As the aviation landscape evolves, air cargo has emerged as a key driver of revenue and resilience for airlines worldwide. AVIAREPS, a global leader in aviation, tourism, and travel representation, is expanding its footprint in the cargo sector to meet growing industry demand. The company’s strategic move comes at a time when air freight is playing an increasingly vital role in supporting e-commerce growth, supply chain resilience, and international trade recovery. With a strong global presence and decades of experience in airline representation, AVIAREPS is now leveraging its network, technology, and expertise to position itself as a trusted player in the global cargo market.
ArabiaTravelNews.com spoke with Frederick Overton, Global Head of Cargo at AVIAREPS, about the company’s strategy, opportunities in the Middle East, and how digitalization and e-commerce are reshaping the air freight market.
Why did AVIAREPS decide to invest and grow in the air cargo industry?
AVIAREPS’ decision to expand into air cargo stems from both our existing strengths and the sector’s immense potential. Over the years, we’ve built a robust portfolio of airline clients as passenger GSAs and earned their trust through strong, long-term partnerships. Entering the cargo space is a natural extension, enabling us to further support our airline partners in a revenue stream that has become increasingly important.
The 2024 World Air Cargo Forecast projects global cargo traffic to double by 2043, driven by e-commerce growth and shifting supply chain dynamics. These trends underscore the critical role cargo will play in aviation’s future, making this the perfect time for us to grow our footprint. Leveraging our global expertise and deep relationships, we’re confident in delivering value and innovation for our partners.
What are your immediate priorities as you strengthen AVIAREPS’ air cargo division?
Our top priority is to establish AVIAREPS as a trusted leader in global air cargo. While our name is synonymous with excellence in passenger aviation, we are now focused on building an equally strong cargo reputation. To achieve this, we’re investing in internal training, targeted recruitment, and expanding our team with experienced cargo professionals. This will allow us to scale our portfolio and solidify our position as a key player in the industry.
How can a GSA like AVIAREPS help an airline grow in the air cargo world?
On the passenger side, many of our airline clients have been with us for over two decades, a testament to the trust we’ve earned. We are bringing that same level of service and commitment to our cargo partnerships.
Through Total Cargo Management, we handle the entire cargo operation for our airline partners, providing a cost-effective solution that’s especially beneficial for smaller carriers. Our data-driven approach enables us to identify trends, optimize operations, and unlock new revenue opportunities. With offices across the globe staffed by local experts, we combine global reach with regional know-how to deliver strong results in diverse markets.
What key trends are shaping the global air freight market, and how will AVIAREPS capitalize on them?
Digitalization is transforming air cargo, from online booking to paperless operations. We’re actively collaborating with digital booking platforms to ensure our airline partners have a robust online presence. At the same time, we complement these with comprehensive offline sales and service support, offering a full-spectrum solution to meet varied market needs.
Which commodities do you expect to drive air cargo growth in the next decade?
E-commerce will remain a dominant force, with global consumer demand for fast, reliable delivery continuing to soar. Perishables such as fresh produce, seafood and pharmaceuticals are also major growth drivers, especially in the Gulf region where air cargo supports high demand for time-sensitive goods.
In addition, aerospace parts will become increasingly important, particularly in the Middle East where fleet expansion and aviation development are accelerating. These trends position AVIAREPS to help airlines optimize strategy and capture growth across key sectors.
How is the rise of e-commerce affecting traditional air freight operations, and how is AVIAREPS adapting?
E-commerce has revolutionized the air cargo industry but also introduced imbalances, especially between Europe and Asia-Pacific. While eastbound routes often run at full capacity, return flights face lower demand, affecting pricing and efficiency. With deep market insights and customized strategies, AVIAREPS supports airlines in addressing these challenges. Our role as a GSA is to help carriers navigate complex trade dynamics, optimize operations, and remain agile in a fast-evolving marketplace.
The Middle East is a critical region for air cargo growth. How do you plan to strengthen your presence here?
The Middle East is indeed a vital market for us. We’ve adopted a dynamic, opportunity-driven approach, expanding wherever potential arises. Our long-established office in Dubai serves as a strategic hub, while our newly opened office in Saudi Arabia reflects our growing commitment to the region.
By leveraging our strong relationships with airlines we already represent on the passenger side, we’re creating synergies to drive cargo growth. We see ourselves playing an active role in supporting the region’s remarkable economic expansion and logistics ambitions.
With AVIAREPS’ broad global reach, how do you ensure agility and responsiveness in diverse markets?
Agility is in our DNA. With a global network and strong local market expertise, we can quickly adapt to shifts in demand and conditions. This flexibility allows us to serve both established and emerging markets effectively, ensuring that our airline partners receive tailored, market-specific support no matter where they operate.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals for the air cargo division?
Our long-term vision is to establish AVIAREPS as a major global player in cargo representation, much like we have achieved in passenger aviation. The cargo GSA market is currently dominated by a few large entities, and we intend to challenge that landscape by offering airlines a trusted, innovative, and results-driven alternative.
Over the next five to ten years, we aim to build on our global network, uphold the highest service standards, and deliver measurable growth for our partners. As the air freight sector continues to evolve, we are ready to grow alongside our clients and play a defining role in shaping the future of global cargo logistics.
