2025 was defined by extreme volatility, with sanctions, shifting tariffs, and geopolitical escalations fundamentally reshaping global trade. As we move into 2026, these disruptions have become the “new normal,” and the air cargo fraternity is rapidly evolving to stay resilient.
In 2025, air cargo demand grew by 4%, with total volumes reaching approximately 72.5 million tonnes. This growth was partly fueled by maritime crises; for instance, the Suez and Red Sea disruptions drove a massive “sea-to-air” shift, causing a 40% surge in air volumes during peak front-loading windows in early 2025.
While general trade remains turbulent, the industry is projected to reach $158 billion in revenue in 2026, a 2.1% increase over the previous year. Central to navigating this landscape is the adoption of a unified Cargo Community System (CCS). These platforms are no longer optional—they are the digital backbone required to manage high-value shipments (like semiconductors for the AI boom) and the relentless growth of e-commerce, which is expected to grow at a 14% annual rate through 2026. Here are the key technological trends reshaping the air cargo industry for the coming year.
Innovation with purpose
Innovation is an agenda for industry bodies and governments to fast-track processes, but the ultimate result of the innovation and the tangible value it delivers is often questionable. Therefore, delivering innovative capabilities with clear purpose and value proposition is going to take centre stage in 2026.
AI penetration
AI has become the breath of every entity be it private or public. Managements look at AI as the answer to every question asked inside and outside. Average employee looks for AI as the go-to solution for every problem and challenge he/she is facing. Hence, AI penetration is inevitable in 2026, and the scale of penetration is going to be higher and higher.
Faster adoption = better resilience
The recent geopolitical tensions have created disturbance across the world and it signs for a large-scale escalation in due course of time. Hence, the need to be prepared for everything that comes through is higher than ever.
Last year, due to the Suez Canal crisis and re-routing, companies paid nearly US$500 per container and this reflected their bottom-line and margins. To overcome such a scenario, faster resilience measures are to be taken, which can result in better mitigation in due course of time. Delays would cost entities dearly in the long run and might even question their existence. Hence, better resilience equals faster technology adoption.
Optimising capacity planning
Airlines are looking at better capacity planning with increased volatility. This is because airline cargo operations were at the centre stage of re-routing in 2025 despite the higher cost. Therefore, adding more cargo freighters and belly-capacity to meet the demand is critical.
Yet, the dilemma of going 100 per cent freight-friendly remains as airlines believe cargo-first strategy is somehow detrimental as volume comes from passenger side of the business.
Dedicated corridors taking shape
With re-routing becoming the new normal, multi-modal corridors are becoming far more relevant. Countries are hurriedly signing agreements with their neighbours to make movement of cargo seamless in case of a full-scale global conflict. Moreover, specific industries such as perishables and pharmaceuticals are developing their exclusive corridors to ensure sensitivity of cargo.
Meaningful sustainability
Sustainability has been the talking point and yet robust initiatives have not taken place yet. Entities believe sustainability is more fancy than fundamental until there are legislations. In 2025, European Union Deforestation Regulation meant proving the produce is deforestation-free. While any entity or government wanting to do business in EU will need strict compliance with this norm, elsewhere it is not spoken about. Hence, 2026 will witness more meaningful initiatives from governments and industry consortiums to make sustainability a new normal.
Role of Cargo Community Systems
To meet all of these demands seamlessly, a full-scale cargo community system will be beneficial for the air cargo community as well as the operators. Over the years, nearly 100s of airports worldwide have benefitted with a full-fledged cargo community system in place. Right from cost benefits to efficiency enhancements, cargo community systems offer everything the industry needs to thrive in a volatile environment.
In conclusion
2025 was a year full of unexpected twists and turns. However, the industry thrived, which showcases the sheer resilience of the industry. 2026 so far is seen to be a year full of unexpected turbulence, which can blow beyond limits. Therefore, volatility is going to be the new normal for 2026 as well as the years to come. Yet, for an industry which is born out of volatility this is yet another day to survive and we can expect more and more optimism from the community.
Learn more about our Air Freight Software Solutions
Technologies
Success Stories
Articles
Newsletter
Testimonials
Industry Initiatives