Robert Jubb, UK head of freight at broker Air Partner says he is expecting an increase in demand for dedicated cargo flights in the lead-up to Christmas, due to the ongoing shortage of truck drivers.
He commented: “Recent complications to supply chains due to Brexit and a lack of available HGV drivers has seen our enquiries for air freight increase by as much as 60% to meet demand for orders typically fulfilled via sea or road transportation. Sea freight is experiencing significant delays in shipping, due to a short supply of available containers and costs are at their highest, which is driving further interest in air freight. Seafreight continues to run beyond maximum capacity and cargo aircraft are close to being fully-booked between September and the end of the year.”
He expects demand for air freight to surge in the short-term as retailers are recommending to customers to buy their toys and presents earlier than usual ahead of Christmas.”