• Airfreight’s digital shift is redefining speed and control, as operators replace legacy systems with real-time tracking, predictive analytics, and integrated platforms that turn data into actionable insights driving both efficiency and revenue.
• AERION champions digitalisation as a commercial enabler, focusing on cross-company data sharing, predictive optimisation, and modular solutions that blend operational precision with business agility across global networks.
• The next wave will fuse AI, automation, and sustainability, with digital tools enabling greener routes, smarter pricing, and seamless collaboration — transforming air cargo into a connected, data-driven ecosystem.

Airfreight has always been about speed, precision, and reliability. But today, the industry is confronting a challenge it cannot solve with experience alone: its systems are stuck in the past. Many airlines and logistics operators still rely on fragmented, decades-old technology that struggles to keep up with shifting demand, tighter margins, and the relentless expectation for visibility.

Across the sector, there is a growing recognition that digital tools are no longer a luxury—they are essential. Companies are experimenting with platforms that can track shipments in real time, predict disruptions before they happen, and help allocate space and pricing with a level of precision that was impossible even a few years ago. Yet, adoption is uneven. While some operators are moving quickly, others are weighed down by legacy systems, fragmented processes, and the complexity of coordinating technology across multiple partners and jurisdictions.

“Digitalisation is a powerful accelerator—but it must support the commercial agenda rather than replace it,” Adrien Thominet, Chairman of  AERION noted. “The challenge is translating data into actionable insights that actually drive decisions and measurable results.”

One of the most visible impacts of digitalisation is on operational transparency. Real-time dashboards, control towers, and integrated reporting platforms allow logistics managers to track shipments, anticipate bottlenecks, and manage risk more proactively. These tools also support data-driven decision-making for capacity allocation, dynamic pricing, and yield management.

“Actionable insights are key,” Thominet says.

“Every report and alert must reflect both operational and commercial priorities. Visibility is not just about monitoring flights; it’s about enabling smarter decisions that drive revenue and customer satisfaction.”

Data-sharing between stakeholders is another critical area. Airlines, freight forwarders, and ground handlers often operate on siloed systems, creating inefficiencies and delays. Digital platforms that enable seamless data exchange can dramatically improve turnaround times and reduce errors. “Cross-company harmonisation remains underdeveloped,” Thominet explains. “Automated compliance, real-time updates, and secure integration of systems are where the industry has the greatest potential for improvement.”

For customers, this shift translates to faster onboarding, accurate quoting, and more reliable contract management. Self-service portals and real-time support tools are becoming standard, enabling clients to interact with carriers and operators efficiently while retaining control over decisions.

Optimisation through predictive analytics

The commercial side of airfreight is experiencing its own digital revolution. Analytics-driven optimisation allows carriers to maximise capacity, forecast demand, and adjust pricing dynamically. Predictive tools—sometimes incorporating AI—enable better anticipation of operational disruptions, whether due to weather, geopolitical events, or market fluctuations.

“Commercial optimisation is the low-hanging fruit for digitalisation,” Thominet says.

“Digital quoting, dynamic allocation, and targeted automation all serve a common goal: more effective, responsive operations. Predictive analytics adds value by anticipating issues before they impact performance or revenue.”

Flexibility is essential for implementing these systems across diverse operators and markets. Modular solutions, scalable APIs, and adaptable workflows allow digital tools to meet varying levels of maturity and infrastructure complexity. Thominet emphasises that embedding digital expertise within commercial teams ensures tools are not only technically robust but also commercially relevant, tailored to specific contracts and regions.

Challenges, collaboration, and sustainability

Despite the promise of digitalisation, the industry faces hurdles. Integrating new solutions with legacy systems, managing change across multiple stakeholders, and maintaining compliance are all ongoing challenges. “Success depends on careful change management and clear communication,” Thominet says. “Without it, even the most advanced tools fail to deliver tangible results.”

Collaboration is increasingly viewed as critical to success. Partnerships between technology providers, carriers, and logistics operators help accelerate adoption, reduce risk, and ensure that digital solutions are commercially effective. Cross-functional approaches allow best-in-class tools to be combined with sector expertise, creating scalable solutions tailored to the complexity of global supply chains.

Sustainability is another area where digitalisation is making a measurable impact. Platforms that track emissions, optimise fuel use, and redesign logistics flows allow operators to meet environmental targets while reducing costs. “Digital tools enable greener decision-making,” Thominet notes. “Optimisation of routes, capacity, and energy use not only improves efficiency but supports genuine, measurable sustainability outcomes.”

The road ahead

As the airfreight sector continues to evolve, industry experts anticipate that the next wave of digitalisation will focus on smarter commercial management, automated touchless processes, and greater ecosystem connectivity. Airlines and logistics providers will need to integrate AI-driven analytics, predictive modelling, and real-time collaboration into everyday operations to stay competitive.

“The future of air cargo is not about replacing human expertise with technology—it’s about enhancing decision-making, operational efficiency, and commercial outcomes through data-driven insights,” Thominet concludes. “The organisations that succeed will be those that can turn digitalisation into actionable intelligence, connecting strategy to execution every day.”