Air Partner: HGV shortage will boost airfreight

Robert Jubb, UK head of freight, Air Partner

“As a result of the ongoing disruption to the global supply chain and shortages of HGV drivers, there are concerns around fulfilling orders in the lead-up to Christmas. We expect to see an increase in demand for dedicated cargo flights from major retailers seeking to minimise disruption to their global supply chain and continue serving their customers.

“Recent complications to supply chains due to Brexit and a lack of available HGV drivers has seen our enquiries for air freight increase by as much as 60% to meet demand for orders typically fulfilled via sea or road transportation. Sea freight is experiencing significant delays in shipping, due to a short supply of available containers and costs are at their highest, which is driving further interest in air freight. Seafreight continues to run beyond maximum capacity and cargo aircraft are close to being fully-booked between September and the end of the year.

“With retailers already feeling the disruption to the supply chain, we expect demand for air freight to surge in the short-term as retailers are recommending to customers to buy their toys and presents earlier than usual ahead of a busy Christmas period. We expect to be busier than ever as enquiries from retailers increase for the charter of toys as well as high-value items such as designer clothes, games consoles, mobile phones and laptops.”