Air cargo is a key element of the global supply chain. It allows outsourcing of manufacturing to other countries and links production in both multinational and smaller enterprises. It has also been the most important driver of certain export industries in countries such as South Africa, Kenya and Chile. As a component of the air transport industry, air cargo makes the crucial difference between profit and loss on many long-haul routes. This second edition of Moving Boxes by Air offers a comprehensive and up-to-date guide to the business and practices of air cargo, with chapters dedicated to key issues such as current trends, market characteristics, regulation, airport terminal operations, pricing and revenues, and environmental impacts. The book illustrates the recent emphasis on mergers at the expense of alliances, which have not had the impact that they had on passenger operations. The section on security has been expanded to assess in more depth the threats to aircraft from terrorists, particularly in the lower cargo and passenger baggage compartments. Surcharges are examined and the book considers whether all airlines will follow the lead of some to do away with both fuel and security surcharges. The book concludes with a summary of the latest industry forecasts. Fully updated throughout, this edition is the definitive guide to air cargo for professionals within both the aviation and freight industries.

This is the third edition of a popular introductory guide to the function and future of the air cargo supply chain, an industry which responded with remarkable efficiency when faced with the challenges and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The book reviews the role and strategy of air cargo and its contribution to world trade and international economies. This industry, which accounts for more than 35% of the world’s trade in value, will be even more vital in the coming years. Building on the success of previous editions, Air Cargo Management now puts the emphasis on basic functionality, economics and historical precedents, but most of all it focuses on how traditional legacy methods are being replaced by the adoption of technologies and cloud-based applications – new methods which are changing and streamlining the entire industry. The book reviews the supply chain process and the technology applications as well as the effects of the pandemic and the fundamental lack of cargo capacity hitherto supplied by passenger aircraft. It also explores the increased use of freighter aircraft and the need for faster and more efficient processing, particularly on the ground and in road transport. The third edition features new content on: Security and crime, including pharmaceutical counterfeiting and fraud The role of airports and road feeder services Typical air cargo products, including the heavy-lift sector Regulations and treaties Aircraft in use, historically and currently New technologies The book is illustrated with statistical evidence, examples and photographs and is enriched with comments from industry leaders and experienced professionals. The style and breadth of content are designed to be easily readable and should be of practical interest to anyone either currently working in the logistics, supply chain or transport industries, or contemplating a career in this sector.