The airfreight industry, particularly smaller players, faces several challenges in adopting new digital technologies. One of the primary hurdles is the high cost of implementation and integration with existing systems, which can be prohibitive for small and mid-sized companies. Additionally, the complexity of digitising legacy operations, which have traditionally been manual and paper-driven, requires both technical expertise and a cultural shift within organisations.
Smaller players often struggle with limited resources and resistance to change, making it difficult to keep up with larger, more tech-savvy competitors. However, platforms like Softlink’s Logi-Sys are helping bridge this gap by offering scalable, user-friendly solutions that enable even smaller freight forwarders to automate operations, improve efficiency, and compete on a global scale. This democratisation of technology is critical to ensuring that all players can benefit from digital transformation.
“Digitalisation is revolutionising the airfreight industry by streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and enhancing customer experiences. Key drivers of this shift include the need for real-time data visibility, automated operations, and enhanced collaboration across the supply chain,” Amit Maheshwari, founder of Softlink Global, stated.
“As customers demand faster deliveries and greater transparency, technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), IoT, blockchain, and cloud-based platforms are enabling freight forwarders to make data-driven decisions, optimise capacity, and improve cost management. With the rise of e-commerce and global trade complexities, digitalisation is no longer a choice but a necessity for staying competitive and meeting the evolving demands of the industry.
“At Softlink, we’ve been at the forefront of this transformation, developing innovative solutions like Logi-Sys that empower freight forwarders with end-to-end digital capabilities.”
Implemented and enhanced
Technologies like AI, IoT, blockchain, and cloud-based platforms are enhancing efficiency and transparency in airfreight operations. AI optimises route planning and demand forecasting, IoT provides real-time tracking of shipments, and blockchain ensures secure data sharing across the supply chain.
“AI plays a crucial role in optimising airfreight processes by enhancing demand forecasting, route planning, and operational efficiency. AI-driven algorithms analyse vast amounts of historical and real-time data to predict demand trends, helping companies anticipate volume fluctuations and adjust capacity accordingly. In route planning, AI optimises flight paths, cargo loads, and schedules, reducing fuel consumption and transit times while minimising costs,” Maheshwari highlighted.
“By automating these processes, AI not only boosts efficiency but also improves decision-making, allowing airfreight companies to respond swiftly to changing market conditions and customer demands.”
Cloud-based platforms, such as Softlink’s Logi-Sys, streamline end-to-end operations, offering greater visibility and improved decision-making, helping companies stay agile in a fast-paced environment.
“Digital solutions help reduce costs and improve operational efficiency in airfreight logistics by automating manual processes, optimising resource allocation, and providing real-time data insights,” he outlined.
“Automation reduces human error and speeds up repetitive tasks, while AI-driven tools enhance route planning and load optimisation, lowering fuel consumption and operational waste. Real-time tracking and analytics enable better decision-making, reducing delays and downtime. These technologies not only cut costs but also improve efficiency, allowing companies to respond quickly to changing demands and improve customer satisfaction.”
Tackling challenges
Looking ahead, the digitalisation of airfreight is set to evolve with deeper integration of AI, machine learning, and blockchain technologies. AI will continue to enhance predictive analytics for demand forecasting, route optimisation, while machine learning will improve real-time decision-making and automation of complex tasks.
