Our global freight forwarding network keeps our customers freight moving across the world.

Reports: Germany says Russia to blame for explosives found at Leipzig Airport

Germany has accused Russia of being responsible for a drone carrying explosives that was discovered within the cargo area of Leipzig Airport last month, according to media reports. The Saxony State had confirmed that an airport employee discovered a drone equipped with an unknown explosive device during the night of 4-5 August. The detonator was removed and a controlled explosion was also carried out by police. A suspected second unidentified flying object later collided with a DHL freighter, while a third drone was reportedly found near the airport 10 days later. Germany's interior minister Alexander Dobrindt said at a press conference on 1 September that findings of investigative work by German and European authorities "clearly point to Russian involvement", reported German publication tagesschau. The German government believes Germany has been and will be the target of further such attacks by Russia, Foreign Minister Wadephul said. Additionally the Associated Press reported that Dobrindt said authorities found elements such as the drone configuration, components, explosives and detonator that are "known to us from other Russian hybrid operations and its war against Ukraine." He said the device pointed to "a high degree of technical expertise" and painstaking planning, but carrying out the plan appears to have been left to "low-level" agents. ""Taken together, the police investigations, the pattern and intelligence findings prove a Russian responsibility for the attempted attack at Leipzig airport," he said. The German government has ordered the closure of the Russian consulate general in Bonn on 18 September.

Gianluca Marcangelo joins Awery

Awery Aviation Software has appointed Gianluca Marcangelo as executive vice president of global sales. Marcangelo's career in air cargo spans sales, marketing, operations, digital innovation and aviation software, including leadership roles at Challenge Group and Oman Air. "Air cargo is at a pivotal point in its digital transformation, as AI, greater connectivity, and standards such as IATA ONE Record change how companies operate and do business," said Marcangelo. "Awery has the agility, technology, and industry expertise to turn that transformation into practical commercial and operational benefits for its customers. "I am working closely with customers and industry stakeholders to understand where technology can make the greatest difference, while expanding Awery's global reach and supporting its next phase of growth." Awery is focused on growing its customer base across airlines, general sales and service agents (GSSA), and charter brokers, while continuing to support a broad range of operators across air cargo, including onboard courier (OBC) providers and e-commerce companies. "Gianluca understands both the operational realities of air cargo and how technology can help businesses become more efficient and commercially successful," said Tristan Koch, chief commercial officer, Awery. "As Awery continues to grow globally, his commercial experience and industry knowledge will be instrumental in bringing our technology to more customers and strengthening the partnerships we have already built."

Air cargo demand rises again in July but growth eased

Air cargo demand growth in July was backed by strong performances by airlines in Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America, but gains eased from earlier in the year. Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), increased by 3.9% compared to July 2025. "The broad advance showed that cargo demand held firm across the main trading blocs. Growth nonetheless eased from stronger rates recorded earlier in the year, pointing to sustained expansion with less momentum," said IATA. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 1.7% year on year. This tighter supply-demand balance lifted the global cargo load factor (CLF) by 1 percentage point to 46%, noted the trade body. Average air cargo yields in July 2026 remained well above their July 2025 levels. The global operating environment was broadly supportive of air cargo demand, said IATA. Global trade increased by 7.5% year on year, while global manufacturing activity eased slightly in June but remained supportive and export orders reached their highest level in three months. The Global Manufacturing Output Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell 0.3 points to 52.7, while the New Export Orders Index rose to 50.0. Meanwhile, jet fuel prices rose by 12.2% month-on-month in July and were 56.9% higher than a year earlier. "Air cargo demand grew 3.9% year-on-year in July. While all regions recorded growth, airlines in Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America accounted for more than 90% of the overall increase," said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA's senior vice president sustainability and chief economist. "Dedicated freighters gained market share as belly-hold traffic declined, possibly reflecting demand for larger or specialist shipments and the operational flexibility that freighters can provide. "Looking ahead, the outlook remains broadly positive, supported by manufacturing activity, export orders and global trade. However, higher fuel prices, geopolitical tensions and tariff uncertainty will need to be watched carefully." Regional performance Air cargo performance diverged across major trade lanes in July. Asia-North America recorded the strongest growth, followed by Europe-Asia, and Europe-North America. In contrast, Gulf-linked corridors remained disrupted by the conflict in the Middle East. North American carriers saw a 4.8% year-on-year increase in air cargo demand in July, the strongest performance of all regions. Capacity decreased by 1.5% year on year. European carriers had a 4.4% increase in demand and capacity increased by 1.3%. Growth for Asia Pacific airlines was 4.1% year on year. Capacity increased by 3%. Latin American and Caribbean carriers also saw a 4.1% increase in demand, though capacity increased by 7%. Growth for Middle Eastern carriers was 1.7% and capacity increased by 4%. Finally, African airlines saw a 1.1% increase, the weakest performance of all regions. Capacity increased by 4.1%.