The air cargo and charter markets are experiencing a profound transformation driven by the rise of digital tools and AI. By streamlining operations, enhancing transparency, and improving customer experiences, these innovations are tackling inefficiencies and unlocking new opportunities.
The shift is not merely about automation; it represents a strategic evolution, addressing the complex challenges of global supply chains while preparing the sector for a future defined by greater connectivity and smarter decision-making. Companies like Aerios and Wiremind are leading the charge, introducing innovative solutions that streamline operations, enhance transparency, and elevate customer experiences.
For both Aerios and Wiremind, efficiency stands at the core of their strategies. Aerios has introduced digital tools that dramatically cut quoting times for air charters.
“Our solution has revolutionised the quoting process for our customers. For CargoJet, we reduced quoting times by up to 40 percent, and for GTA Air, a carrier that specialises in urgent charters where every second matters, we achieved an incredible 83 percent reduction—from an average of six minutes to under one minute. These efficiencies are game-changers in an industry where response speed directly impacts the likelihood of securing a charter,” said Simon Watson, CEO of Aerios.
Similarly, Wiremind leverages AI to optimise processes such as capacity forecasting.
“Accurate capacity forecasting ensures airlines avoid the costly pitfalls of underselling or overselling cargo space. AI models allow us to predict demand with precision, improving decision-making and ultimately driving revenue. For example, even a small improvement in forecast accuracy translates into significant financial gains, making it a no-brainer for airlines looking to optimise their operations,” added Nathanael de Tarade, CEO of Wiremind.
One of the significant challenges in the charter market has been the fragmented nature of its digital landscape. “Over the past five years, we’ve seen carriers, brokers, and forwarders adopt various digital tools, but the problem is that these systems often operate in silos.
They don’t communicate with each other effectively, which leads to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. At Aerios, our goal is to break down these barriers, enabling seamless data exchange and improving collaboration across the board,” Watson explained. Aerios’s integration with Jefferson’s ForeFlight system exemplifies this effort.
By enabling carriers to calculate flight times and costs within a single platform, the integration reduces manual effort while enhancing accuracy and transparency. “Our ForeFlight integration allows carriers to pull flight times directly into their quotations. This means they no longer need to use separate systems or spreadsheets. It’s a simple but powerful change that makes the quoting process faster, more accurate, and more professional.” Wiremind’s SKYPALLET 2.0 showcases how AI can transform logistics.
This platform offers real-time insights and integrates seamlessly with other systems, creating a connected ecosystem that addresses key operational pain points. De Tarade explained the significance of SKYPALLET 2.0. “SKYPALLET 2.0 is not just an incremental upgrade—it’s a complete reimagination of what a digital cargo solution can be. By connecting to our broader CargoStack suite, it doesn’t just optimise palletisation; it transforms the way airlines manage their flights, bookings, and capacity. Years of feedback from over 20 airline customers have gone into its development, making it an invaluable tool for addressing pain points across the air cargo sector,” he said.
The customer experience is another area where digitalisation has proven invaluable. Aerios’s solutions enhance transparency by centralising data, giving airlines a comprehensive view of requests and quotations. Watson emphasised the benefits: “Our system doesn’t just make quoting faster; it also gives management a bird’s-eye view of all operations. They can see who’s quoting, what requests are coming in, and how resources are being allocated. This level of transparency not only improves internal efficiency but also strengthens customer relationships by ensuring faster, more reliable responses.”
Wiremind’s AI-driven insights also play a crucial role in enhancing customer satisfaction. “AI allows us to predict trends and patterns in cargo movement that were previously impossible to see. For example, we’ve developed models that can accurately forecast capacity availability based on passenger luggage trends, ensuring cargo customers get reliable booking options. It’s about using AI to solve real problems and make the experience better for everyone involved,” De Tarade described.
While the potential of digital tools and AI is undeniable, challenges persist. “The charter market has relied on manual processes for decades. Understandably, some players are hesitant to shift to new technologies. But as more carriers see the tangible benefits—faster quotes, better transparency, and improved revenue—they’re starting to embrace the change,” Watson added.
For Wiremind, ensuring data quality is a critical hurdle. De Tarade explained: “AI is only as good as the data it’s trained on. In logistics, where data can sometimes be incomplete or inconsistent, maintaining accuracy is essential. Poor-quality data leads to poor recommendations, which is why we invest so heavily in ensuring the integrity of the data we use.”
Looking to the future, both Aerios and Wiremind are poised to drive further innovation. Aerios plans to expand its offerings to include brokers, aiming to create a fully integrated ecosystem. “Our long-term strategy is to build a platform that seamlessly connects the supply and demand sides of the charter market. By doing so, we’ll create a more transparent, efficient, and profitable ecosystem for all stakeholders,” Watson shared.
Wiremind, meanwhile, remains focused on using AI to address specific pain points rather than chasing trends. De Tarade explained: “Our philosophy is simple: we use AI only when it’s the best tool for solving a problem. We don’t adopt trends for their own sake. This approach ensures that our solutions are always meaningful and directly address our customers’ needs. AI will continue to play a significant role in our products, but it will always be guided by the problems we’re trying to solve.”
