Coronavirus and aviation: Why is air cargo grounded when the world needs it most?

  • Date: 01-May-2020
  • Source: World Economic Forum
  • Sector:Transport
  • Country:Middle East
  • Who else needs to know?

Coronavirus and aviation: Why is air cargo grounded when the world needs it most?

In contrast to the dramatic drop in passenger demand, air cargo operations are surging to respond to calls to move essential supplies to tackle the COVID pandemic.. Around 40% of annual global air cargo is typically transported in the bellyhold of passenger aircraft - contributing to the capacity pinch, with the vast majority currently grounded.. Back when things were "normal", passenger flights did much of the heavy lifting for the transport of air cargo.. The other 60% of annual global air cargo is usually moved around in dedicated freighter aircraft by freight forwarders and cargo operators.. The cargo operations are primarily hub-focused and follow key trade routes, so are less comprehensive than passenger air networks.. Around 20 airlines have undertaken the use of their passenger aircraft for dedicated cargo missions spanning the globe, including Delta, Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific.. The passenger aircraft are not only being operated by their respective airliners but are also being chartered by freight forwarders to boost their capacity.. With the number of air travel passengers expected to double by 2035, there's a strong urgency for the aviation industry to act to ensure it can meet this demand in an environmentally sustainable manner.. Sustainable aviation