• e-commerce is redefining Southeast Asia’s airfreight, driving surging demand for faster, smarter, and more agile logistics across diverse markets from Singapore to Vietnam
• Digitisation and data-driven operations are the new backbone, powering real-time tracking, predictive analytics, and streamlined cross-border solutions to meet rising customer expectations
• Infrastructure and collaboration will decide who wins, as governments, logistics players, and tech partners race to align physical capacity with digital connectivity in the booming regional trade ecosystem

With digital marketplaces exploding across Southeast Asia, logistics providers are under pressure to move goods faster, smarter, and across increasingly complex networks. From urban hubs in Singapore to emerging export lanes in Vietnam and Thailand, airfreight is stepping in to handle growing demand for quick, reliable e-commerce logistics—and infrastructure, digitisation, and agility are all in the spotlight.

“e-commerce in Southeast Asia continues to be a key growth driver for air cargo,” Anindam Choudhury, Vice President, Commercial, TAM Group, said in its interview with Air Cargo Week. The region’s strategic location and booming digital economy are creating both opportunities and pressures for logistics providers to keep up with volumes and expectations.

What’s changed is not just volume, but the type of cargo moving and how fast it needs to go. “We’re seeing greater demand for express services, last-mile delivery integration, and efficient reverse logistics,” Anindam Choudhury explained. “Airfreight plays a pivotal role in meeting customer expectations for faster, more reliable deliveries.”

In this region, where digital adoption is high and consumer expectations are shifting, failure to keep up with the pace can mean falling behind. The growth is especially strong in countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, where e-commerce penetration is climbing sharply.

Southeast Asia is not a single market; it’s a patchwork of customs regimes, regulatory environments, and infrastructure maturity levels. Navigating that landscape adds significant complexity to any e-commerce supply chain.

TAM Group pointed out that agility is a necessity, not a nice-to-have. “Agility and adaptability are essential to support the speed, flexibility, and reliability required in the e-commerce space,” Anindam Choudhury stated. “This means streamlined cross-border solutions, digitised processes, and multimodal transport options to meet dynamic demand patterns.”

It’s a shift that’s pushing industry players to rethink how they build and scale services. What works in Singapore may not translate directly to the Philippines or Cambodia. Tailoring services to local realities, without losing sight of the bigger picture is becoming a competitive differentiator.

No longer just a warehouse game

Fast delivery may be the visible output, but behind it lies another key: information.

To manage the flow of goods, operators need to first manage the flow of data. “Digitisation is integral to e-commerce logistics, enabling real-time tracking, inventory management, automated customs clearance, and enhanced customer experience,” said Anindam Choudhury. “By leveraging AI, data analytics, and digital platforms, logistics players can optimise routes, predict demand, and improve efficiency.”

But digital transformation is about more than just systems—it’s also about visibility. “It allows better visibility and control over the end-to-end supply chain, which is essential for managing the high velocity and volume of e-commerce shipments,” the company added.

As volumes rise and cargo types diversify, infrastructure becomes a limiting factor. Terminals, warehouses, and last-mile systems all need to evolve to handle faster turnaround and more precise handling requirements.

“Infrastructure investments and digital integration will be key to enhancing capacity, speed, and service quality,” added Choudhury. They also flagged “strategic partnerships” and “a robust regulatory framework” as essential pillars for building an ecosystem that can sustainably support the growth of e-commerce logistics in the region.

Governments in countries like Vietnam and Thailand are already investing in airfreight zones and bonded facilities, but alignment across the region remains a work in progress. There’s growing recognition that digital and physical infrastructure need to grow in sync—and fast.

What’s in the box?

While fashion, electronics, and consumer goods remain top categories in airfreight e-commerce, the company also noted a shift in the type of goods travelling across borders.

“e-commerce logistics in Southeast Asia is becoming more diverse and specialised,” Choudhury said. “We’re handling more temperature-sensitive, high-value, and oversized items that require tailored handling and documentation.”

That diversification is placing new pressures on warehouse operations and customs processes. The lines between e-commerce, pharma, perishables, and general cargo are increasingly blurring.

“Future opportunities lie in enhancing cross-border trade facilitation, expanding airfreight networks to secondary cities, and integrating digital ecosystems,” Choudhury mentioned. “Challenges include infrastructure gaps, regulatory fragmentation, and ensuring sustainability amidst rapid growth.”

With e-commerce volumes projected to continue rising through 2030, Southeast Asia’s logistics sector is facing a critical moment. Stakeholders need to invest, coordinate, and innovate to keep the wheels turning, both physically and digitally.