Moscow-based freight carrier AirBridgeCargo transported 700,000-plus tons in 2018, a year-on-year increase of 2 percent. The growth is attributed to new destinations added to the intercontinental network, notably Ho Chi Minh City, Shenzhen, Budapest, and Columbus, Ohio which complemented the airline’s existing routes and opened new market growth opportunities for ABC’s customers, explains the carrier in a release aired today (14 January).
However, when examining this traffic figure closer, it becomes clear that the airline expanded its market share significantly in the broad spectrum of lucrative special cargo products. This is evidenced by the 25 percent volume increase in commodities not belonging to the standard freight segment. This market demand for sensitive items demonstrates its capability “to cater to the needs of customers worldwide, guaranteeing the highest levels of service quality,” reads their release.
Special products are the trendsetters
The airline’s pharma product was the top performer, seen by the volume increase of a stunning 60 percent compared to 2017 figures. This is followed by Dangerous Goods flown by ABC that went up 40
percent, with ABC XL, their product for oversize and heavy shipments increasing by more than 20 percent. In contrast, the airline’s e-com segment tailored for the e-commerce market lagged behind
a bit showing a growth of only six percent.
Looking ahead, the carrier expects this growth trajectory, experienced throughout 2018 to continue in terms of shipment volumes as it sets its focus increasingly on performance quality and
customer satisfaction.
Next on agenda: more user-friendly digital offerings
Their General Director, Sergey Lazarev goes even further, by predicting that “2019 will be an exceptional year for ABC – the year of our 15th anniversary - and we are delighted to achieve another
company milestone supported by the consistent results of 2018.”
However, the manager also speaks of “new challenges” lying ahead. “But that’s what makes the air cargo industry an exciting place to be in. We are all set and ready for new plans and
accomplishments as we continue to follow our growth strategy,” Mr Lazarev states.
Simultaneously, ABC promises to create a more user-friendly digital environment. The initial step will be to better the monitoring of sensitive shipments, by equipping pallets and containers with
temperature loggers, shocking sensors and Bluetooth transmitting devices. This will be done, announces the carrier, in close partnership with the world’s leading companies, such as ULD manager
Unilode and SITA subsidiary SITAOnAir, to guarantee 100% traceability of shipments and continue the move towards an ‘Internet of Things’ platform.
Heiner Siegmund
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