Amid global supply chain fluctuations, international air transport can ensure stability by optimizing route networks, strengthening supply chain collaboration, and leveraging digital technologies.
In this article, Weefreight provides a detailed analysis, which we hope will be helpful.
Building a Resilient Route Network: Faced with route risks caused by geopolitical factors and other factors, airlines should build a resilient route network. For example, during the 2025 Red Sea crisis, some companies combined China-Europe freight trains with regional air transport, such as the Chongqing-Malaszewicze rail transport plus Warsaw-Paris air transport model. This model reduced overall costs by 45% compared to pure air transport, while extending travel time by only 18 hours compared to direct flights. Furthermore, airlines can collaborate with other airports to establish “cloud cargo terminals” to achieve cross-border electronic customs interoperability, improve cargo transit efficiency, and mitigate the risk of single hub failure.
Strengthening Supply Chain Collaboration: Airlines should maintain close communication with all links in the supply chain, establish regular meeting mechanisms to share market trends and demand changes, and adjust supply chain strategies in a timely manner. For example, airlines collaborate with freight forwarders and ground handling providers to ensure smooth transport links and improve overall operational efficiency.
Leveraging digital technology to enhance transparency and early warning capabilities: IoT technology enables real-time monitoring and tracking of cargo. Smart tags and sensors provide real-time reporting of cargo temperature, humidity, location, and estimated arrival time, effectively reducing the risk of cargo loss. Furthermore, digital early warning systems, powered by real-time conflict indices and port congestion data, can proactively identify high-risk areas and automatically trigger alternate routes. For example, DHL’s Risk Radar system can identify high-risk areas 72 hours in advance, ensuring transport stability.
Optimizing space management and booking strategies: Companies can leverage airlines’ off-season discounts to secure forward space through “cross-season locking,” avoiding the risk of missed shipments during peak season and enjoying discounted freight rates. Furthermore, smart contract technology monitors route capacity in real time. When bookings exceed a certain percentage, backup charter resources are automatically triggered, enabling “preventive capacity scheduling” and reducing missed shipments.
Establishing Diversified Transportation Modes: To balance cost and timeliness, hybrid transportation modes such as air trucks, sea trucks, and China-Europe freight trains are becoming increasingly popular. These “fourth logistics corridors” offer sellers a medium-speed, mid-price option between air and sea, effectively alleviating the capacity pressure of a single channel. They also allow for more flexible adjustments to transportation plans during fluctuations in the global supply chain, ensuring stable cargo transportation.
Strengthening Risk Management and Emergency Response: Airlines should implement strict cargo safety management measures, including comprehensive cargo inspections and monitoring during loading and unloading, enhance employee safety awareness, and provide regular training. Furthermore, they should establish a comprehensive emergency response mechanism and develop detailed contingency plans for potential flight delays, cargo damage, and other issues, ensuring a swift response and minimizing the impact on the supply chain.
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