While the overall market outlook for 2023 remains uncertain, Swissport will continue to focus on driving process optimisation and digitalisation, says global cargo chair Dirk Goovaerts
After a dynamic 2021, which saw Swissport post a record result in its air cargo business, global demand for cargo slowed noticeably during 2022. Global supply chain issues, the war in Ukraine and the tightening of monetary policies by leading central banks all contributed to the slowdown.
In the current geo-political and economic environment with persisting uncertainties, we expect the global market for cargo logistics to move sideways. A positive stimulus for the global economy could come with a further lifting of Covid restrictions in China and a rebound of the Chinese economy.
While the overall market outlook for 2023 remains uncertain, we continue to relentlessly drive process optimization and digitalization. One such example is the Swissport Cargo app, which we are deploying on new mobile devices to increase efficiency. It eliminates paper-based processes and contributes towards Cargo iQ milestones such as RCF and NFD. Cargo kiosks, door management and slot booking are further innovations that drive process efficiency at our cargo centers and lead to increased security at the interfaces between forwarders, ourselves and the airlines.
Improved cooperation across the logistics chain
A big potential also lies in further improved cooperation across the logistics chain. Swissport has been connecting its systems with airport community systems, for example in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Liege and Johannesburg, allowing forwarders to use the cargo community system across all agents.
On the service side, we continue to focus on high-yield market segments and product lines. Here, logistics for temperature-controlled cargo, be it perishables or pharma, continues to support our top-line. Swissport has continuously expanded its global presence and currently operates 117 air cargo centres, several of which have been certified for pharmaceutical logistics by IATA’s CEIV Pharma and by the British MHRA. We are proud to provide airlines with market-leading services in this segment.
A more recent product innovation was recently launched in Kenya, where Swissport established its Flower Corridor initiative. Creating a highly efficient and secure supply chain for fresh cut flowers and maximum handling efficiency, security, and prolonged shelf life for retailers.
