For years, cargo drones were a promise for the future. Something the industry talked about at conferences, tucked into innovation slides, always a few years away from actually happening. That future has quietly arrived. Heavy-lift drones are flying real routes today, carrying real cargo, well beyond the test flights and demo videos that once defined the space.
Demand for charter flights has increased steadily, with the aviation industry witnessing a notable rise in charter services following the pandemic, as disruptions to conventional cargo operations drove greater demand for flexible air freight capacity.
On July 1, 2026, the International Air Transport Association (IATA)'s amended Cargo Agency Conference (CAC) resolutions governing the Direct Air Waybill (DAWB) framework came into effect, revising the contractual relationship between airlines and freight forwarders by clarifying the scope of the agent's authority and obligations when tendering shipments under a Direct Air Waybill.
"Air cargo is a wonderfully dynamic business. It changes regularly and pivots quite substantially," says James Evans, General Manager, Cargo Commercial at Cathay Cargo. "But from a Cathay perspective, there are a couple of things that remain true. Hong Kong is the epicentre of global manufacturing, and Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is the world's number one international air cargo hub. The network, frequency, connectivity, operational capability, specialised solutions and expertise all ...
Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), a Letter of Intent (LOI) and entered into a partnership at the 7th Edition of the ACFI World Conclave 2026, aimed at strengthening India’s air cargo, logistics and trade ecosystem.
The announcement was made by Joyce Tai, Executive Vice President of Worldwide Partnerships at Freightos, during the Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) World Conclave 2026 in Delhi on Thursday (August 13, 2026). “Today is our first time announcing the future launch of Freightos AI,” Tai said, describing India as the company’s first site for the announcement and rollout.
The external pressure on the air cargo industry to improve sustainability has fallen to 53% in 2026, the lowest level since 2021, according to the sixth annual Air Cargo Industry Sustainability Survey by the International Air Cargo Association (TIACA). However, the report found that internal commitment to sustainability remains strong, with 95% of respondents saying it is supported by their CEO and 92% saying it is a strategic priority.
Skyways Air Services will open its ₹5.8 billion ($60 million) IPO for subscription on August 24, 2026, with the issue closing on August 27. The air freight forwarding and logistics company has fixed the price band at ₹131-138 per equity share, with a face value of ₹10 each, stated the Delhi-headquartered logistics company in a press conference on the forthcoming IPO. It also mentioned that investors can bid for a minimum of 100 equity shares and in multiples of 100 thereafter. The IPO comprises ...
Dubai Humanitarian (DXBH) has facilitated the dispatch of critical humanitarian relief supplies to Gaza under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Global aviation group AIR ONE has appointed Ilya Gavrilin as Business Development Director APAC to support the commercial growth of its scheduled and charter freighter operations across the Asia-Pacific region. Operating from AIR ONE’s new regional headquarters in Hong Kong, Gavrilin will lead strategic commercial expansion, strengthen key client partnerships, and enhance network connectivity across vital trade lanes.
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