One ocean-focused forwarder based in Singapore said:
“It’s having a spill-over effect into airfreight ex-Asia to Europe – and even
to North and South America.
“Especially for Asia to Europe, due to the uncertainty
and delays with ocean shipments, we have seen quite a few customers converting
to airfreight – to the point that even sea forwarders are enjoying an upswing
in airfreight business.” He added that airlines were starting to withdraw
long-term winter and summer schedule rates: “Airlines are now offering
rates on a monthly basis for Asia to Europe and Asia to Americas,” he said.
Disruption has also boosted sea-air transhipments via
the Middle East and Indian sub-continent.
WorldACD said
yesterday 10 May tonnages and rates from the Middle East to Europe were “highly
elevated”, with tonnages up 40% year on year, boosted by sea-air traffic.