Global Aperture

The Airport Council International (ACI) World released an annual dataset, showing that major Chinese airports, including Shanghai and Guangzhou, climbed in global air cargo rankings in 2023. This growth was fueled by e-commerce demand, an increase in passenger and cargo flights, and strategic infrastructure investments. Middle Eastern airports such as Doha and Dubai also improved their rankings with increased belly cargo capacity, while smaller U.S. airports like Cincinnati benefited from e-commerce-driven growth.

On November 13^th, Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) and Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) signed a development agreement to strengthen cargo trade lanes, with a focus on aerospace cargo and e-commerce. The partnership aims to address the underserved Chicago-United Kingdom air cargo market while promoting sustainability and enhancing air cargo infrastructure.

Americas

United States: Negotiations between the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) and the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) stalled on November 13^th due to the use of semi-automated cranes. The ILA wants strict prohibitions on automation, and failure to reach an agreement by the January 15^th deadline could result in another strike, disrupting port operations along the East and Gulf Coasts.

Mexico: From November 12^th to 13^th, protests in Nuevo Laredo have blocked access to the World Trade Bridge, disrupting northbound cargo traffic into Laredo, Texas. Commercial trucks are being rerouted 19 miles east to the Colombia Solidarity Bridge to cross into the U.S.

Asia-Pacific

Australia: Western Australia plans to relocate its main container port from Fremantle to Kwinana by 2030 to address capacity constraints. The relocation will enhance Australia’s port infrastructure and support the long-term growth of container trade.

China: Tropical Storm Toraji prompted the closure of schools and businesses, including KWE operational offices, in Hong Kong after authorities issued a typhoon signal 8 warning on November 13^th. By November 14^th, the storm had weakened and moved away, allowing transport systems and the city’s airport to continue operating with minimal disruptions.

India: Glitches in new operating systems at container terminals in Kattupalli and Ennore have caused significant delays. These issues have resulted in longer container dwell times, slower truck processing, and reduced productivity, affecting supply chains in India’s manufacturing hub near Chennai.

Europe, Middle East & Africa

Europe’s airfreight market is struggling due to low economic growth and high government debt, dampening demand, and leading to muted peak season expectations. While outbound lanes from Asia performed strongly, European routes faced challenges, with some early signs of recovery shown in early November.

France: French rail workers are planning a series of strikes in November and December to protest the breakup of the state-owned freight operator Fret SNCF into two companies. The first strike, scheduled for 37 hours on November 20^th, could disrupt freight transport during the busy holiday season.

United Kingdom: DP World has inaugurated the world’s first all-electric berth at London Gateway, equipped with Europe’s largest quay cranes and automated stacking cranes. The new 430-meter berth increases the port’s trading capacity by over 30% and supports its sustainability goals.Top of Form

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