EXTRANS GLOBAL - Weekly Logistics Operation Update - Week 17 -2025

📌Weekly Logistics Highlights:

The news highlights this week include:Vietnam's aviation industry is poised to take advantage of the growing air traffic in Southeast Asia, while the decline in U.S. freight volumes and shifts in supply chains continue. ECS Group is expanding its Southeast Asia business in partnership with Air Premia...

Hong Kong, China

🔹Cathay Cargo Celebrates HKIA as World's Busiest Cargo Airport and Commits to Future Growth

Cathay Cargo has congratulated Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) for being named the world's busiest cargo airport for the 14th time since 2010, highlighting its significant role in global air cargo. Cathay Cargo Director Tom Owen praised the achievement as a testament to cooperation and innovation, reaffirming the company's commitment to investing in its fleet and digital capabilities to support HKIA's leadership. In 2024, Cathay Cargo transported 1.5 million tonnes of cargo, representing 31% of HKIA's total volume, and is actively expanding its fleet with new aircraft to enhance operations.

Shenzhen, China

🔹Etihad Cargo Expands Operations in Greater China to Meet Rising Demand

Etihad Cargo is expanding its operations in Greater China to meet rising customer demand, increasing flights to and from China from 11 in 2024 to 18 in 2025. The expansion includes adding three weekly freighter flights to Shenzhen and two to London, enhancing connectivity for transporting e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and perishables. This growth aligns with Etihad Cargo's strategy to strengthen its global network and position Abu Dhabi as a major logistics hub, ensuring reliable and flexible freight services for international trade.

Guangzhou, China

🔹Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Rises as a Key Global Aviation Hub

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has made significant strides in the global aviation landscape, ranking 15th among the world's most valuable aviation hubs, according to GYBrand's recent report. This recognition underscores China's growing influence in air travel, with Baiyun Airport achieving remarkable increases in passenger and cargo throughput in 2024, handling 76.4 million passengers and 2.38 million tonnes of cargo. The airport's connectivity has expanded to all 10 ASEAN nations and introduced direct flights to Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and South America. With a fourth runway set to open in 2025, Baiyun is poised to become the only four-runway airport in the Greater Bay Area, further solidifying its status as a key global hub.

Shanghai, China

🔹Launch of Songjiang Air Cargo Pre-Station Enhances Foreign Trade Logistics Efficiency and Promotes Global Supply Chain Integration

Against the backdrop of accelerating the construction of Shanghai as an international trade and shipping center, Shanghai's first air cargo pre-station was inaugurated on April 26 in the Songjiang Comprehensive Bonded Zone, with expected improvements in customs clearance efficiency by 30% and a reduction in logistics costs by 15%. This project will effectively open up air transport trade channels, providing momentum for Songjiang and its surrounding industrial areas to accelerate integration into the global supply chain. As Shanghai's first air cargo pre-station, it optimizes the logistics flow chain and enhances the operational efficiency of cross-border e-commerce and emerging industries, thereby boosting the global competitiveness of enterprises. Songjiang also plans to focus on air cargo demands, emphasizing cross-border e-commerce and high-value-added businesses to promote high-quality economic development.

Tianjin, China

🔹Tianjin Port to Invest 19.5 Billion Yuan in Major Infrastructure Projects for Enhanced Maritime Capabilities

In 2025, Tianjin Port (Group) Co., Ltd. plans to undertake 21 major construction projects, including terminal upgrades, yard expansions, and waterway enhancements, with a total investment of around 19.5 billion yuan (approximately 2.7 billion U.S. dollars). These initiatives aim to improve service capabilities and establish Tianjin Port as a high-level maritime gateway, reflecting the port's commitment to advancing key infrastructure projects in recent years.

Qingdao, China

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Vietnam

🔹Vietnam's Aviation Sector Poised for Significant Growth Amid Southeast Asia's Expanding Air Traffic

Southeast Asia's passenger air traffic is expected to grow over 7% annually, with Vietnam leading at more than 8% growth. By 2035, Vietnam's air traffic is projected to double, reaching over 75 million annual passengers, with key markets including South Korea, China, and Japan. Additionally, the air cargo sector in Vietnam is set to see a 350% increase in export value per tonne, driven by e-commerce growth. The aviation industry significantly contributes to Vietnam's economy, supporting 2.5 million jobs and $18 billion in GDP. As demand for new aircraft rises, the region will require substantial new talent, with Southeast Asia needing to hire 234,000 personnel. Boeing continues to play a major role in Vietnam's aviation sector, with ongoing partnerships and aircraft orders from local airlines.

South Korea

🔹Korean Air Reintroduces Boeing 747-8i on Longest Passenger Route to Atlanta

Korean Air has reintroduced its Boeing 747-8i fleet on the nonstop route from Seoul to Atlanta, making it the longest passenger-configured Boeing 747 route at 7,172 miles, surpassing Lufthansa's previous record. The flights will operate twice weekly until early May 2025 and then daily through the summer, increasing capacity significantly compared to the Boeing 777-300ER. While the 747-8i offers enhanced passenger capacity, its future with Korean Air is uncertain due to the shift towards more economical aircraft like the Airbus A350.

America

🔹Impact of Trump's Trade War: Declining Freight Volumes and Shifting Supply Chains

Donald Trump's trade war with China is significantly impacting the US economy, with sharp declines in container and air freight volumes from China due to high tariffs. Container bookings have fallen by 45%, and the Port of Los Angeles expects a third fewer arrivals compared to last year. Businesses are stockpiling inventory and shifting supply chains to avoid tariffs, leading to increased shipping rates from other Asian countries. Overall, the uncertainty surrounding trade negotiations is causing a slowdown in imports, affecting logistics and retail patterns.

Bangladesh

🔹Bangladesh Accelerates Air Cargo Capacity Following India's Revocation of Transshipment Facilities

After India revoked transshipment facilities to Bangladesh, Dhaka is rapidly enhancing its air cargo capacity to reduce reliance on Indian infrastructure, primarily affecting its textile exports. The disruption has halted exports to Nepal and Bhutan and increased costs for Bangladeshi goods. In response, Sylhet’s Osmani International Airport is launching dedicated cargo operations, with its first flight transporting garments to Spain. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to diversify export channels and improve self-reliance in logistics, as officials also plan to reactivate cargo operations at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram.

Myanmar

🔹ECS Group Expands Southeast Asia Presence with Air Premia Partnership

ECS Group has announced that its subsidiary, Globe Air Cargo Cambodia, will serve as the General Sales and Service Agent (GSSA) for Air Premia in Cambodia and Myanmar. This partnership enhances ECS Group’s presence in Southeast Asia and facilitates the routing of cargo through Bangkok to major global destinations. Air Premia's Boeing 787 flights will transport goods, primarily ready-made garments, textiles, and perishables, with a focus on operational efficiency supported by ECS Group's digital tools. This collaboration aims to unlock new opportunities in high-potential export markets.

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