Global air freight rates were largely stable last week after the sharp increases seen over the previous two months, according to the latest data from TAC Index. The global Baltic Air Freight Index (BAI00) rose marginally by 0.4% in the week ending May 11 and remained 35.8% higher year-on-year, as the market continued adjusting to the new operating environment following the attacks on Iran launched by the US and Israel at the end of February.

Spot rates from Hong Kong and India eased slightly during the week, although rates on Transpacific routes from South Korea to the US continued to rise. Rates on key outbound lanes from China to Europe and the US also declined week-on-week, though they remained significantly higher than a year ago.

The index for outbound routes from Hong Kong (BAI30), which reflects spot and forward rates, increased 1.6% week-on-week and was up 37.9% year-on-year. In contrast, the outbound Shanghai index (BAI80) fell 3.6% from the previous week, although it remained 36.1% higher compared with the same period last year.

Following the recent surge in rates, prices from Vietnam and Bangkok to Europe also softened week-on-week, while rates to the US continued to rise. From Seoul, Taiwan and India, rates to Europe increased further during the week, although trends on US-bound routes were mixed.

In Europe, air freight rates were generally softer after strong gains in recent weeks. Week-on-week declines were recorded on routes to the US, China, Brazil, Mexico and Australia. Rates to Japan were flat, while prices to India, South Africa and the UAE increased modestly, extending recent gains following the sudden reduction in Gulf capacity at the end of February.

The outbound Frankfurt index (BAI20) slipped 0.7% week-on-week but remained 13% higher year-on-year. London Heathrow’s outbound index (BAI40) declined 5.5% during the week, although it was still up 61.8% compared with a year earlier.

In contrast, rates from the US rose strongly week-on-week, with double-digit gains on routes to Europe, China and South America. The increases were led by higher southbound rates from Miami. The outbound Chicago index (BAI50) climbed 14.1% week-on-week, taking it 41.4% above last year’s level.

Meanwhile, rates from Mexico to Europe fell sharply from the previous week after recent increases, though they continued to remain higher year-on-year.

Cargo volumes at Brussels Airport rose 6.2% year-on-year to nearly 74,000 tonnes in April 2026, driven mainly by growth in belly cargo and integrator services. Total cargo volumes reached 73,991 tonnes during the month, while full freighter volumes declined by 4.7% compared to April 2025.

Brussels Airport said belly cargo increased by 11.3% in April, while integrator services recorded growth of 11.4%. Trucked volumes also rose by 6.5%. In contrast, cargo carried on full freighter aircraft fell during the month.

The airport noted that the main import regions were Asia, Africa and North America, while the leading export regions were Asia and North America.

Brussels Airport handled 277,862 aircraft movements in April, marking a 4.8% increase compared to the same period last year.

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics recorded Group revenue of EUR 3.7 billion in fiscal year 2025, compared with EUR 3.8 billion a year earlier, while total shipment volumes increased slightly to approximately 21 million.

Europe remained the largest region, contributing 56 % of total revenue, with Western Europe accounting for 50 % and Eastern Europe for 6 %. Americas contributed 23 %, Asia-Pacific 13 %, and IMEA 8 % of total revenue. By product division, Airfreight accounted for 27%.

Operating in a challenging global environment marked by geopolitical uncertainty, sluggish trade activity, and continued margin pressure in the logistics sector, the company maintained stable business performance. It achieved shipment growth above market trends, supported by market share gains and strong customer partnerships.

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics also continued efforts to streamline costs and enhance operational efficiency, contributing to a slight improvement in its equity ratio. The company said its solid financial position provides the flexibility to pursue strategic investments and support long-term growth.

With the launch of its Forward2030 growth strategy, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics established a long-term strategic roadmap aimed at strengthening its position in an increasingly dynamic global market. The company continued expanding its product portfolio, particularly in E-commerce logistics, supported by initiatives such as its partnership with SkyNet and the introduction of the joint cross-border E-commerce solution, “near”.

At the same time, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics further expanded its international presence by launching a new country organisation in Colombia and opening additional locations in strategic markets. The company said this growth momentum is continuing into 2026, highlighted by its recently announced automotive joint venture with Motherson.

The company also progressed its sustainability initiatives during 2025 with the publication of its Sustainability Report, which outlines defined CO₂ reduction targets and aligns with key Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) principles.

Jen Drewes, CEO at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, said, “2025 was characterized by a very demanding market environment. In this context, I am proud of what our global team has achieved together. We have delivered solid operational performance while, at the same time, setting a clear strategic course through Forward2030, with a strong emphasis on customer centricity. The foundations are in place, our priorities are defined, and we are well-positioned to capture growth opportunities in the years ahead.”

Martin Eberle, CFO at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, commented, “Maintaining stable revenue and improving our equity ratio in such a volatile environment is a clear sign of our financial discipline and resilience. Our strong cost management and solid balance sheet give us the flexibility to continue investing in growth, innovation, and digital capabilities. This financial stability is a key enabler for executing our strategy and further strengthening Hellmann’s market position.”  

Avianca Cargo transported more than 21,000 tonnes of flowers from Colombia and Ecuador during the 2026 Mother’s Day season, marking the largest seasonal flower operation in the airline’s history. The carrier operated more than 330 cargo flights and dedicated 42 per cent of its total capacity to flower transportation during the peak export period to the United States.

The airline said it accounted for 42 per cent of Colombian flower exports to the U.S. during the season. Including exports from Ecuador, Avianca Cargo said that at least one out of every three flowers exported from the region travelled aboard its aircraft. Around 330 million stems were transported during the period.

To support the increase in seasonal demand, the carrier expanded its freighter operations with a fleet of nine dedicated cargo aircraft, two more than in the previous year. Additional leased capacity was also introduced to manage export volumes while maintaining services across other cargo markets.

“Mother’s Day remains one of the most significant seasons for the flower industry, and we are proud to deliver another strong performance that reinforces our leadership in the market,” said Diogo Elias, CEO of Avianca Cargo. “This year’s results reflect the scale of our operation and the trust our partners place in us to move more than 21,000 tonnes of flowers to the United States, which reflects the coordinated work across the entire logistics chain and further strengthens our role as a key connector between Colombia, Ecuador and global markets.”

The United States remains the largest market for flower exports from Colombia and Ecuador during the Mother’s Day season, with Miami continuing to serve as a major entry point for perishable traffic.

“Miami-Dade County continues to be home to America’s largest gateway for fresh flowers, where more than 1,500 tonnes of stems have been arriving daily this year for Mother’s Day,” said Daniella Levine Cava. “As MIA continues to rise as a global cargo hub, now ranked #3 in the world for total freight, our strong partnerships with leading cargo airlines like Avianca and the dedicated support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection help ensure millions of blooms safely and efficiently reach moms across the country in time for the holiday.”

Operational data released by the airline showed that flower volumes peaked at approximately 24 million stems transported within a 24-hour period. During the busiest days of the season, the carrier operated up to 24 daily departures.

The airline said flower transportation typically accounts for about 30 per cent of its weekly cargo capacity. During the Mother’s Day period, this increased to 42 per cent, reflecting the importance of the holiday for growers, exporters and logistics providers across the region.

To support the seasonal operation, Avianca Cargo implemented infrastructure and staffing upgrades at key stations. In Miami, the company increased its ground workforce by 20 per cent and introduced a new inspection area in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to improve cargo processing times.

Avianca Cargo expanded warehouse capacity in Bogotá by 35 percent and increased handling space in Medellín by 41 percent. The company stated that these measures aimed to enhance cargo reception and operational efficiency during the export peak.

The airline also maintained strong market shares on major flower routes. Avianca Cargo estimated it held a 65 per cent share of the Medellín to Miami market and approximately 35 per cent of the Bogotá to Miami route during the season.

The carrier also expanded services to the U.S. West Coast, increasing Los Angeles frequencies from three to five weekly flights compared with the 2025 Mother’s Day season.

“As families prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day, our agriculture specialists and frontline officers are working tirelessly to help ensure flowers arriving into the United States are safe from harmful pests and plant diseases,” said Daniel Alonso, Director of Field Operations (CBP). “I’m incredibly proud of our workforce and their commitment to protecting America’s agriculture while helping families enjoy this meaningful holiday with peace of mind.”

As part of the seasonal campaign, Avianca Cargo also highlighted the role of workers across the floriculture and logistics sectors, including mothers involved in flower production, cargo handling and transportation operations that support exports from Colombia and Ecuador to international markets.

MCH Group has named Kuehne+Nagel as its Official Logistics Partner under a five-year agreement beginning July 1, 2026. The partnership will support operations across MCH Group’s exhibition venues, Messe Basel, Messe Zurich and Beaulieu Lausanne, which together offer over 182,000 square metres of exhibition space.

As part of the agreement, Kuehne+Nagel will provide end-to-end logistics services for exhibitors and organisers, including international freight transportation and on-site handling coordinated with event partners.

MCH Group organises globally recognised events such as the Art Basel shows in Basel, Hong Kong, Paris, Miami Beach and Qatar, as well as major Swiss exhibitions including Swissbau and Giardina, all of which require precise and time-sensitive logistics management across multiple markets and venues.

For Kuehne+Nagel, the agreement strengthens its position in expo and event logistics, reinforcing its focus on long-term partnerships and specialised support for complex international exhibitions and live events.

Roman Imgruth, CEO Exhibitions and Events at MCH Group, said, “With Kuehne+Nagel, we have found a partner that brings the expertise, global reach, and operational reliability our venues require. This long-term partnership will allow us to offer exhibitors and event organisers a seamless, consistently high-quality logistics experience across all three of our Swiss locations – and ultimately strengthen what makes our events exceptional”.

Whereas Joern Schnee, Global Head of Expo and Event Logistics at Kuehne + Nagel commented, “We are proud to be the Official Logistics Partner for MCH Group. This long‑term agreement reflects the trust placed in our expertise and underlines our commitment to supporting MCH, its exhibitors and partners with tailored services and operational excellence over the coming years.”

In the world of professional logistics, the conversation usually revolves around the big picture. We talk about global routes, massive vessels, and thousands of tons of cargo. But for the Ford Performance Le Mans project, the big picture was actually incredibly small. Specifically, it was three centimeters. When the task involves moving 24 world-class race cars with a combined value exceeding €5mn, the margin for error is typically measured in safety buffers and insurance policies. However, when those cars must be loaded into the belly of a chartered cargo plane, and later onto specialized vehicle transporters, the laws of physics and the constraints of engineering take over. Every inch of space becomes a high-stakes battlefield.

The tension began long before the engines roared in France. A racecar is a wide, low, and fragile piece of aerodynamic art. Unlike a standard passenger vehicle, these machines are equipped with protruding splitters, aggressive wide-body fenders, and delicate carbon-fiber components that cannot withstand the slightest impact. To maximise the efficiency of the charter flight, every square inch of the aircraft's hold had to be utilised, turning the cargo hold into a complex, high-stakes puzzle. Logistics specialists were faced with a daunting reality: once the cars were secured on their custom pallets, the gap between the top of the car and the ceiling of the aircraft was roughly the width of a matchbook. It is that universal feeling of dread when parallel parking in a spot that looks impossible. In this scenario, the cargo is worth millions, and the maneuver is performed inside the fuselage of a Boeing freighter.

The project required more than just steady hands; it required bespoke engineering and a level of focus that borders on the obsessive. The operation had to account for variables that standard logistics providers might overlook. Technical teams calculated the suspension compression to ensure the cars did not bounce during mid-air turbulence and strike the aircraft ceiling. They mapped out loading angles to the millimeter, ensuring the low-slung noses of the Ford fleet did not scrape the ramps during the transition from tarmac to trailer. Inside the specialised vehicle trucks used for the final leg of the journey, the lateral clearance was just as unforgiving as the overhead height.

As the cars were winched into place, the atmosphere was electric. The specialists involved did not just see a difficult job; they saw a challenge that defined the peak of automotive logistics expertise. They used laser-guided positioning and custom-built racking systems to ensure that the three-centimeter buffer remained constant throughout the thousands of miles of travel. Success in high-value logistics is often invisible. If the job is done perfectly, the world never knows the struggle it took to get there. But as those 24 cars rolled off the trailers in France, untouched and ready for the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans, the victory was undeniable. It proved that while distance is a variable, precision is a constant. For Ford Performance, the race started long before the green flag dropped. It started in the cramped, quiet hold of a cargo plane, where a few centimeters made all the difference between a devastating setback and a legendary starting line.

To explore the intricate technical choreography that powers the world's most prestigious sporting stages and high-octane events, join us at the Global Event Logistics Summit (GELS) 2026, hosted at The St. Regis Bangkok, Thailand, this coming May 28–29.

Blue Dart Express reported a 7.7% rise in revenue from operations at $649.7 million for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, compared to $605.3 million in the previous year. Net profit for the year stood at $25.4 million against $25.9 million in FY2024-25. The company’s Board of Directors has also recommended a dividend of ₹25 per equity share for FY2025-26, subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, Blue Dart recorded revenue from operations of $162.3 million, up from $150 million in the corresponding quarter last year. Quarterly net profit stood at $4.6 million compared to $5.6 million in the same period a year earlier.

The company said the implementation of the new Labour Codes resulted in higher employee benefit expenses and freight, handling and servicing costs during the year. Blue Dart recognised $4.7 million as exceptional items in the standalone statement of profit and loss for FY2025-26.

On a consolidated basis, Blue Dart posted revenue from operations of $649.7 million for FY2025-26, compared to $605.3 million in the previous financial year. Consolidated net profit for the year stood at $26.2 million against $26.7 million a year earlier.

The Board meeting was held on May 9, 2026. The company said the audited financial results were reviewed by the Audit Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.

DHL Group announced that DHL Express has signed an offtake agreement with Dubai-based SAF One, bringing the first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility in the Middle East into DHL’s global SAF supply network.

Under the agreement, DHL Express will receive long-term access to 25,000 metric tonnes of unblended SAF annually from SAF One’s Bahrain plant, totalling 250,000 metric tonnes over a ten-year period starting from planned production in 2028.

The SAF produced at the Bahrain facility will support lifecycle CO2e reductions across DHL’s regional and intercontinental air network and help the company achieve its target of increasing the use of sustainable aviation fuels to 30% by 2030.

Abdulaziz Busbate, CEO, DHL Express MENA, said the partnership will help accelerate regional decarbonisation, strengthen local innovation ecosystems and provide customers with emission-reduced shipping solutions. He added that the agreement reflects DHL’s long-standing commitment to Bahrain and the wider region.

Travis Cobb, EVP Global Network Operations & Aviation at DHL Express, said integrating the first SAF plant in the Middle East into DHL’s global supply chain marks another step towards sustainable aviation. He said the agreement also expands DHL’s SAF footprint geographically and strengthens sourcing resilience.

Deepak Munganahalli, Co-Founder and CEO, SAF One, said the agreement is an important step towards establishing a major SAF production facility in the Middle East. He also thanked stakeholders in Bahrain, including BAPCO Energies and the Bahrain Economic Development Board, for supporting the project.

According to DHL, the SAF One facility will use renewable feedstocks and next-generation refining technologies to produce certified sustainable aviation fuel. DHL said the long-term agreement supports the growth of clean energy infrastructure across the Middle East.

The SAF supplied under the agreement will be allocated globally through a verified “book and claim” model, allowing customers to reduce Scope 3 emissions even on routes not directly fuelled with SAF. DHL said the SAF volumes will be integrated into its GoGreen Plus offering, which provides decarbonised logistics solutions through sustainable fuels and low-carbon technologies.

Kenya Airways has been selected by FedEx as its ground handling partner, marking the first time the American carrier has chosen the airline for such operations. The partnership signals a new development in Kenya Airways’ cargo and airport services business as global carriers continue to expand partnerships across African markets.

The airline said the agreement reflects growing confidence among international carriers in its operational capabilities and service standards. Kenya Airways added that the partnership strengthens its role as a ground operations provider supporting cargo movement and connectivity between Africa and global markets.

In a LinkedIn post, Kenya Airways said: “We are proud to welcome FedEx as the first American airline to choose us as its ground handling partner.”

The partnership comes as air cargo operators and logistics companies continue to strengthen networks linking Africa with global supply chains. Industry stakeholders have increasingly focused on partnerships that improve handling capacity, turnaround times, and cargo connectivity as demand for regional and international freight services grows.

DHL Express has expanded its Time Definite International portfolio with the launch of Heavy Weight Express (HWX), a new express air cargo solution for shipments weighing up to 1,000 kilogrammes per piece and 3,000 kilogrammes per shipment. The company said the service will be available worldwide and is aimed at industries that require time-sensitive movement of heavyweight cargo across international markets.

The launch marks DHL Express’ entry into a segment traditionally dominated by freight forwarding and general air cargo operators. The company said the service combines express delivery speeds with shipment control, visibility and standardised handling across more than 220 countries and territories through its aviation and ground infrastructure.

HWX has been designed for sectors where production schedules and supply chain continuity depend on shipment reliability. DHL said the solution offers guaranteed transit times, end-to-end visibility and fixed pricing structures intended to reduce exposure to fluctuating freight rates, handling surcharges and capacity shortages that have affected global air cargo markets in recent years.

The company stated that the service will support industries including technology, automotive manufacturing, engineering and machinery, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, and energy. DHL said these sectors increasingly require faster transportation for large shipments due to shorter production cycles, procurement pressures and inventory management requirements.

John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express, said, “Heavy Weight Express represents a strategically important step for our business, expanding the value that DHL Express brings to global supply chains. As industries face rising volatility, increasingly complex production cycles, and significant financial exposure from delays and supply chain disruption, DHL's ability to offer express-level speed, access to capacity and higher reliability for shipments up to 3,000 kilogrammes fundamentally changes the service levels that customers can expect from their logistics provider.”

To support the rollout, DHL Express has established Heavy Weight Priority Desks across its network. The company said these teams would oversee proactive tracking, identify shipment disruptions, intervene in real time, and maintain direct communication with customers throughout the transportation process. Each shipment will receive dedicated case ownership aimed at improving shipment predictability and customer response times.

DHL said the service addresses six operational requirements commonly faced by heavyweight shippers: preventing production downtime, supporting product and programme launches, reducing inventory buffers, managing procurement-driven shipping environments, meeting handling and regulatory requirements, and stabilising supply chains across multiple locations.

The company added that the service also reduces reliance on external airline capacity by using DHL Express’ own aircraft fleet, hubs, gateways, customs operations and last-mile delivery infrastructure. DHL said this integrated network allows customers to maintain shipment continuity during periods of disruption or constrained air cargo capacity.

US-based cargo carrier National Airlines has completed test flights for its second Boeing 777 Freighter in Everett and is expecting delivery of the aircraft in the coming weeks, further expanding its long-haul freighter fleet.

The development comes shortly after the airline took delivery of its first Boeing 777 Freighter in April, a milestone that marked a significant step in the company’s 35-year growth history and its fleet expansion plans.

National Airlines said its third and fourth Boeing 777 Freighters are expected to be delivered in the next quarter as the carrier continues to strengthen its cargo operations and international network.

The Boeing 777 Freighter is one of the largest and longest-range twin-engine freighters in operation and is widely used for long-haul cargo transportation. With the induction of the new aircraft, National Airlines is expanding its widebody freighter capabilities to support growing global cargo demand.

Apart from the new Boeing 777 Freighters, National Airlines operates a fleet that includes Boeing 747 freighters and passenger aircraft used for cargo and charter operations. The carrier has been involved in transporting general cargo, oversized shipments, humanitarian aid and military logistics across international markets.

Cathay Cargo has resumed scheduled freighter operations to Bangkok with the launch of a weekly Boeing 747-400F service, marking its return to the Thai capital a decade after its last regular freighter rotation. The service commenced on May 6, 2026, and is aimed at strengthening cargo connectivity between Thailand and Cathay Cargo’s Hong Kong hub.

Operating every Wednesday from Hong Kong, the Boeing 747-400F service provides dedicated cargo uplift for Thai exporters and freight forwarders while complementing the belly cargo capacity available on Cathay Pacific passenger flights. The carrier said the additional freighter capacity is intended to offer greater flexibility for shippers handling both general cargo and selected special shipments.

The new rotation is expected to support exporters during periods of high cargo demand while also providing additional options for freight that may face limitations on passenger services. This includes outsized cargo, high-density shipments and eligible dangerous goods requiring freighter-only handling.

Ashish Kapur, Regional Head of Cargo, Southeast Asia & Oceania at Cathay Pacific, said: “The return of our scheduled freighter to Bangkok marks an important step in strengthening Thailand’s cargo connectivity with the world. As Bangkok grows as a high-potential market and an emerging high-tech manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia, this service supports Thai exporters and freight forwarders while expanding routing options through our Hong Kong hub to enable smoother onwards connections. As demand for air freight continues to grow, we remain committed to working closely with local shippers and forwarders to deliver dependable capacity and efficient end-to-end solutions for a wide range of cargo, from high-value manufactured goods to temperature-sensitive perishables.”

Thailand continues to remain a key market within Cathay Cargo’s Southeast Asia network. The carrier said it transported more than 29,000 tonnes of cargo out of Thailand in 2025, reflecting growth across general cargo, time-sensitive shipments and special cargo categories.

Through its Hong Kong hub, Cathay Cargo said the Bangkok freighter service will provide Thai exporters with additional routing options and onwards connectivity into long-haul markets, including North America and the Chinese Mainland. The airline also pointed to cargo infrastructure at Hong Kong International Airport, where dedicated cargo terminal facilities support the handling of specialised shipments.

The carrier added that customers using the service will have access to shipment visibility tools, including track-and-trace and monitoring capabilities. Cathay Cargo said the Hong Kong hub also extends cargo access into the Greater Bay Area, supporting cargo flows into Southern China beyond airport-to-airport transport.

Cathay Cargo said the resumption of scheduled freighter operations to Bangkok reflects its continued focus on Thailand as a cargo market and forms part of its strategy to expand cargo connectivity for exporters and freight forwarders in the region. The carrier also highlighted its specialist cargo products, including Cathay Dangerous Goods, Cathay Fresh, Cathay Secure and Cathay Live Animal.