The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released the 2027 editions of its cargo and ground operations manuals, introducing updated standards and procedures designed to improve safety, efficiency and consistency across the aviation industry. Key changes include new guidance for biometric passenger handling and contactless travel, revised standards for temperature-controlled and perishable cargo, updated baggage identification procedures and enhanced requirements

Lufthansa Cargo significantly improved its financial performance during the first half of 2026. Revenue increased by 16% to EUR 1.92 billion, compared with EUR 1.65 billion in the same period last year. Adjusted EBIT rose by 47% to EUR 199 million, while the adjusted EBIT margin improved from 8.2% to 10.4%. Available cargo capacity increased by 5% to 7.21 billion freight tonne-kilometres, supported particularly by additional belly capacity, including cargo space marketed on I

Ethiopian Airlines Cargo has launched a new freighter service connecting Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in China with Addis Ababa Bole International Airport in Ethiopia. The route commenced on 28 August 2026 and will initially operate twice weekly using a Boeing 777 freighter. Ethiopian Airlines may later increase the frequency to four flights per week as demand grows. The new service establishes a direct cargo connection between southwestern China and Africa, supportin

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that the 2026 IATA Cargo Experts Conference (CEC) will take place in Budapest, Hungary, on 23–24 September 2026. Held under the theme “From Expertise to Execution,” the conference will bring together air cargo professionals to exchange practical knowledge and explore how global standards, technology and data can improve everyday cargo operations. The programme will feature three specialised tracks: Digital Cargo

LATAM Cargo has completed a complex charter operation transporting eight tigers and seven lions from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Denver, United States, with a technical stop in Santiago, Chile. The operation was organised following a rescue mission by animal welfare organisation Four Paws International. After arriving in Denver, the animals were transferred to specialised vehicles for the final journey to The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colorado. The shipment weighed

FedEx has expanded its intra-Asia network with a new dedicated non-stop freighter service connecting its Asia-Pacific hub in Guangzhou, China, with Sydney, Australia. The route operates five times per week using Boeing 777 freighter aircraft, increasing air cargo capacity and strengthening trade connectivity between Asia and the Australian market. The new service is expected to reduce transit times for selected shipments by up to one day. Goods originating from southern mainl

DHL Express has strengthened its logistics infrastructure and air network in China through a major expansion of its Shenzhen “Super Gateway” and the launch of a new intercontinental freighter service. The company invested EUR 177 million in expanding the Shenzhen facility, marking DHL’s largest investment in mainland China to date. Located at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, the gateway has tripled its processing capacity to approximately 900 tonnes per day. The expande

Qatar Airways Cargo has expanded its TechLift service by adding specialised RGX and RZY containers from Van Riemsdijk Rotterdam (VRR), further strengthening its capabilities in transporting high-value and sensitive semiconductor equipment. The 16-foot RZY and 20-foot RGX containers are purpose-built for the secure transportation of semiconductor fabrication machinery and other advanced capital equipment. Both models feature climate-control systems and enhanced shock-absorptio

Saudi Arabia’s SAL Logistics Services has taken a major step in its international expansion by completing the acquisition of Aviapartner Liège, establishing its first operational presence in Europe. The transaction, valued at approximately SAR 120 million (€27 million / $32 million), gives SAL a strategic foothold at Liège Airport in Belgium, one of Europe’s important air cargo hubs. Aviapartner Liège provides cargo handling and ground services and connects SAL with a strateg

Lufthansa Cargo delivered a strong financial performance in the first half of 2026, supported by growing demand, expanded cargo capacity and continued investment in its global logistics infrastructure. Revenue increased by 16% to €1.92 billion, compared with €1.65 billion during the same period last year. Adjusted EBIT climbed even faster, rising 47% to €199 million, up from €135 million in the first half of 2025. The company’s Adjusted EBIT margin consequently improved from

IAG Cargo reported a challenging second quarter of 2026, with cargo revenue declining by 5.1% year-on-year to £295 million, while cargo traffic fell 16.9% due to reduced capacity caused by ongoing disruptions in the Middle East. Despite lower volumes, the company achieved a 14.2% increase in cargo yields, reflecting strong demand for premium and specialized cargo services. The reduction in available capacity resulted from flight schedule changes and network adjustments across

Emirates SkyCargo has reported strong growth in export cargo volumes from the United Kingdom, with shipments increasing by double-digit percentages during the last financial year. The airline attributes the growth to rising international demand for high-value British exports and the continued expansion of its global cargo network through Dubai. Among the fastest-growing export categories were pharmaceuticals, aerospace components, engineering products, automotive parts, peris

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported that global air cargo demand increased by 8.5% year-on-year in June 2026, marking another month of solid growth despite ongoing geopolitical and trade uncertainties. Demand expanded across all major regions, including the Middle East, highlighting the continued resilience of the global air freight market. The strong performance has been supported by improving manufacturing activity, rising international trade, an

Saudia Cargo has officially launched a new scheduled cargo route between Riyadh and Melbourne, marking the first direct air freight connection between Saudi Arabia and Australia. The inaugural flight departed on 25 July and represents a major step in strengthening trade and logistics ties between the two countries. The new service is operated by a Boeing 747-400 freighter with a payload capacity of more than 100 tonnes. Thanks to its nose-loading capability, the aircraft can

United Airlines reported a strong performance for its cargo business in the second quarter of 2026, with cargo revenue increasing 22.6% year-on-year to USD 527 million. The growth was primarily driven by higher air freight yields, rather than increased shipment volumes, reflecting continued strength in pricing across the air cargo market. Average cargo yields rose by around 12%, supported by strong demand for time-sensitive shipments and a favourable market environment. While

DHL Global Forwarding has introduced a new three times weekly air cargo service connecting Bangkok and Cincinnati, strengthening freight connections between Southeast Asia and the United States. The new TransPac Connect solution provides customers with secure cargo capacity, reliable schedules and greater supply chain resilience. The service uses widebody freighter aircraft with up to 100 tons of cargo capacity per flight and is supported by DHL's road feeder network across t

Cargolux has confirmed that a Luxembourg court has ratified a plea agreement between the airline and the Luxembourg State Prosecutor regarding an influence peddling case linked to its operations in Gabon. The company emphasized that the ruling affects only the company itself, does not involve any individuals, and will have no impact on its day-to-day operations, customers, or global cargo services. The case relates to business activities carried out between 2010 and 2015. Ac

Turkish Cargo has introduced TK AUTO, a new specialized logistics product designed to meet the time-critical and sensitive transportation requirements of the global automotive industry. The solution was unveiled during the Air Cargo China exhibition and expands the carrier's portfolio of value-added cargo services. TK AUTO is divided into two dedicated service categories: TK AUTO PART and TK AUTO FINISHED. TK AUTO PART focuses on the rapid and reliable transportation of criti

Korean Air has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Samsung Financial Networks aimed at developing new business opportunities and creating innovative services that combine the strengths of the aviation and financial sectors. The agreement brings together Korean Air, Hanjin KAL, Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, and Samsung Financial Networks, which includes Samsung Life Insurance, Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, Samsung Card, Samsung Securities, and Samsung Asset Management

China's air cargo sector continues to expand its long-haul freight capabilities as airlines invest in larger and more efficient aircraft to support growing international trade flows. The latest fleet expansion by a major Chinese cargo carrier underscores the strong demand for dedicated freighter capacity amid the continued growth of e-commerce, cross-border trade, and global manufacturing supply chains. The addition of another widebody freighter marks an important milestone f