In circumstances reminiscent of the 2009 air freight peak, freight forwarders in Asia are reporting an air cargo backlog in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, which is showing no signs of easing. Although more than 15 air freight charters have been booked in the last few days space remains tight – and prices are continuing to rise.
“Airlines have been waiting for this since 2009, and they keep increasing the rate on a weekly basis,” said James Gagne, chief operating officer of SEKO Logistics.
“Ocean freight is switching to air and the air export market from Hong Kong remains hot, mainly due to space constraint.”
To exacerbate the problems, some freight and passenger flights have been cancelled.