The global air cargo sector is flying aircraft at almost 90% capacity, as there are record quantities of goods across the planet, aimed at free-spending consumers and hungry manufacturers.
Packaged aircraft pose a challenge for carriers, airlines, and airports entering the traditional U.S. high season for moving goods, when demand for consumer electronics, household items, and clothing increases earlier. of holiday shopping.
Pinch points include overflowing airport cargo warehouses, spilling goods into off-site facilities and exacerbating staff shortages for sorting, loading and unloading aircraft. Airlines have responded by extending cargo flights beyond larger gateways to cities such as Columbus, Ohio and Tampa, Florida, to avoid congestion. Sometimes the cabins of reused passenger planes are used for cargo.
“We’re on the edge,” said Bernhard Kindelbacher, who directs cargo operations in the U.S. and Canada for Deutsche Lufthansa AG, one of the world’s largest airlines.
Charles Goodwin, director of operations for the Columbus Airport Regional Authority, said the tires of cars packed between the seats of reused passenger planes are among the cargo that was now flying and previously traveling. by sea.