Air cargo industry never ceases to amaze the players across the globe for its resilience and commitment. 2024 proved to be a year where the numbers for the industry exceeded 2019, and it is expected 2025 will continue the momentum. One of the key aspects which transformed the industry was e-commerce; it has accelerated its growth not in one region, but in many across the globe.
-- Dr. Shehara Rizly
Air freight industry rose in the Middle East region due to the geopolitical situation which drove shipments over air, which derived a good portion of the market driving it as one of the most profitable areas. Bilateral agreements between nations, especially in the UAE and the rest of the Middle East region, has paved the way for efficient trade relations.
As a region, the Middle East has secured a powerful position in terms of express delivery and air cargo services, with high value goods such as electronics and pharmaceuticals.
Integrating technology and innovation to the industry has seen both a transformation and advancement. From efficient digital platforms to robotics, AI, IoT, blockchain to automation, the industry enhances its service offerings.
Sustainable logistics is another important aspect, which will receive more focus this year as MNCs is balancing their activities for the betterment of the industry. Projects such as Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport, set to become the world’s largest, will boost the region’s logistics capacity and position it as an international trade hub.
The air cargo industry is focusing on high value and sensitive cargo such as perishables. These are just a some of the most important drivers for the year where the region will evolve as a hub for innovation and innovation in the air cargo, logistics and supply chain.
e-commerce, urgent shipments to drive growth
Martin Bremen, Managing Director, DIMOS
In 2025, the air cargo industry would see continued growth driven by rising demand for urgent shipments and e-commerce. The integration of automation technologies and digitisation across operations will streamline processes and enhance efficiency. While economic uncertainties remain, I anticipate a rise in volumes, especially as industries adapt to supply chain challenges. The shift toward regional trade pacts and nearshoring strategies could impact the industry.”
We are optimistic about air cargo growth in 2025
Tobias Maier, CFO, DHL Global Forwarding MEA
I anticipate a wave of growth in the next year. While recent developments in the USA have introduced a speck of uncertainty regarding international trade levels, we at DHL Global Forwarding remain optimistic about continued progress in the Middle East. The region is witnessing investments and large-scale projects, and we are collaborating with partners to support the development of critical infrastructure. From solar fields to enhance energy supply to new road networks, advancements are underway.”
Focus to foster pacts between stakeholders
Saeed Kamara, Head, Cargo, flynas
In the coming year, we are planning to expand our capabilities and deepen our integration of digital technologies. A significant focus will be fostering collaboration among all stakeholders—authorities, regulators, freight forwarders, and cargo agents among others—all working together as a unified team. This synchronisation of energy will drive transformative changes, streamlining processes and delivering significant commercial impact.”
Dubai’s infra to boost trade to AED 254 million
Mohamed Jassim Al Rais, Executive Director, Al Rais Travel and shipping Agencies
I in the next year and the coming years will see double-digit growth, particularly in Dubai. The city’s robust infrastructure—right from ports to airports—combined with the ambitious Dubai Economic Agenda 33, which aims to promote trade to as many as AED 25 trillion over the next decade, will drive this expansion. These developments promise a strong outlook for air cargo and logistics industries, positioning the coming years to outperform the previous ones.”
4 more freighters to expand capacity in Ethiopian Cargo
Yamrot Nigussie, Cargo Manager Ethiopian Airlines
In the next year, Ethiopian Cargo will increase its cargo capacity significantly as we plan to add four more aircraft to our fleet in the first quarter—two Boeing 767s and two Boeing 777s. Our fleet expansion will strengthen our ability to serve the market more effectively. We anticipate that this year will turn out to be most lucrative with our plans for the year. The aviation industry in the African region is booming, there is interest from across the globe as it is one of the most untouched markets in the world.”
KSA, India emerging as new markets in 2025
Shankar Subramoniam, CEO, Salt Tech International
Significant changes are likely in the New Year, particularly in traditional trade routes. Reliance on moving goods primarily from China will shift as new markets emerge: India and KSA would become key players. We anticipate increased activity in the Mediterranean region, and Europe is preparing for these changes as well. Overall, transit movement between the countries will improve, and e-commerce sector has seen rapid growth.”
2025 might create good climate for trade
Jophin Varghese, CEO, Freighter
We are optimistic about 2025. Compared to 2024, we anticipate at least a 20 per cent increase in business volume across air freight, sea freight, and other segments. By then, we also hope regional tensions will have subsided, creating a favourable environment for trade. We are now expanding our efforts to develop import shipments from Europe to the GCC. There is activity in imports from South America to this region.”
More regulations in many countries in New Year
Matt Petot, CEO and Founder CargoAi
In 2025, we will see more regulations introduced in several countries, compelling firms not just to measure their environmental impact, but reduce it. In air cargo, one straightforward solution to lower CO2 emissions is shifting to sea freight. However, that is often not practical, as air cargo is used out of necessity, not preference.
An alternative, instead of shifting from air to sea freight, is optimizing air cargo routes. Choosing efficient routes or airlines can reduce emissions by up to 50 per cent.”
Industry down path of optimism in New Year
Nadia Abdul Aziz, President, NAFL
The situation presents a positive opportunity. Broadly speaking, geopolitical unrest in the region—Russia-Ukraine conflict, and tensions in Palestine, Lebanon—led to disruptions. We have seen vessels attacked, forcing ships to reroute through the Cape of Good Hope. In 2025, we are hopeful the industry would go down the path of optimism it has been going so far. The popularity of multimodal transport is also rising as businesses strive to deliver goods on time and optimize their supply chain routes.”
Exposing chinks, creating solutions is our goal
Archival Garcia, CEO, Fluent Cargo
Covid-19 has revealed weaknesses in supply chains, particularly in processes that organisations rely on. Shippers, and service providers struggle to collaborate effectively within this ecosystem. Our goal is to address these issues by exposing inefficiencies and creating solutions that are accessible to everyone. The challenge is to standardise how data is communicated, shared, and used to support each other.”
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