Welcome to the latest issue of Airline Cargo Management.

The world of air cargo chartering features many complex demands and complications, but at it’s heart is pretty simple – get the freight to its destination speedily, smoothly and safely.

“There is much to consider in terms of aircraft types to and from different destinations, overflight permits, potential sanction-related issues and, ultimately, the client requirements – you need to meet their timelines,” says Neil Dursley, chief commercial officer at Chapman Freeborn Air Chartering, in our cover feature.

The Covid crisis drove unprecedented demand for air cargo charter, and has changed the landscape forever – and demand still remains high. That means digital tools and technologies will be needed to adapt to the new situation. “Since the pandemic we’ve seen a massive surge in technology companies focusing on cargo and there are lots of applications in the pipeline,” reports Dursley.

It’s a complete reversal in fortunes for the air freight charter industry, which was in decline prior to 2019, according to Glenn Hogben, chief executive at The Air Charter Association. He now expects the industry to “remain buoyant well into the future”.

Another market that is experiencing rapid growth is that for converting mainline passenger aircraft into freighters. There are many aircraft options available and many conversion programmes either underway or announced – albeit with conversion slots at a premium – and we review this array of possibilities in another major feature this issue.

These features appear alongside our selection of regular columns, which this time include a look at how cargo operators can leverage advanced technologies for optimised operations in ‘Industry Voices’; how Worldwide Flight Services is embracing solar power in ‘Green Sky’; and the latest innovations and launches in ‘Trend Watch’.

Click here to read the digital issue.