Weekly Air Operations Update: Asia to Europe, US and Australia 21/03/25

General overview:

Currently, the space for all routes remains full, with AU and EU routes particularly impacted. Backlogs continue to be a significant issue, and air rates from Shanghai to London remain high.

Shanghai to London

• Airport operations are currently normal
• Haulier service is normal
• CZ cancels the flight ex CAN to STN on 15+17+23.March
• Weather is normal
• Space is getting tight
• Air rates are increasing

Shanghai to New York

• Airport operations are currently normal
• Haulier service is normal
• No flight cancellation
• Weather is normal
• Space is getting tight
• Air rates are increasing

Shanghai to Los Angeles

• Airport operations are currently normal
• Haulier service is normal
• No flight cancellation
• Weather is normal
• Space is getting tight
• Air rates are increasing

Shanghai to Frankfurt

• Airport operations are currently normal
• Haulier service is normal
• CA&CK cancels the flight ex PVG to FRA on 17+18.March
• Weather is normal
• Space is getting tight
• Air rates are increasing

Shanghai to Melbourne

• Airport operations are currently normal
• Haulier service is normal
• No flight cancellations
• Weather is normal
• Space is very tight
• Air rates are increasing

Shanghai to Sydney

• Airport operations are currently normal
• Haulier service is normal
• No flight cancellations.
• Weather is normal
• Space is very tight
• Air rates are  increasing

Market intel

Air upside to proposed US China vessel charges.

The air freight industry may see increased demand following a proposed new port call fee targeting China-built vessels importing goods into the US, reports London's Air Cargo News.

The US Trade Representative (USTR) has suggested imposing a fee ranging from US$500,000 to $1.5 million per US port call on any Chinese carrier, Chinese vessel, or other carriers operating Chinese-built ships within their global fleets.

However, ocean freight data platform Xeneta has cautioned that the move could lead to unintended consequences, including port congestion, higher shipping rates and shifts in global trade patterns.

Xeneta's chief analyst Peter Sand noted that the policy could push some cargo volumes toward air freight as shippers seek alternative transport solutions.

"Ocean container carriers will take action to avoid the fees, such as calling at fewer ports, which could cause major congestion and delays in the US," said Mr Sand.

"You have to wonder if they truly understand the consequences of this policy because there is a high risk it will cause major disruption and make container shipping more cumbersome and expensive for US importers."