Caryn Livingston

Domestic passenger capacity has come back strongly, despite Delta variant throwing a wrench in the fall. That's good for belly capacity, but labor has presented unexpected challenges in fulfilling demand, say panelists from @AlaskaAir and @SouthwestAir at #CargoFacts21.

Freighters are not for the faint of heart, says LATAM's Andres Bianchi in a discussion of combination carrier fleets at #CargoFacts21. "Times like this are when big mistakes are made," when planning fleets based on an unusual market environment.

"Customs is a conflict in Latin America. One of the major goals and we have been pushing is the digitalization of cargo. As long as they do not provide those types of facilities, it is going to be a major barrier for the region," Luis Sierra, CEO @CargoMasair #CargoFacts21

Missed the first session of Cargo Facts Asia? Check out coverage from @CarynLL #CFAsia21

"We are looking at the widebody space, but slots seem to be an inhibitor. We have been primarily a Boeing freighter house, but we are also looking at the A321-200," Kmiotek continued. #CFAsia21

The semiconductor shortage has necessitated more shipments by airfreight, and China Airlines plans to be "very flexible" in providing lift for those shipments in charter or scheduled service, says VP of Cargo Eddy Liu. #CFAsia21

China Airlines’ new 777Fs have allowed the carrier to bypass a technical stop in Anchorage on its flights to the West Coast, according to VP of Cargo Eddy Liu. #CFAsia21

Utilization of China Airlines’ eighteen 747-400Fs rose to around 15-16 hours a day last year, according to VP of Cargo Eddy Liu. #CFAsia21

The lack of available freighter conversion slots presents a challenge for integrators, says DHL's Ingrid Raj. "A lot depends on the rate at which belly capacity comes back. We'll have to use it to remain competitive in the market, and...it's still a crystal ball game." #CFAsia21

"While there is plenty of feedstock for the A330s, there are no conversion slots available until 2024, said Ingrid Raj of DHL Express. "Pretty much everything is sold out." #CFAsia21

It's difficult to add widebody freighters in the short term, but narrowbody freighters are "on the cards," says SpiceXpress' Gupta. "India can easily absorb another 10, the way it's going." #CFAsia21

How likely is a 777X freighter to emerge? @BoeingAirplanes' Brian Hermesmeyer says Boeing always discusses freighter potential for aircraft with customers and "if conditions are right the product could come to market but right now, the 777F is doing well." #CFAsia21