International airfreight forwarders handle 15% more PH volume in 2021

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International airfreight forwarders
Photo from the International Air Transport Association website.
  • More flights resuming in 2021 lifted international air freight forwarders’ cargo throughput by 15% year-on-year
  • Consolidations, breakbulking and direct shipments grew 4%, 34% and 11.9%, respectively
  • The increases were despite incomplete submission (only 86%) of volume reports
  • Nippon Express Philippines continued to lead CAB’s top 30 international air freight forwarders list for the 13th straight year

Cargo volume handled by international air freight forwarders grew 15% year-on-year in 2021 as more flights resumed, preliminary data from the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) showed.

Airfreight handled by international air freight forwarders grew to 400.349 million kilograms (kg) in 2021 from 346.463 million kg in 2020.

Of the total, consolidations accounted for 41.98% or 168.051 million kg, which was 4% up from 162.074 million kg registered in 2020.

Breakbulking had a share of 39.97% or 160.016 million kg, surpassing by 34% the 119.778 million kg in 2020.

Direct shipments increased 11.9% to 72.281 million kg from 64.611 million kg.

The increases were recorded despite only 86% of international air freight forwarders having completed volume report submission, as noted by CAB in its preliminary data as of February 11.

Airlines started suspending their domestic and international flights in mid-March 2020 as travel restrictions were imposed locally and internationally to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Only repatriation, sweeper, and cargo flights were allowed during the period to June, when restrictions were eased and limited domestic flights were allowed.

The International Air Transport Association earlier said 2021 was a stellar year for air cargo, with global air freight markets showing that full-year demand for air cargo increased by 6.9% in 2021, compared with 2019 (pre-COVID levels) and 18.7% compared with 2020.

Nippon Express Philippines Corp. continued to lead CAB’s top 30 international air freight forwarders list for the 13th straight year with an 18.65% share or 7.673 million kg.

Federal Express Pacific Inc. leaped nine places to second from 11th previously with 6.17% or 24.696 million kg. U-Freight Phils. Inc. remained at third with 4.96% or 19.872 million kg while Kintetsu World Express (Phils.) Inc. jumped three places to fourth with 4.69% or 18.778 million kg.

Still at fifth rank was Schenker Philippines Inc. with 4.03% share or 16.126 million kg.

For a list of the Philippines’ other top international airfreight forwarders in 2021, click here. – Roumina Pablo

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