**London**: The air cargo logistics industry is embracing AI and robotics to enhance efficiency and resilience amid rising complexities and demands. Experts stress the importance of collaboration and data standards, aiming for a significant workshop in October 2025 to discuss these transformative strategies.
The air cargo logistics industry is navigating a period of profound transformation, necessitated by ongoing disruptions and the increasing complexity of cross-border operations. This sector involves a multitude of processes—potentially as many as thirty-nine steps—compounded by evolving regulations and operational changes. To effectively address these challenges, industry leaders are advocating the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and human-centric robotics into the logistics framework, as underscored in a recent analysis authored by Charles H.W. Edwards, Vice President at SASI World, Inc., and Hart Brown, CEO at Future Point of View, published in CargoNOW.
In their analysis, Edwards and Brown assert that synthetic intelligence and machine intelligence are not simply disruptive forces but rather enablers essential for the seamless operation of complex logistics networks. They highlight that advancements in AI technologies can enhance supply chain resilience, adaptability, and efficiency, particularly within the evolving landscape referred to as “Industry 5.0.” This paradigm shift, noted in a paper by A.P. Moller–Maersk, emphasises the integration of AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics to revolutionise supply chain operations.
The increasing necessity for improved visibility in the supply chain is of strategic importance for managers who must now contend with numerous disruptions. The ability to preemptively address challenges, rather than merely responding reactively, is crucial for maintaining operational resilience and sustainability. As the global air cargo logistics industry grapples with rising demands for reliability and efficiency, a shift in focus from transactional relationships to long-term collaborations among stakeholders is being recommended.
Key recommendations include the development of data standards and the establishment of a collaborative framework that allows for the effective sharing of information and insights across the air cargo sector. The authors assert that fostering trust and respect among industry participants is paramount and suggest constructing an “Intelligence Digital Utility” that can meet the diverse needs of stakeholders. They outline several essential components for this strategy to succeed, such as early collaboration among industry members, tailored workshops for identifying AI use cases, alignment on data standards, and the establishment of governance structures independent of the individual companies.
Moreover, establishing accountability within a core team comprising industry experts and governance roles is deemed necessary for the successful implementation of an overarching digital utility tailored for the air cargo logistics industry.
Looking towards the future, a significant workshop, planned for October 2025 and hosted by SASI World and Future Point of View, aims to initiate dialogue and collaborative strategies regarding the implementation of AI in this sector. The authors express optimism about the potential to alleviate existing issues impacting logistics flows and advocate that the 2023 fiscal year should mark the onset of efforts to harness AI for greater efficiency and connectivity in air cargo operations.
Industry professionals interested in participating in the upcoming workshop are encouraged to contact Charles Edwards to contribute to the evolving discourse on harnessing synthetic intelligence in air cargo logistics. The context established by Edwards and Brown illustrates that the integration of advanced technologies could significantly redefine operational standards within the international logistics landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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