Both leaders highlighted the strategic significance of Middle Eastern hubs for passenger and air cargo operations. They commended the sector’s exceptional ability to maintain the movement of people and goods despite challenging conditions, noting that global cargo capacity has declined more than 20% due to regional constraints.
Walsh observed that the industry’s most significant evolution over the past twenty years is its enhanced agility. “Airlines now adjust promptly to market developments,” he noted. “Today, we possess the tools necessary to adapt swiftly to new environments.”
He cited the shift in trade lanes in 2025, driven by US tariffs, as further evidence of volatility reshaping the timing and routes of shipments, rather than impeding trade overall.
According to Walsh, the COVID-19 pandemic marked a defining moment for air cargo. The largely stable period from 2010 to 2019 came to an abrupt halt, with passenger services almost completely shut down in early 2020. However, air cargo ensured the continued movement of goods, and at one point, air cargo represented 42% of total airline industry revenue. Its current share—approximately 15%—remains above pre-pandemic levels and is proof of continued momentum.
The conversation progressed to the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) for the sector. AI is expected to impact cargo volumes directly, given that components such as memory chips are transported predominantly by air. As technology advances, therefore, demand for air cargo services will likely rise accordingly. The irony that air cargo still relies heavily on paper documents was not lost on the panelists.
Looking ahead, agentic AI presents broader opportunities for air cargo. “The volume of data generated by airlines is immense, and AI will allow us to analyze it far more effectively,” Walsh remarked. “We haven’t even scratched the surface.”
Regarding workforce implications, Walsh emphasized the ongoing need for skilled personnel who can critically evaluate AI-driven decisions. Drawing a parallel to the adoption of online check-in, he pointed out that while technology did not significantly reduce staffing numbers, it enabled employees to transition from transactional roles to more customer-centric positions.
AI aside, air cargo remains dependent on manual labor and this could be a bottleneck in the years ahead. Ensuring a collaborative approach across the value chain will be essential for sustainable solutions.
The discussion also took in cargo slots—a debate that has only just started, according to Walsh—and the need for OEMs to place a stronger focus on developing new cargo aircraft. Additionally, regulatory harmonization was identified as crucial for supporting speed and resilience, with governments encouraged to recognize air cargo’s vital role in contemporary society.
Ultimately, the challenge lies in reversing years of under-investment to facilitate modernization, thereby enabling efficient, secure, and resilient global air cargo transport for world trade.
