For years, air cargo has had a reputation for being a little… let’s say, “technology-resistant” – like that one friend who still insists on faxing documents. But that image is increasingly becoming outdated. The industry is changing, and AI is empowering the movement, helping air cargo move smarter, faster, and with fewer “please hold” moments.
At the World Cargo Summit in Ostend, Belgium, I set out to challenge the idea that air cargo is slow to adopt new technology. My opinion? The industry is sprinting forward, even if it sometimes feels like a brisk jog. A recent Freightos survey found that 96% of logistics professionals are planning to use AI in their operations over the next year. This isn’t just digital window dressing – it’s a fundamental shift in how air cargo gets done.
AI: A Powerful Co-Pilot, Not a Mutiny in the Making
The fear with AI tends to be around: “Will it take our jobs? Will the machines rise up?” If Hollywood has taught us anything, it’s that AI can be both our best friend and our worst nightmare. But in air cargo, AI isn’t here to replace people – it’s here to make them more effective.
Instead of drowning in spreadsheets, manually comparing rates, and dealing with an inbox that resembles a digital avalanche, AI is stepping in to handle the repetitive, number-crunching tasks that eat up time. That’s exactly why:
- 64% of logistics professionals want AI to streamline pricing
- 56% see AI revolutionizing customer service
- 51% think AI can make operations less of a daily firefight
The best part? The numbers are proving them right.
Take WebCargo’s Auto-Fill Function – a tool that eliminates manual data entry, speeding up bookings and reducing errors. That means less clicking, fewer headaches, and more time spent on work that actually requires human brainpower. Freightos CEO Zvi Schreiber explains AI’s transformative possibilities best:
Cargo is about numbers… we are putting more emphasis on regression AI models which help to automate and optimize yield and capacity utilization.
Translation? AI is handling the heavy lifting, so logistics teams can focus on strategy rather than fighting with outdated air cargo procurement methods.
The Human Touch: AI as the Ultimate Sidekick
The biggest misconception about AI is that it’s going to strip away the human element, turning customer service into a robotic, soulless experience. But the reality is quite the opposite – AI is helping companies be more human, not less.
Customers today don’t want to wait hours (or days) for a response. They don’t want generic, one-size-fits-all answers. AI-driven tools are helping businesses predict customer needs, personalize service, and free up human talent for actual relationship-building instead of administrative grunt work.
Take WebCargo’s TerminalGPT – an AI-powered content generator that tailors insights to different markets and communication styles. Rather than churning out robotic-sounding messages, it keeps the personal touch intact while making communication more efficient.
This is what AI in air cargo should be about – not replacing people, but giving them better tools to do their jobs.
Why AI in Air Cargo is Here to Stay (And Not Just a Fad)
It’s easy to dismiss AI as another buzzword, but let’s be real – this is not another blockchain-in-logistics moment. AI is already proving its value, and 95% of logistics professionals agree that it’s going to fundamentally reshape the industry.
Freightos CMO Eytan Buchman made the stakes crystal clear:
Bill Gates recently commented that AI is every bit as significant as the internet or the transistor, and it’s difficult to imagine a supply chain organization without internet being able to compete with one that has it.
Translation? AI isn’t optional – it’s the new baseline for staying competitive. Companies that ignore it won’t just fall behind – they’ll be playing catch-up in an industry that won’t wait for them.
So, Where Do We Go From Here?
AI isn’t a magic wand that fixes every challenge in air cargo overnight. Freight forwarders still need expertise, relationships, and sharp instincts to keep global freight moving. But AI is here to make those things easier, more scalable, and more profitable.
With platforms like WebCargo, forwarders and airlines don’t have to figure AI out alone. They get real-time pricing insights, automation tools, and access to industry expertise – all while staying in full control of their operations.
So, is AI the future of air cargo? Not quite – because the future is already here. The only real question left is: how fast will you get on board?
