Swiss freight-forwarder and logistics provider Panalpina recorded 'historic' aifreight volumes in 2018, exceeding 1m tonnes for the first time in company history.
The firm attributed the growth, which represents a 4 per cent increase over prior year volumes, to negotiations earlier in the year to secure capacity and agree on rates with customers and carriers.
According to reports, Panalpina airfreight highlights in 2018 included expanding its charter network with a new service between Querétero and Huntsville and the first route for LATAM Cargo between Bogotá and Huntsville. The firm also expanded its perishables network in 2018 by acquiring Newport Cargo in Argentina and Skyservices in South Africa.
Panalpina said its airfreight products continued to focus on digitalisation and automation in 2018 to increase productivity and to provide more tailored and responsive services.
The group said it expects the airfreight market to grow by about 3 per cent in 2019, and that it plans to outgrow the market. Particular areas of growth will include aerospace and perishables.
