IAG Cargo survey finds increased automation and digitalisation are key trends for industry

IAG Cargo published (01-Aug-2019) its 'Cargo Next' survey of more than 400 freight forwarders in 47 countries on perceptions of the air cargo industry. The report identifies the key trends and expectations of freight forwarders within the next 12 months. Key findings include:

• 70% of freight forwarders surveyed are expecting the rate of technological change to increase in the year ahead, in comparison to one year ago. 81% of forwarders believe technological innovation will have a positive impact on their business;
• 55% of survey participants identified increased automation and digitalisation as the most important trends in the airfreight industry in the near future, followed by the growth of e-commerce (41%). Trade tensions came up third in importance for freight forwarders, with 29% of survey respondents listing trade tensions dampening growth as a very significant or significant trend;
• The most significant challenge identified by freight forwarders is talent attraction and retention, with 79% of respondents identifying talent as either a very significant or significant challenge.

IAG Cargo director of strategy and revenue optimisation Enikö Matanov said: "We are hugely encouraged by the global appetite of freight forwarders to implement real change in the fields of digitalisation and automation. The scope for digitalisation and automation to transform the cargo industry is huge. We are dedicated to bringing advancements from within and outside the air cargo industry to continually improve and deliver the best service for our customers". [more - original PR]