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Large companies in the EU are closer to having to address their contributions to global warming and use of forced labour in supply chains.

Yesterday, the European Parliament Legal Affairs Committee agreed a new directive – but what was voted on was described as a “watered down” version that won’t have as big an impact as anticipated.

The turbulence of the last few years has left supply chains with a sense of urgency to future-proof their operations.

It’s widely accepted that automation and digitization will be at the heart of achieving the resilience, agility, efficiency, and sustainability needed to meet changing demands. But automation employing artificial intelligence isn’t just about headline-grabbing tech like exoskeletons, driverless delivery vehicles and drone shipping.

Digitalization is visibly transforming almost every space, but perhaps the biggest impact that the concept is making is in the logistics and manufacturing sectors.

Standing on the edge of growing globalization, elevated product complexity, and ever-changing customer demands, companies are using an advanced set of technologies in the supply chain to expand their business innovation.

Geodis will continue offering its own-controlled freighter capacity until at least the end of the year.

The freight forwarder’s leased Airbus A330-300P2F, operated by London Stansted-headquartered Titan Airways, is currently performing three rotations per week between the UK and China, carrying e-commerce goods.

Ethiopian Airlines will add a third UK airport to its network next month and its cargo division is looking forward to the possibility of freighter flights to the country in the future.

The Airbus A350-900 flights will arrive in the UK early on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday morning and depart later that morning back to Ethiopia.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing that air cargo demand rebounded in 2023 with a particularly strong fourth quarter performance despite economic uncertainties. Full-year demand reached a level just slightly below 2022 and 2019.

Supply chain leaders have warned of increased costs, confusion and frustration as the UK today introduces the first stage of its Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).

The BTOM requires imports into the UK that are designated medium- or high-risk to be accompanied by export health certificates.

In his new year message yesterday, Korean Air Lines chairman and CEO Walter Cho Won-tae said he believed the air cargo market had normalised after Covid, but predicted reduced earnings in 2024.

He said 2024 would be “a profound turning point” and that “innovation will sprout in the aviation industry”.

Geopolitical uncertainty and unpredictability could fuel demand for air cargo as shippers move to benefit from the stability of services.

Figures from data provider Xeneta show that air cargo demand increased by 9% year on year in December – although this is partly a reflection of a weak end to 2022 – while spot rates reached their highest level in nine months of $2.60 per kg and the dynamic load factor increased by 3% to reach 59%.