Air Cargo & Transport Logistic Africa 2025: Advancing Trade, Sustainability, and Innovation

The Air Cargo & Transport Logistic Africa 2025 conference in Nairobi, Kenya, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and logistics professionals to discuss the future of air freight in Africa. Co-hosted by Kenya Airports Authority, the event focused on technology, sustainability, intra-African trade, and operational efficiency in air cargo logistics.

Technology and the Human Element in Air Cargo Operations

At the forefront of discussions was Evgeny Shadov, Chief Commercial Officer of MixJet, who emphasized the importance of human oversight in cargo operations despite technological advancements.

MixJet, a global trip support company, provides services such as fueling, ground handling, permits, and crew arrangements across all aviation sectors, including cargo and humanitarian flights. The company’s role in facilitating efficient and reliable air transport solutions was a key highlight of the discussion.

Keynote Insights: Overcoming Challenges in Air Cargo

Delivering the keynote address, Emile N. Arao, an aviation industry leader, outlined major challenges affecting air cargo, including:

• High costs compared to other transport modes.

• Capacity constraints during peak seasons.

• Fuel price volatility, impacting operational expenses.

• Regulatory hurdles, increasing processing time and costs.

• Supply chain disruptions from geopolitical and environmental factors.

• Environmental concerns, driving the push for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Arao emphasized that technology-driven solutions such as AI, blockchain, IoT, and drones could revolutionize the air cargo sector, making it more efficient, transparent, and sustainable.

Kenya Airways: Strengthening Africa’s Cargo Connectivity

Allan Kilavuka, CEO of Kenya Airways, highlighted the airline’s role in facilitating intra-African trade and global cargo connectivity. Kenya Airways operates:

• 54 destinations worldwide, including 41 in Africa.

• A dedicated freighter fleet of Boeing 737-300s.

• World-class cargo handling facilities at JKIA, a key African cargo hub.

• Strategic trucking partnerships to extend logistics into Southern Africa and Europe.

Kilavuka emphasized innovation and digital transformation as critical to enhancing cargo tracking, automating processes, and improving efficiency. He also reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to sustainability, citing investments in fuel efficiency and carbon reduction initiatives.

Airlink Cargo: Expanding Southern Africa’s Cargo Network

Tshepo Tladi, Manager at Airlink Cargo, discussed the airline’s commitment to expanding its cargo operations across Southern Africa while maintaining operational efficiency.

Key Highlights from Airlink Cargo:

• Network Expansion: Currently serving 40+ destinations across Southern Africa, with potential for further growth.

• Fleet Optimization: Operating a fleet of Embraer aircraft (E190, E170, E145, E135) to ensure streamlined maintenance and operations.

• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines to extend cargo connectivity globally.

• Specialized Cargo Handling: Adhering to international standards for transporting perishable goods and dangerous materials.

• Real-Time Tracking: Offering customers an online tracking module for shipment visibility and updates.

Despite the evolving African logistics landscape, Airlink Cargo remains committed to providing efficient and reliable cargo solutions while adapting to market shifts.

Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya (FPC Kenya): Sustainability in Agriculture and Air Freight

The Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya (FPC Kenya) was a crucial voice in the discussions, emphasizing the importance of sustainable agriculture and safe food supply chains. The consortium advocates for compliance with KS-1758, Kenya’s sustainability standard for fresh produce.

Pillars of KS-1758

FPC Kenya’s sustainability strategy is built on four key pillars:

1. Plant Health: Ensuring healthy crops through responsible farming practices.

2. Food Safety: Implementing strict standards to prevent contamination and maintain high-quality produce.

3. Environmental Sustainability: Encouraging eco-friendly farming methods, responsible water usage, and reduced carbon footprints.

4. Social Accountability: Promoting ethical labor practices and fair treatment of farmers and workers.

With air cargo playing a vital role in exporting Kenya’s fresh produce, FPC Kenya continues to collaborate with airlines and logistics firms to ensure compliance with international food safety regulations while reducing environmental impact.

The Future of Air Cargo in Africa: Collaboration & Sustainability

The conference reinforced the need for:

1. Better infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to enhance cargo efficiency.

2. Investment in digital solutions for improved logistics and customer experience.

3. Stronger partnerships between airlines, logistics companies, and policymakers to maximize Africa’s trade potential.

With air cargo demand expected to grow 4-6% annually, and e-commerce driving a 14% increase until 2026, the industry is poised for expansion despite challenges. Sustainable solutions, AI-driven logistics, and strategic alliances will be crucial for shaping the future of Africa’s cargo industry.

As the Air Cargo & Transport Logistic Africa 2025 event progresses, stakeholders remain optimistic about navigating industry challenges and unlocking new opportunities in air freight and logistics.