Add to that the latest surge in fuel prices (up $40 per barrel when compared to last year) and an increased roll by some of the world’s foremost LCC carriers in moving cargo, and it might seem that the landscape for cargo carriers is a little bleak in the run up to World Routes.
However, according to IATA, cargo markets will be squeezed, but will remain profitable this year. Global trade is now strong, and companies worldwide are showing signs of spending on capital goods. It would seem that, despite recent difficulties, the cargo industry can ride the storm of recovery better than the passenger industry. It is significant that at such a challenging time for the carriers, these airline representatives are set to attend World Routes in record numbers, with more senior delegations than ever before to discuss current issues with their peers.
This year, almost all of the major players within the industry are taking part in World Routes in Berlin. Some of the names include Air China Cargo, Jade Cargo, UPS, Emirates SkyCargo, Saudi Arabian Cargo and FedEx. Many are attending to take part in The Route Development Cargo Strategy Summitm which this year features some of the prominent speakers from the world’s airlines. Des Vertannes, global head of air cargo, IATA; Lise-Marie Turpin, managing director, Air Canada Cargo; and Shahari Sulaiman, managing director, MasKargo, are among the many executives set to speak.
Neil Mulligan, Routes’ senior airline manager, commented: “This is by far the most high caliber list of cargo attendees we’ve ever had at Routes. Demand has been such that we have also introduced Routes Cargo Talks Theatres, which already have been filled by key industry players keen to use the platform of Routes to discuss the industry and brief the global audience on their own situations. We’re now seeing ACMI leasing companies and forwarders registering for stands at Routes and using www.routesonline.com in order to highlight their services to the 350-plus carriers that attend the event.”
With the combination of Strategy Summit and individual Routes Cargo Talks Theatres, which enables carriers to prearrange one-on-one meetings with airports and other carriers, this year’s Routes looks set to embrace the cargo industry into its flagship event more than ever.
In order to be a sponsor or have the opportunity to speak at a Routes Talks Cargo Theatre or to list your leasing opportunities, please contact [email protected].,