25 Mar What shippers, airports, and airlines are really prioritising? – A Kale Study
The air cargo industry is entering a decisive phase where digital orchestration, reliability, and sustainability are no longer independent priorities—they are deeply interconnected.
Insights from Kale Logistics Solutions’ 2026 industry polls, conducted across global air cargo stakeholders, reveal a clear mandate: Technology platforms must act as the backbone of future-ready air cargo ecosystems.
Respondents overwhelmingly identified technology and automation as the most influential force shaping air cargo’s future, while reliability emerged as the single most important criterion when choosing a cargo provider.
Sustainability – a strategic responsibility
Sustainability, once viewed largely through a compliance lens, is now recognised as a strategic responsibility and brand differentiator—enabled increasingly through digital optimisation rather than standalone initiatives.
E-commerce continues to accelerate demand for faster, more transparent, and more predictable air cargo operations, placing pressure on legacy systems and fragmented workflows. At the same time, gaps in regulatory awareness and digital readiness expose operational and compliance risks across airports, terminals, and cargo communities.
Integration is the future
The research reinforces Kale’s long-held belief: the future of air cargo will be built on integrated digital platforms that connect stakeholders, standardise data, enable compliance, and deliver end-to-end visibility. Organisations that adopt this platform-led approach will be best positioned to scale sustainably, operate reliably, and respond rapidly to market and regulatory change.
Overall Research Summary Kale’s 2025-26 industry research, conducted via polls across social media, email campaigns, and professional networks, captures perspectives from air cargo stakeholders on technology, sustainability, e-commerce, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
Key findings include
▪ Technology & Automation: 48% of respondents see digital transformation as the top driver for air cargo growth, with GPS, RFID, and mobile platforms improving visibility, efficiency, and predictive capabilities.
▪ Reliability: 57% of shippers prioritise consistent service over cost and speed, emphasizing trust and operational continuity.
▪ E-commerce Impact: 83% of respondents report a significantly positive effect, highlighting air cargo’s role in supporting rapid online fulfilment.
▪ Sustainability: 60% view it as corporate responsibility, with greener aircraft, carbon offsets, and fleet optimization as key levers; willingness to pay premiums remains split.
▪ Digital Readiness: 58% identify leadership vision and commitment as critical to successful trans formation.
▪ Reports indicate that 22% of airports are unaware of new EU regulations, highlighting gaps in awareness and preparedness.
In conclusion
The research indicates a clear trend: air cargo’s future depends on the integration of technology, operational reliability, and sustainable practices, with leadership and strategic vision guiding successful adoption.