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Taipei air cargo operations battle to clear backlogs

Air cargo operations at Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) are facing delays as handlers battle backlogs caused by Typhoon Champi, which struck Taipei towards the end of October, and heightened AI-related demand. The tropical cyclone battered Taiwan on 22 and 23 October, with winds reaching around 185 miles per hour. According to freight forwarder Expeditors, freighter operations were suspended from 23-25 October as a result. It is estimated that more than 207 freighter flights were cancelled, creating a "substantial import backlog". Expeditors said that cargo terminals remain congested and freighter delays are expected throughout the fourth quarter while terminals clear the residual backlog. The company added that cargo volumes at the airport were already elevated as a result of increased exports of AI servers, semiconductor equipment, and related products, and increased imports of semiconductor equipment, raw materials, and server parts. This demand means that handlers at the airport are already handling an additional 80-90 freighter flights per month on top of regular commercial flights. There are also dolly (flatbed trailer) and manpower constraints. For exports, Expeditors said that shippers should expect longer cargo handling and acceptance lead times, while for imports there were delays to cargo breakdown and availability. "Further freighter cancellations remain possible while terminals clear the backlog," Expeditors said. "China Airlines freighter services have experienced the most disruption, including cancellations and delays," it added. "China Airlines, EVA Air, and STARLUX Airlines have advised that cargo handling and export processing may take longer." Seko Logistics has also reported cargo congestion at the airport. "Increased cargo volumes at TPE are placing pressure on ground handling resources, potentially affecting shipment processing and departure schedules," the company said. "Selected China Airlines flights, including US-bound freighter services, have also been cancelled." It added that China Airlines, EVA Air and STARLUX Airlines have advised that increased import cargo volumes at TPE are placing pressure on manpower, cargo dollies and handling capacity. "Cargo handling may be delayed, export processing may take longer and planned departure schedules may change," it warned. Both companies said that customers should share forecasts, book space and flag sensitive cargo as early as possible.

Atlas Air adds Incheon cargo terminal

Atlas Air Worldwide has opened a new cargo terminal at Incheon International (ICN) in partnership with Sharp Aviation K to cater for growth in its Asia business. The new Cargo Terminal 3 measures 19,320 sq m and adds 180,000 tons of annual handling capacity. The terminal will expand Atlas' pharma capabilities by adding a 2,900 sq m cool chain complex. The facility will be operated by Atlas Air Cargo Terminals (AACT), a joint venture between Atlas Air Worldwide and Sharp Aviation K. AACT, established by Atlas and Sharp in 2007, now operates three cargo terminals at Incheon, providing nearly 49,000 sq m of cargo infrastructure and annual handling capacity exceeding 460,000 tons. Atlas and Sharp are also advancing the development of Atlas Air Technical Services (AATS), a dedicated four-bay widebody maintenance facility at Incheon that is expected to become operational in 2027. The company said that the two projects would support its long-term growth and the evolving demands of the Asia Pacific air cargo market. Atlas Air Worldwide chief executive Michael Steen said: "Asia remains one of the most important regions for global trade, and our longstanding partnership with Sharp has enabled us to deliver high-quality ground handling services to our customers in Korea. "Through AACT, we've built a world-class cargo handling platform that continues to grow with the needs of our customers." The development of AATS will allow Atlas to insource approximately one-third of its heavy maintenance volume, to provide greater control over maintenance quality and turnaround times. "Together, these investments reflect our long-term commitment to the region and our focus on building the infrastructure and capabilities needed to support our customers' growth," added Steen.

LATAM Cargo to benefit from 90 tons of belly capacity on new São Paulo-Geneva route

LATAM Cargo is set to benefit from up to 91 tonnes of belly capacity on LATAM Airlines Brasil's new direct passenger service between São Paulo and Geneva, launching in March next year. Operating three times a week on Boeing 787-9 aircraft, LATAM Airlines Brasil's service will offer 55 tonnes of weekly capacity on the outbound route from São Paulo to Geneva, enabling cargo originating in Chile, Peru, and Colombia to reach Switzerland through passenger flight connections via the Guarulhos hub, said LATAM Cargo. Outbound flights from South America will drive shipments of dry cargo, components, industrial spare parts, and high-value goods. On inbound flights from Switzerland, the operation will provide 36 tonnes of weekly capacity into South America, catering to IATA CEIV Pharma-certified pharmaceutical shipments, including temperature-controlled medicines. Pharmaceuticals transported by LATAM Cargo between Europe and Brazil grew approximately 150% from January to July compared to the same period last year. Claudio Torres, commercial vice president for South America at LATAM Cargo Group, said: "The opening of this direct route between São Paulo and Geneva represents a major milestone for regional foreign trade. "By connecting LATAM's operating hubs in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Colombia with the Swiss market through Guarulhos, LATAM Cargo can deliver an efficient, robust, and reliable logistics alternative to South American exporters and importers, significantly reducing transit times and supporting more efficient trade flows across the region." LATAM Cargo noted that by offering a direct connection to Geneva, the service will "also help avoid lengthy road feeder journeys from other European hubs, cutting transit times by at least eight hours and enhancing operational reliability for connected markets such as Germany and Italy". Jorge Carretero, cargo sales director for Europe at LATAM Airlines, said: "The new route by LATAM Airlines Brasil allows LATAM Cargo to commercialise belly-hold capacity and strengthen their commercial offering in Europe. "By eliminating the need for long ground transit routes, LATAM Cargo can offer Switzerland's pharmaceutical and high-value industries a reliable logistics solution supported by CEIV Pharma Certification."