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Supporting The Industry For Over 25 Years
NY:00:07
LON:05:07
UAE:08:07
HK:12:07

Air Freight Reliability Worsens – What Shippers Should Do

04 September 2025

Recent data point to a dip in air cargo on-time performance alongside continued rate volatility. Forwarders warn of knock-on effects for shippers moving time-sensitive electronics and components.

Key takeaways

  • Reliability down: On-time performance worsened in recent months.

  • Rates volatile: Spot pricing remains unstable across key lanes.

  • Operational impact: Delays ripple into fulfilment SLAs and cash-flow timing.

Electronics, accessories and components are particularly exposed due to short product cycles and tight promotional windows.

What it means for traders

  • Add buffers: Build extra lead time into time-critical moves.

  • Flexible contracts: Blend spot with index-linked/flex terms to smooth spikes.

  • Lane diversification: Consider alternate hubs to bypass congestion.

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