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UK chancellor Rachel Reeves has today confirmed the government's backing of plans to add a third runway at Heathrow Airport.

"Heathrow is the UK’s biggest port by value, and a critical hub which provides access to the rest of the UK and the world for British business – the opening of a third runway will expand the reach of industry to new global markets both for imports and exports.

Trump's tariff policies had profound and far-reaching effects on both domestic and global economies. While intended to protect U.S. industries, the tariffs led to complex challenges, including supply chain disruptions, increased costs for consumers and businesses, and strained international relations. The global economy continues to adapt to these changes, highlighting the interconnected nature of modern trade.

Swissport, a leading global provider of airport ground services and air cargo handling, today announced the launch of a brand-new cargo facility at London Heathrow Airport (LHR). The launch marks Swissport’s significant growth in the cargo sector, following a 17% increase in cargo tonnage in the year to date.

Air cargo volumes are predicted by IATA to rise by 5.8% year on year to reach 72.5m tonnes in 2025, supported by e-commerce and Red Sea-related demand.

While demand is expected to continue to grow, the average yield is predicted to adjust downwards by 0.7%, but still remain well above pre-pandemic levels.

Cross-border e-commerce has indisputably become air cargo’s golden egg in recent years to a point where it is no exaggeration to suggest that it is fast-becoming the sector’s leading commodity surpassing general cargo.

Its ascendancy has put a squeeze on the capacity available to other verticals, driving up rates across the sector.

The airfreight industry demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2024, adapting to economic fluctuations and shifting demand patterns. Boosted by the surge in e-commerce, as well as increased shipments of perishables and high-value goods, there was areas of significant trade growth.

For example, Vietnam is showing a continuous increase as various multinational companies relocate their production plants from China to Vietnam.

Expectations of a bumper airfreight peak season are beginning to dwindle as a successful spell of front-loading fills warehouses.

In its summary of the October rates scene, the Baltic Airfreight Index noted an 8.1% increase in worldwide prices, and described the month as another “series of solid gain”, pointing to a particularly strong performance on major lanes out of Asia, to Europe and North America.

Donald Trump has already claimed victory in the US presidential election. But what will this mean for the US and global logistics industry? Ti’s CEO John Manners-Bell provides his immediate response to the result looking at some of Trump’s key policy commitments.

General cargo shippers, fighting for space against ecommerce giants, should “brace for impact” as the industry heads towards “one of the highest peaks ever in the industry of air cargo”, with a shortage of capacity likely to see airlines prioritising profits.