| MORNING SESSION |
Panel 1 : Subject: Building air cargo resilience among known unknowns and unknown unknowns
Cross-border ecommerce remains a powerful driver of air cargo demand, but its trajectory is shifting amid regulatory and market changes. In this panel we explore how evolving consumer behaviour, policy shifts, and digital strategies are reshaping the landscape. The recent removal of the US de minimis exemption for low-value shipments into the US is expected to disrupt ecommerce volumes and complicate capacity planning. In response, brands are redirecting advertising and fulfilment strategies toward Europe, where consumer demand is rising and regulatory thresholds remain more favourable. Meanwhile, the nature of ecommerce cargo is evolving from B2C parcels to B2B shipments of components, equipment, and wholesale goods. Emerging markets in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America are also becoming new hubs of e-retail consumption. It is time to examine whether air cargo can adapt to these shifts and continue to thrive as the backbone of global ecommerce. |
| AFTERNOON SESSIONS |
Panel 2 : Subject: Special cargo: high yield, low volume – worth the lift?
As global air cargo demand stabilizes, airlines are shifting from volume-driven models to margin-centric strategies.
Special cargo yields significantly higher returns per kilo compared to general freight, helping offset declining load factors and rising operational costs. Carriers are investing in specialized infrastructure, temperature-controlled containers, secure handling, and dedicated tracking systems to support premium cargo categories. With global trade becoming more fragmented and time-sensitive, the ability to move critical, high-value goods reliably is a competitive differentiator. The question is no longer if it is worth the lift, but how to scale it profitably.
Panel 3 : Subject: Air cargo in the age of artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is transforming air cargo from how goods are moved to what goods are moved. This panel explores how AI is reshaping logistics efficiency and creating new cargo opportunities. Airlines and freight operators are deploying AI for predictive maintenance, dynamic route optimization, and real-time cargo tracking, cutting delays, reducing fuel costs, and improving customer satisfaction. At the same time, the global boom in AI infrastructure, especially hyperscale data centres, is fuelling demand for specialized air cargo. The transport of high-value semiconductor equipment, photolithography machines, and chip components has surged, creating a new premium
segment for carriers. These shipments require secure, temperature-controlled, and time-sensitive handling, pushing airlines to develop tailored solutions. It will examine how AI is not only optimizing air cargo operations but also expanding the very definition of what and who the industry serves. |
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| MORNING SESSIONS |
Panel 4 : Subject: Will cross-border ecommerce continue to fuel air cargo demand?
Cross-border ecommerce remains a powerful driver of air cargo demand, but its trajectory is shifting amid regulatory and market changes. In this panel we explore how evolving consumer behaviour, policy shifts, and digital strategies are reshaping the landscape. The recent removal of the US de minimis exemption for low-value shipments into the US is
expected to disrupt ecommerce volumes and complicate capacity planning. In response, brands are redirecting advertising and fulfilment strategies toward Europe, where consumer demand is rising and regulatory thresholds remain more favourable. Meanwhile, the nature of ecommerce cargo is evolving from B2C parcels to B2B shipments of
components, equipment, and wholesale goods. Emerging markets in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America are also becoming new hubs of e-retail consumption. It is time to examine whether air cargo can adapt to these shifts and continue to thrive as the backbone of global ecommerce
Panel 5 : Subject: India's 10-million-tonne annual cargo throughput by 2030—bold target or bottleneck ahead?
India’s 10-million-tonne annual air cargo target by 2030 is ambitious, but it is achievable if strategic enablers align. This panel will find out the opportunities and challenges behind this milestone. India’s emergenceas a key player in the China
Plus One strategy is driving production diversification and supply chain de-risking, boosting export volumes, and attracting global manufacturers. Simultaneously, India’s aviation sector is expanding rapidly, with new cargo terminals, freighter fleets, and policy reforms aimed at improving connectivity and efficiency. Crucially, India’s geographical advantage, positioned between East and West, makes it a natural transshipment hub. However, bottlenecks remain: infrastructure gaps, limited domestic carrier share, and regulatory hurdles could stall momentum. This panel will assess
whether India can transform its bold vision into a resilient, scalable cargo ecosystem that supports global trade.
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| AFTERNOON SESSIONS |
Panel 6 : Subject: Cargo drones: cleared for take-off or stuck on the vertiport?
Cargo drones are poised to reshape logistics but regulatory and economic headwinds may keep them grounded. This panel is about discussing and debating the evolving role of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in mid-mile and last-mile cargo delivery. With the global cargo drone market projected to reach $16.9 billion by 2032, UAVs promise faster,
greener, and more flexible logistics, especially for time-critical goods like medical supplies and electronics. Yet, widespread adoption remains elusive. Key challenges include unit economics, where high upfront costs and limited payload capacity strain profitability, and regulatory complexity, as airspace rules vary widely across jurisdictions. While pilot programmes show promise, scalability hinges on harmonized policies, robust safety frameworks, and costeffective operations. Are drones ready to take flight as mainstream cargo carriers or will they remain a niche solution
waiting for the right lift-off conditions. We will attempt to find some answers.
Panel 7 : Subject: People in air cargo – will the young please stand up?
The air cargo industry faces a generational crossroads. Can it attract and retain the next wave of talent? This panel is about the urgent need to rejuvenate an aging workforce. With the average age of air cargo professionals hovering around 50, the industry must evolve to appeal to Gen Z and Millennials who prioritize purpose, flexibility, and digital fluency. While air cargo has embraced automation and AI, its talent strategies often lag. To remain competitive, companies must offer more than pay checks. They must deliver meaningful work, inclusive cultures, and tech-forward environments. Perhaps the biggest challenge is how to modernize without losing the human touch that defines air cargo industry. Join the panel to examine and discover how air cargo can become a magnet for young professionals and a model for peoplecentric innovation.
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