This year, operations in the General Sales and Service Agent (GSSA) sector have seen a moderate recovery in the airfreight industry. Despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures, demand has stabilised and is likely to increase as consumer spending rebounds.
The increase in capacity and decrease in rates have been influenced by various factors, including the addition of new aircraft and strategic measures aimed at fostering growth and strengthening market presence.
“At Strike Aviation, we’ve responded to the changing landscape by focusing on digitalisation and improving the speed and quality of our services. This includes digitalising business processes, providing live cargo status updates via Track & Trace, and maintaining a strong social media presence,” Julie Knecht-Ostwaldt, COO of Europe at Strike Aviation Group, explained.
“Additionally, we’ve emphasised the importance of technology and constantly review and update our systems to stay competitive.
“For the rest of the year, our focus will likely be on enhancing digitalisation, improving service quality, and expanding capabilities in key growth areas such as e-commerce and pharmaceuticals. We’ll be targeting regions with high demand for these services and those with strategic importance for our operations.”
Current environment
The e-commerce market continues to be a significant driver of growth in the airfreight industry. The demand for fast and dependable transport options, especially for e-commerce, plays a major role in our business. Additionally, the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, with a focus on temperature-controlled cargo, are also driving growth.
The key to success for airlines and GSSAs lies in integrating various parts of the air logistics chain with the right digital tools. Efficiency, speed, and visibility are crucial, and partnering with multiple service providers for last-mile delivery is essential. Additionally, focusing on sustainability and meeting evolving customer needs for faster, more transparent, and environmentally sustainable solutions is vital.
“Opportunities in the industry include the growth of e-commerce and special commodities such as pharmaceuticals. By strengthening our capabilities in these areas and leveraging digital tools for better efficiency and visibility, we can seize these opportunities,” Knecht-Ostwaldt outlined.
“Potential pitfalls and challenges in the industry include geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, and muted consumer spending. To keep operations strong, it’s essential to understand supply chain data at both global and regional levels and to be prepared for fluctuations in demand.”
