When it comes to air freight shipping, you might be wondering if there’s any light at the end of the tunnel. After months of disruption caused by global shutdowns and reduced airline operations, the air freight industry continues to face significant challenges—but there are signs of improvement on the horizon.
With the shutdowns mid-March through April, the LTL carriers are starting to see an improved demand in May. The month of April showed volumes for some trucking companies down by nearly 20 percent. The reported improved May numbers are showing signs that the U.S. is starting to take positive steps toward economic recovery as some businesses are coming back online and operational.
Rates Up, Service Down
In today’s air freight environment, rates have gone up, and service quality has declined due to a combination of limited flight availability, restricted cargo space, and shifting airline policies.
Some of the common issues our Air Export Department at Jade International has seen include:
- Airlines charging peak season surcharges—these vary by carrier.
- Limited availability for frozen and dry perishables, with airlines reducing acceptance due to space and handling constraints.
- Reduced flight frequency: For example, American Airlines is now offering only five flights a week to destinations that previously had five flights daily.
- Airport accessibility remains limited, even as countries reopen. Just because a country is open doesn’t mean all of its airports are operating at full capacity.
When planning your next shipment, our Jade Air Export team is here to help you select the best routing and navigate these limitations effectively.
A Glimmer of Hope
So, where is the light at the end of the tunnel?
As global restrictions ease and more regions reopen for business, airlines are closely monitoring demand. By the end of June, many carriers are expected to reassess their flight schedules and potentially increase capacity to meet the changing needs of global trade.
This won’t be an instant fix, but it is a step in the right direction. Increased travel demand, both for passengers and cargo, will play a key role in restoring more consistent and reliable air freight service.
Exploring Alternatives
In the meantime, Jade International is here to help. If air freight isn’t the most viable or cost-effective option for your current needs, we can offer alternative shipping solutions, including:
- Ocean Freight – A steady and budget-friendly alternative with fewer delays and more predictable pricing.
- Multimodal Solutions – Combining air and ocean freight for a balanced approach to speed and cost.
- Carrier and airport strategy – Helping you identify the best departure and arrival options based on accessibility and schedule reliability.
Our experienced team monitors real-time carrier activity and global logistics trends to ensure we’re giving you the most strategic shipping recommendations.
Moving Forward with Jade
The air freight market remains volatile, but there is reason for cautious optimism. As more airlines adjust to evolving demand and as international business resumes, we expect conditions to gradually stabilize. At Jade International, our goal is to help you stay ahead—through proactive planning, clear communication, and customized logistics solutions.
Have questions about current air freight conditions or need help with your next shipment? Contact our Air Freight Department today. We’re here to guide you forward.
Written by: Stephanie Blanche
