• Growth is stabilising in 2026, with demand tracking global GDP and opportunity centred on Southeast Asia, China, Latin America and Africa. Precision in capacity planning and route focus will outperform volume-led strategies.
• Capacity is expanding while trade lanes are being redrawn by China+1 and nearshoring trends. Agility, lane optimisation and smart network design are now essential to protect margins.
• Airfreight is shifting decisively from volume to value, led by high-value and time-sensitive cargo. Providers that combine tailored services, digital visibility and CO₂ reduction tools such as Rhenus’ RHEGREEN platform will stand out.

The airfreight industry is heading into a new phase in 2026, one where speed alone won’t guarantee success. After a turbulent 2025—shaped by geopolitical tensions, shifting trade policies, and unpredictable demand—the sector is adjusting to steadier growth. But the story this year isn’t about volume; it’s about precision, strategy, and adding value.

Moderate demand and where growth is happening

Experts expect overall air freight demand to track more closely with global GDP growth, marking a shift from the surges seen in previous years. While the market may not see the same dramatic spikes, there are still clear opportunities for those who know where to look.

Regions such as Southeast Asia, China, Latin America, and Africa stand out. In Southeast Asia, the ongoing shift of manufacturing from China has boosted regional trade. African corridors are growing too, thanks to improving infrastructure and expanding manufacturing hubs. For logistics providers, this means a broad, one-size-fits-all approach is no longer enough. Success in 2026 will hinge on carefully matching capacity with demand and focusing on high-potential routes.

Capacity expansion comes with competition

Capacity is on the rise. New freighters are joining the skies, and Middle Eastern carriers are expanding aggressively, opening new routes and offering more frequent service. That’s good news for shippers who’ve struggled with bottlenecks. But it also raises the stakes for freight forwarders: increased capacity can mean lower rates on popular lanes, so efficiency and lane optimisation are now crucial tools in staying competitive.

Trade lanes are shifting

Trade routes themselves are in flux. The China+1 strategy, which encourages companies to diversify production beyond China, is reshaping traditional cargo flows. Combined with nearshoring trends in Europe and North America, it’s creating new lanes that are less predictable but full of potential.

For logistics providers, flexibility is key. Those who can adapt quickly to shifting routes, optimise networks, and offer tailored solutions will have an edge. Traditional trade lanes can no longer be taken for granted; strategic foresight has become a core requirement.

From volume to value

Perhaps the biggest shift is in the type of cargo that moves by air. With ocean freight becoming more reliable, airfreight is increasingly reserved for high-value, time-sensitive goods—electronics, pharmaceuticals, and specialised machinery.

In practical terms, this means 2026 is all about precision. It’s not enough to move a lot of cargo; it’s about moving the right cargo, at the right speed, and with the right service. Providers that can deliver reliability, transparency, and value-added services will stand out.

Meeting the moment

Rhenus Logistics is positioning itself to thrive in this new environment. Its air freight offering covers the full spectrum—from urgent, same-day shipments to cost-efficient, longer-transit options. Services like FLYNow, FLYSmart, FLYSaver, and FLYSelect provide flexibility depending on urgency, value, and client needs.

For time-critical or irregular shipments, Rhenus also offers charter services and on-board courier options, allowing cargo to bypass standard handling entirely.

Value-added services complement these offerings. Customs clearance, insurance, repacking, palletising, and airport-adjacent warehousing make operations smoother for shippers. Digital tools, including real-time tracking, EDI/API integration, and e-freight documentation, provide visibility and reduce delays.

Sustainability is another focus. Rhenus’ RHEGREEN platform measures CO₂ emissions, recommends low-emission aircraft, and integrates sustainable aviation fuels, helping clients balance speed with environmental responsibility.

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