The war in Ukraine has disrupted not only the country’s airspace but also its entire air cargo logistics infrastructure. However, this crisis has accelerated digital transformation, forcing aviation and logistics companies to rethink their operations, embrace automation, and find alternative solutions.
From rerouted supply chains to the rise of automation and AI-driven logistics, Ukraine’s air cargo industry is undergoing a radical shift. But what role does digitalisation play in ensuring business continuity, and how will it shape the sector’s future in a post-war economy?
The closure of Ukrainian airspace forced logistics companies to pivot overnight, shifting operations to multimodal transportation that integrates air, road, and rail freight. This sudden transformation created an urgent need for digital platforms that could handle complex logistics in real-time.
“The war in Ukraine has significantly impacted air cargo operations, compelling logistics providers to optimise delivery routes and implement advanced digital solutions,” Awery’s CEO and Founder, Vitaly Smilianets, explained.
“With increased lead times and disrupted supply chains, automation and AI-driven logistics have become critical tools in adapting to this new reality.”
Automation and AI: The new standard in Ukrainian air cargo
Before the war, digital transformation in Ukraine’s air cargo industry was progressing gradually. Today, it’s an absolute necessity. The demand for automation, AI-driven forecasting, and digital booking platforms has surged, driven by four key factors:
• Diversified cargo routes: With Ukraine’s airspace closed, freight is rerouted via Poland, Romania, and other neighbouring
countries, requiring real-time logistics coordination.
• Multimodal complexity: The combination of air, road, and rail freight necessitates integrated digital tracking and management tools.
• Speed and agility: In a high-risk environment, companies need automated systems to adapt quickly to border closures, fuel short ages, and geopolitical risks.
• Cost efficiency: Digital solutions reduce manual labour, paper work, and operational delays, helping
companies cut costs in an already strained economy.
“We’ve seen a significant increase in demand for automation from both Ukrainian and international air cargo operators,” Smilianets noted.
“The need to quickly adapt to disruptions means companies must invest in digital freight management systems that improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.”
Awery has responded by providing customised digital solutions at reduced rates for Ukrainian companies, ensuring local businesses can continue operations despite the crisis.
The fragmentation of traditional supply chains has accelerated the adoption of end-to-end digital cargo management platforms. Awery’s CargoBooking marketplace, a digital quoting and booking platform, is now widely used by Ukrainian carriers to streamline freight reservations and optimise cargo capacity.
“With supply chains constantly shifting, digital solutions like CargoBooking allow airlines and freight forwarders to maintain real-time visibility on shipments,” Vitaly Smilianets expressed. “This reduces delays, improves planning, and enhances overall efficiency in a highly volatile market.”
Additionally, automation in customs clearance, cargo handling, and load planning has helped companies navigate disruptions more efficiently, minimising delays caused by border congestion and shifting regulations.
Ukraine’s aviation industry is not just adapting—it is evolving. Several key technology trends are shaping the air cargo sector in Ukraine and beyond:
• AI-driven demand forecasting to optimise cargo planning and
reduce empty space on flights.
• Drones and robotics in warehouse automation improve efficiency and reduce reliance on manual labour.
• Blockchain for cargo documentation, ensuring transparency and security in logistics.
• IoT-based cargo tracking to provide real-time visibility for
shipments, reducing the risk of delays and lost cargo.
“Ukraine’s cargo industry is now embracing digitalisation at an unprecedented speed,” Vitaly Smilianets said. “The combination of AI, automation, and advanced analytics will define the future of logistics in the region.”
Post-war recovery
While Ukraine’s aviation and air cargo sector will take time to rebuild, digital transformation will play a pivotal role in its recovery and modernisation.
“Post-war, digitalisation will be the foundation for a more efficient, transparent, and resilient logistics network,” Smilianets predicted. “Companies that invest in smart technologies now will be best positioned to lead the market in the future.”
“We believe that digitalisation will drive the next phase of recovery,” Smilianets concluded. “Air cargo will not only return but will come back stronger, more agile, and fully integrated into the digital supply chain of the future.”
