Pakistan Freight Forwarding Services
Air & Sea Freight Between Pakistan and the UK

Xeneta: Little evidence of an air cargo peak season boost

The air cargo market is continuing to cool and there is little evidence that airlines will this year gain a peak season boost, according to data provider Xeneta. The data provider today released its market update for July, showing a demand increase of 4% year on year, while capacity was up 1% and the cargo load factor reached 61%. However, average airfreight spot rates fell to $3.12 per kg from $3.40 per kg in July - although they remain up 28% year on year as a result of higher fuel surcharges and the Middle East conflict. Xeneta said that this month-on-month decline in spot rates, and a slowdown in the pace of year-on-year rate growth from 38% in June and 41% in May, was a sign of a weakening market. Demand growth in July also narrowed from the 8% improvement registered in June. "The rate premiums airfreight buyers have paid since the escalation of the Middle East conflict in late February are continuing to unwind, with little evidence of a peak season boost for airlines and forwarders to look forward to, as the global air cargo market faces a slower second half of 2026," said Xeneta. Xeneta chief airfreight officer, Niall van de Wouw added that there were minimal conversations regarding charter capacity for the peak season. "Very few people are talking about peak season," said van de Wouw. "In all the conversations we've had with our shipper community, in only one was there talk of peak season charters. "This is another signal of the lower expectation for the coming months," he added. The company recently upgraded its demand outlook for the year, but this was largely based on performance in the first half as opposed to expectations for the end of the year. As a result of the weaker market conditions, Xeneta is expecting rates to continue to ease as the year progresses. "Airlines will be fighting tooth and nail to avoid reducing rates as quickly as they went up. It's not in their interests to lower rates quickly, but there is some relief for shippers with the market on a downward trajectory year-on-year," explained van de Wouw. "Rates are swinging backwards, and we expect that to continue, despite the situation in the Middle East still being unclear." Another development that has affected the air cargo market in July was the European Union's implementation of a €3 customs duty on low-value parcels imported from outside the bloc. Xeneta said that this development contributed to spot rates from Northeast Asia to Europe falling 13% month on month, with Southeast Asia to Europe down 9%. "Most striking was China to Western Europe, where spot rates fell 22% month on month to $4.15 per kg - a far steeper July decline than the low single-digit falls seen in the same period in the last two years," the analyst said, adding: "Market reports already point to freighter capacity being withdrawn from China-Europe e-commerce services." The other hot topic of the year has been the rise in AI shipments on the transpacific trade, with rates again up to North America. Xeneta figures show that spot rates from Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia to North America were both 33% above late-February levels - although this too has eased from the 41% and 42% levels recorded at the end of June.

Logistics wins wars, and Leipzig shows the enemy knows it

No kidding: an explosive drone on the apron of Europe's biggest express cargo hub is a warning the air freight industry cannot afford to file under "security's problem". Armies have known it for centuries: logistics wins wars. From Wellington's obsession with supply lines to NATO's current preoccupation with sustainment corridors, the side that moves materiel fastest and most reliably tends to prevail. The corollary is equally old: if you cannot outrun your enemy's supply chain, destroy it.

BIFA appoints Amanda Francis as PR and media manager

UK forwarder association BIFA has appointed Amanda Francis as PR and media manager. With 15 years' experience of leading strategic communications across public and private sectors, Francis will develop and execute a national, regional and trade PR strategy for BIFA. She will work closely with senior stakeholders to support policy communications, raise BIFA's profile and present BIFA TV to members. Francis' career experience includes developing thought leadership campaigns, managing high-profile reputational issues and delivering integrated PR and communications strategies. As Francis steps up, Ian Matheson will move towards semi-retirement after 20 years as BIFA's PR Consultant. BIFA thanked Matheson for his longstanding contribution in raising the organisation's profile and supporting its communications activity over two decades. In the role, Francis will be responsible for output across all communications activity, working closely with cross-functional teams across PR, digital and creative to deliver integrated and impactful campaigns. Steve Parker, director general of BIFA, said: "Amanda's work building strategic storytelling across notable brands makes her a great fit for BIFA. We look forward to her presenting BIFA TV and leading a PR strategy to elevate our story to members and media." Dawn White, events and communications director at BIFA, commented: "Amanda's appointment marks an exciting step in strengthening how we communicate BIFA's work and the value we deliver for members. Her experience will help us tell more of the stories that matter, raise BIFA's profile and engage members and stakeholders through compelling communications." Francis added: "I'm proud to be joining BIFA at such an important time for the freight and logistics sector. Freight forwarding sits at the heart of international trade, and I'm looking forward to working with members and the media to showcase BIFA's expertise and the vital role the industry plays in keeping global commerce moving."