Over the past year, the airfreight market in Switzerland, and more broadly across Europe, has faced a turbulent mix of challenges and opportunities. For Swiss WorldCargo, these challenges have been especially pronounced as the company managed the delicate yet solid balance between its cargo operations and the overarching focus of its airline, SWISS, on passenger travel.
As global passenger travel gradually returned to pre-pandemic levels, Swiss WorldCargo had to navigate balancing its cargo operations with the airline’s core passenger services.
“SWISS is fundamentally a passenger airline, so the return to normal passenger travel meant a return to our default business model,” Gieri Hinnen, Head of Cargo ad interim, Swiss International Air Lines, explained.
The return to cargo-in-the-belly operations at Swiss WorldCargo, which involves utilising the cargo space in passenger aircraft, comes with the introduction of enhancements to its product offerings and the strengthening of its collaborations to drive efforts forward.
“Our cargo division continues to play a significant role in the company’s success through our belly operations. Following the pandemic years, our focus on high-value, care-intensive, and time-sensitive shipments remains unwavering.”
Peak to post-pandemic
During the height of the pandemic, Swiss WorldCargo operated a substantial number of cargo-only flights, responding to the urgent need for medical supplies worldwide. The demand for pharmaceutical products became a cornerstone of their operations, leveraging the company’s expertise in handling temperature-sensitive and high-value cargo. “In 2024, we’re back to our default business model, focusing on cargo-in-the-belly operations,” Hinnen noted.
“At the moment, there aren’t concrete plans for new destinations… We are focused on optimising our existing position and ensuring that we can continuously meet the needs of our cargo customers.” Swiss WorldCargo’s success in this new landscape has been supported by its strategic partnerships, particularly in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
Collaborations with airlines like Cathay Pacific and Lufthansa Cargo have expanded the division’s reach, providing customers with more direct connections, greater flexibility, and increased efficiency. “Our solid network of collaborations is crucial for our success, Hinnen emphasised. “Partnerships with Cathay Pacific and Lufthansa Cargo enable us to offer more direct connections and time-saving solutions to our cargo customers.”
Challenges
While some elements have returned to normality, the airfreight sector has been grappling with various challenges, including economic volatility, geopolitical tensions, and fluctuating fuel prices. These factors have disrupted supply chains and impacted air routes across Europe. “The airfreight industry has faced significant challenges, particularly with ongoing conflicts that disrupt supply chains and fluctuating fuel prices,” Hinnen shared.
New digital solutions
“As far as innovation is concerned, in the past years, we’ve seen the emergence of new solutions, especially in digital technologies, that have the potential to enhance supply chain management, increase operational transparency, and bolster sustainability. “The airfreight industry is evolving rapidly, and we are committed to staying ahead of the curve. “We are positioning ourselves to meet the challenges of the future and continue delivering exceptional service to our customers.”
