architect of the future cargo landscape, ensuring seamless flow of goods and positioning itself at the forefront of global commerce.”
Sustainabile solutions must for air cargo
Matt Petot, CEO, CargoAi
Digitalisation and innovation are here to stay in air cargo, with 2024 promising a narrative of sustainability and growth. Forward looking players are embracing sustainable and digital practices, optimizing routes, and investing in advanced technologies such as CargoMART and CargoWALLET to meet demand.
Sustainability will become vital in air cargo with a need from governments and our partners of innovative and scalable solutions—where we hope to contribute with Cargo2ZERO.”
Collaborations are keystone for sector
Supriya Salve, Strategic Director, Vegat Logistics Services
Technological innovation is the cornerstone of the future of air cargo, with a focus on adoption of latest solutions. The region seeks to lead air cargo, by embracing technology. In 2024, stakeholders would be attuned to sustainability. Initiatives are underway to mitigate impact of air freight ops, with a commitment to adopt greener practices. Experts recognize partner-ships for navigating the changing landscape. The industry aspires to be a sustainable logistics powerhouse in 2024.”
Exploiting opportunities in air cargo
Shafaf Shereefudheen, Director, Aerospace and Defense, Middle East & South Asia, Bolloré Logistics
The UAE is at the cutting edge of technology. The objective is not to miss out on the development of this region and the countries that make it up, as there are many opportunities to be found there. Since the year gone by, Bolloré Logistics holds EN/AS 9120 certification in the UAE, affirming our commitment to excellence in aeronautical and defense parts storage and distribution. This accreditation guarantees adherence to standards, assuring partners of our dedication to the safe, fast delivery in air cargo sector.”
Middle East logistics industry to expand
Shinod Jabbar, Warehouse Operations Manager, Qatar Navigation, QSC Logistics
The Middle East’s logistics industry is experiencing expansion and progress. With the region’s strategically advantageous geographical position, increasing trade activities, and ongoing investments in infrastructure, this region is undergoing substantial development. The air cargo and logistics sectors are not only rapidly evolving but are also young at heart, embracing modern technologies and innovations to enhance efficiency in transportation, supply chain management, and overall logistics operations.”