JUPITER SEA & AIR SERVICES PVT. LTD, EGMORE – CHENNAI, INDIA.

 

E-MAIL : Robert.sands@jupiterseaair.co.in   Mobile : +91 98407 85202

 

 

Corporate News Letter for  Thursday  October  22,  2026

 

Today’s Exchange Rates

Currency ▲	Price	Change	%Change	Open	Prev.Close	Day's Low-High
USD/INR	94.46	-0.470001	-0.495103	94.78	94.93	94.4125 - 94.825
EUR/USD	1.1234	-0.0003	-0.026702	1.1237	1.1237	1.1214 - 1.1238
GBP/INR	126.5554	-0.166405	-0.131315	126.7685	126.7218	126.3739 - 126.8408
EUR/INR	105.9982	-0.393997	-0.370325	106.4232	106.3922	105.9594 - 106.4631
USD/JPY	157.878	-0.291992	-0.184607	158.17	158.17	157.859 - 158.392
GBP/USD	1.3399	0.0019	0.142	1.338	1.338	1.3365 - 1.3401
JPY/INR	0.5976	-0.0012	-0.200404	0.6002	0.5988	0.5972 - 0.6002

///                   Sea Cargo News            ///

Global Ship Lease secures newbuilding finance

                          Anthea Y Global Ship Lease

Global Ship Lease has agreed a US$1 billion syndicated loan facility to finance 15 containership newbuildings scheduled for delivery between late 2028 and 2030.

The seven-year facility carries an interest rate of SOFR plus 1.5%. Global Ship Lease intends to draw the financing in tranches as each vessel is delivered. All 15 ships have secured time-charter employment commencing shortly after delivery.

Eight banks support Global Ship Lease loan

The oversubscribed facility is backed by an eight-bank syndicate. Bank of America serves as bookrunner, mandated lead arranger, facility agent and security agent.

Bank of China (Hong Kong), KfW IPEX and ABN AMRO also act as mandated lead arrangers. CTBC and CaixaBank serve as lead arrangers, while BOCOM Hong Kong and First Citizens Bank participate as arrangers.

Tassos Psaropoulos, Chief Financial Officer of Global Ship Lease, said the financing further reduces the risk associated with the company’s newbuilding programme while providing competitive terms and diversified lender support.

“The oversubscribed facility involves top-tier banks spanning three continents,” said Psaropoulos.

He added that matching each loan tranche with vessel delivery and the commencement of its charter provides greater certainty from both cash-flow and risk-management perspectives.

According to the company, the facility’s lending margin is 550 basis points lower than the financing terms available to Global Ship Lease five years ago.

Matson christens new Aloha Class containership Makua

Matson and Hanwha Philly Shipyard have christened Makua, the first of three new Aloha Class containerships being built for the carrier’s Hawaii and China–Long Beach Express services.

Matson board member Jenai Wall officially christened the vessel during a ceremony at the Philadelphia shipyard on 10 October. Around 300 guests attended the event, including government representatives, company executives, shipyard employees and union leaders.

Matson advances fleet renewal programme

The three Jones Act-compliant vessels represent an investment of approximately US$1 billion. They will replace three ships currently operating across Matson’s Hawaii and China–Long Beach Express networks.

Makua is scheduled for delivery during the first quarter of 2027. The second vessel is expected in the third quarter of 2027, followed by the third ship in the second quarter of 2028. The other two vessels will be named Malama and Makena.

“We look forward to putting Makua to work serving our customers early next year,” said Matt Cox, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Matson.

He added that the three vessels would improve operating efficiency, reliability and capacity across the carrier’s core services.

Aloha Class specifications

The new Aloha Class ships will offer a capacity of 3,600 TEUs and measure approximately 259 metres in length. With a top speed approaching 24 knots, they will rank among Matson’s fastest vessels.

Each ship will feature dual-fuel engines capable of operating on conventional marine fuel or LNG. Additional environmental features include a fuel-efficient hull design, double-hull fuel tanks and freshwater ballast systems.

Unlike Matson’s two existing Aloha Class vessels, which required modifications for LNG operation, the three new ships will be delivered LNG-ready.

Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd relaunch FM1 service

Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd will relaunch the FM1 service under the Gemini Cooperation, restoring direct connectivity between Asia and the Middle East.

The relaunched service will connect major Asian gateways with Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates.

The rotation will be:

Qingdao – Ningbo – Tanjung Pelepas – Khor Fakkan – Singapore – Qingdao

First FM1 sailing

The first sailing will be operated by Maersk Athabasca on voyage 642W. The vessel is scheduled to depart Qingdao on 17 October 2026 and arrive at Khor Fakkan on 16 November.

The FM1 relaunch will provide additional direct ocean capacity to Khor Fakkan. Maersk’s existing inland transportation services will provide onward connections to destinations across the Upper Gulf.

Existing booking restrictions and cargo acceptance guidelines for the Middle East will remain in effect.

Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd said they would continue monitoring the regional security situation. Further adjustments to Gemini Cooperation services will remain subject to developments across the Middle East.

Rosatom takes full control of Delo Group in major Russian logistics consolidation

Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation Rosatom has acquired full ownership of Delo Group, one of the country’s largest container transport and logistics operators, as it moves to consolidate its shipping, port and rail assets under a broader logistics structure.

The transaction, announced on 7 October 2026, involved Rosatom acquiring the remaining 51% stake in Delo Group from its founder, Sergei Shishkarev. Rosatom previously held a 49% interest in the company.

The acquisition gives Rosatom complete control of a logistics group with extensive container terminal operations, inland transport infrastructure and a substantial fleet of containers and railway platforms.

Rosatom plans to consolidate Delo and FESCO assets

Following the transaction, Rosatom intends to bring Delo Group together with its existing logistics businesses, including shipping and transport operator FESCO.

Rosatom Director General Alexei Likhachev confirmed the completion of the acquisition and said the corporation was beginning the final consolidation of its logistics assets, with the objective of establishing Russia’s largest national logistics company.

According to Likhachev, the corporation’s logistics operations now account for approximately 50% of Russia’s container handling market and 44% of the country’s rail container transport market. These figures represent the company’s own assessment of its market position.

The proposed consolidation would bring together Delo’s container terminal and rail operations with FESCO’s maritime services, port infrastructure and intermodal transport network.

Rosatom also has responsibility for developing the Northern Sea Route, making maritime and inland logistics an increasingly important part of its wider activities.

However, the acquisition of Delo and the subsequent integration of the corporation’s transport businesses are separate developments. Rosatom has confirmed the ownership transaction, while the wider consolidation process is now beginning.

Delo brings extensive container and terminal operations

Founded in 1993, Delo Group operates across container shipping, port handling, rail transport and inland logistics.

According to the company’s corporate information, its infrastructure includes seven marine terminals and 46 inland terminals, with combined marine container handling capacity of approximately 3.5 million TEU annually.

Its inland terminals have an annual handling capacity of approximately 3.6 million TEU.

The group also operates around 40,000 container flatcars and a container fleet with total capacity of approximately 220,000 TEU, alongside its own vessels.

Its port operations extend across Russia’s Black Sea, Baltic and Far Eastern regions, while its logistics subsidiaries provide domestic and international container transport services.

Delo also controls grain handling infrastructure, including the KSK terminal at Novorossiysk, giving the group activities beyond container transport.

The combination of these assets with FESCO’s existing network is intended to strengthen Rosatom’s position across maritime transport, container terminals and rail logistics.

Transaction follows shareholder disagreements

Shishkarev confirmed the sale of his controlling stake through a statement published on Delo Group’s official website.

He said that disagreements over the company’s future had led to the end of the partnership with Rosatom, which began in 2019.

The transaction followed a shareholder buyout procedure initiated earlier in 2026. Under the mechanism, Shishkarev’s 51% stake was valued at 77 billion rubles, although the parties did not disclose the final consideration paid.

Shishkarev also indicated that he intends to remain involved in Russia’s logistics sector following his departure from Delo Group.

For Rosatom, the acquisition represents another step in expanding its activities beyond nuclear energy and consolidating transport infrastructure serving Russia’s domestic and international trade.

The next stage will involve the planned integration of Delo with the corporation’s other logistics assets, including FESCO, although a detailed implementation timetable has not been announced.

MSC and Hutchison resume talks over Rotterdam Omega terminal project

Hutchison Ports and MSC’s terminal investment arm, Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), have resumed discussions over the proposed Omega container terminal project in Rotterdam, reviving negotiations over a major expansion of container handling capacity at Europe’s largest port.

The development was disclosed by Dutch trade unions FNV Havens and CNV following a meeting with Hutchison Ports Delta II management on 1 October 2026.

Although discussions have restarted, the companies have not announced a final agreement or investment decision, leaving the project’s future uncertain.

Rotterdam seeks clarity on Omega project

According to FNV Havens, Hutchison Ports Delta II management confirmed that negotiations with TiL had resumed but did not provide details about their content or progress.

The union also reported that, according to management, the Port of Rotterdam Authority wants clarity on whether the project will proceed before 1 January 2027.

During the meeting, management indicated that the port authority could offer the site to other interested parties if the project does not move forward.

However, FNV expressed doubts about the reliability of the proposed deadline, noting that previous timelines for a decision had been extended.

The renewed negotiations follow a prolonged period of uncertainty over the project’s development and the future of employees at Hutchison Ports Delta II.

Proposed terminal could handle up to 7 million TEU

The Omega project was originally announced in August 2022 as a joint development between Hutchison Ports and TiL, the terminal investment subsidiary of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).

The proposal involves developing a new container terminal in the Europahaven area of Maasvlakte I, incorporating the northern section of Hutchison Ports ECT Delta and the Hutchison Ports Delta II site.

According to the original announcement by the Port of Rotterdam Authority, the planned terminal would feature five deep-sea berths with a combined quay length of approximately 2.6 kilometres.

The proposed facility was designed to provide annual handling capacity of between 6 million and 7 million TEU, with development expected to take place in phases.

The original plans also envisaged a highly automated terminal, supporting MSC’s long-term container handling requirements in Rotterdam.

However, these specifications reflect the initial proposal and have not been reconfirmed as part of the latest discussions.

Uncertainty continues for terminal employees

The prolonged negotiations have also raised concerns about employment and operational planning at Hutchison Ports Delta II.

FNV Havens said management had previously considered an alternative arrangement involving the possible transfer of employees and equipment to ECT if the Omega project did not proceed.

According to the union, work on that alternative scenario has now been suspended following the resumption of discussions with TiL.

The union also raised concerns about staffing levels and future container volumes, arguing that continued uncertainty could affect the terminal’s ability to retain employees.

Hutchison Ports Delta II management expects container volumes to increase during the fourth quarter compared with the summer period, according to FNV.

Nevertheless, the future configuration of the Omega project and its implications for terminal operations remain unresolved.

The renewed talks represent a further opportunity for Hutchison Ports and MSC to advance the development, although any investment decision, revised project timetable or construction schedule has yet to be confirmed.

MSC and Maersk add Suape to Americas service

MSC and Maersk will add Suape, Brazil, to their shared service connecting the US Gulf and Mexico with the East Coast of South America.

MSC markets the service as Gulf to SAEC I, while Maersk operates under the UCLA service name. The new southbound call will be positioned between Cartagena and Santos.

First Suape call scheduled for October

MSC Yamuna VI, operating voyage 640S, will make the first Suape call on 26 October 2026.

The revised rotation will be:

Veracruz – Altamira – Houston – Cartagena – Suape – Santos – Itapoá – Paranaguá – Itajaí – Santos – Rio de Janeiro – Cartagena – Veracruz.

The additional Suape call expands the service’s coverage of Northeast Brazil. Maersk also said the revised rotation will support cargo moving to Manaus through connections with its inland and ocean transport network.

Hapag-Lloyd details revised ZIM proposal to address Israeli concerns

Hapag-Lloyd CEO Rolf Habben Jansen has outlined further details of the company’s revised proposal to acquire Israeli container shipping company ZIM, including plans to strengthen Israel’s maritime capabilities and address concerns raised by government authorities.

The revised proposal, developed jointly with Israeli investment firm FIMI, includes an additional shipping route to Asia, investment in Israeli maritime personnel and a new fleet for ZIM Israel.

Habben Jansen said the changes were designed to address Israel’s national security requirements and provide greater maritime independence.

“The substantially improved proposal gives Israel materially more maritime independence and addresses all its national security needs,” he said.

The Hapag-Lloyd CEO also emphasized the importance of retaining shipping expertise in Israel as part of the proposed transaction.

Revised proposal to be presented to Israeli authorities

Habben Jansen addressed concerns raised by Israel’s Ministry of Finance and Government Companies Authority (GCA), arguing that their positions were based on the original acquisition proposal.

According to the executive, the revised structure incorporates significant changes made in response to those concerns.

All details of the improved proposal are still being developed and will be submitted and explained to the relevant Israeli authorities over the coming weeks.

“We are confident that the strengthened proposal addresses the concerns raised and will pave the way for approval of the transaction,” Habben Jansen said.

However, the transaction remains subject to the necessary approvals, and the revised proposal has not yet received final clearance.

Hapag-Lloyd highlights strategic benefits of ZIM acquisition

Beyond the proposed changes to ZIM’s Israeli operations, Habben Jansen reiterated the strategic importance of the potential acquisition.

He said the combination would strengthen Hapag-Lloyd’s position as the world’s fifth-largest container shipping company, with a fleet of more than 400 vessels and total carrying capacity exceeding 3 million TEU.

The combined business would also handle more than 18 million TEU annually.

Hapag-Lloyd estimates that the transaction could generate annual savings of up to €500 million through operational synergies.

Habben Jansen acknowledged that negotiations remain complex, reflecting the detailed discussions surrounding the proposed transaction.

The company continues to pursue the acquisition, although the revised terms and regulatory approval process have yet to be finalized.

South Korea completes Arctic container voyage as commercial challenges emerge

South Korea has completed its first container shipping round trip between Asia and Europe via the Northern Sea Route, with the PanStar Acro returning to Busan after a 50-day voyage that highlighted both the operational potential and commercial challenges of Arctic shipping.

The 2,758 TEU vessel arrived at Busan Port on 11 October, having departed on 22 August as part of a government-backed trial designed to assess the feasibility of container transport through Arctic waters.

Although the voyage was completed successfully, the ship returned carrying only empty containers, raising questions about cargo availability and the commercial viability of regular services along the route.

PanStar Acro completes 50-day round trip

Operated by PanStar, the vessel departed Busan New Port on 22 August and entered Arctic waters on 31 August before continuing through the Northern Sea Route towards Europe.

It reached Felixstowe in the United Kingdom on 12 September, followed by Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Gdansk in Poland, before beginning its return journey to South Korea.

The vessel completed the round trip in 50 days, compared with an initial target of approximately 45 days outlined by the South Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

The trial forms part of South Korea’s efforts to evaluate the Northern Sea Route as an alternative maritime corridor connecting Northeast Asia and Northern Europe.

According to the ministry’s initial estimates, the Arctic passage could reduce sailing distances between Busan and Rotterdam by approximately 35% compared with the conventional route through the Suez Canal.

However, the shorter distance does not necessarily translate into equivalent reductions in operating costs or transit times, particularly given the challenges associated with ice conditions, insurance and navigational requirements.

Return voyage carries only empty containers

The most significant commercial limitation emerged during the return leg of the voyage.

According to information from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries reported by South Korean media, the PanStar Acro returned with 1,743 TEU of empty containers and no import cargo.

The vessel had departed Busan carrying 737 TEU of export cargo, including chemical products, used vehicles and automotive parts, alongside empty containers.

The original plan included securing import cargo for the return journey, but the vessel was unable to obtain the expected shipments.

The outcome highlights the importance of establishing sufficient cargo demand in both directions before a regular Arctic container service can become commercially sustainable.

It also raises questions about the financial performance of such operations, particularly when additional costs associated with Arctic navigation are taken into account.

South Korea targets regular Arctic services

South Korea is considering the introduction of regular container shipping services through the Northern Sea Route by 2030.

The government intends to use the operational experience and data collected during the PanStar Acro voyage to evaluate future services.

Key considerations include voyage reliability, fuel consumption, insurance costs, ice conditions and the availability of commercial cargo.

The route also presents geopolitical challenges because it passes along Russia’s Arctic coastline, requiring consideration of international sanctions and related operational restrictions.

The successful completion of the trial demonstrates that a container ship can undertake a round trip between South Korea and Northern Europe through the Arctic during the navigation season.

However, the absence of return cargo and the longer-than-planned voyage underline the commercial and operational questions that remain before the Northern Sea Route can support regular container shipping services.

///                  Air Cargo News             ///

Aramex signs MoU with GMR Airports to enhance express, freight infra

Aramex has signed an MoU with GMR Airports (GAL) to strengthen its logistics capabilities at all GMR-operated airports and support seamless movement of international shipments for MSMEs and businesses engaged in import and export activities.

The MoU will explore opportunities to enhance Aramex's operational infrastructure at the express cargo terminal at GMR Airports across India, including dedicated truck docks, screening systems and dedicated space, subject to agreed terms and conditions under the definitive agreement.

The proposed infrastructure will enable Aramex to develop built-in customs clearance capabilities for multiple international products, helping improve operational efficiency and facilitate seamless cargo clearance.

The MoU was signed in Hyderabad at GMR Hyderabad Air Cargo (GHAC) as part of Aramex's ongoing efforts to strengthen its logistics infrastructure and enhance cross-border trade capabilities in India. The collaboration is intended to support businesses, including MSMEs, by improving access to efficient international logistics services and enabling smoother movement of goods.

As part of the collaboration, GAL will maintain the identified infrastructure at the express cargo terminal, subject to the terms and conditions to be agreed under the definitive agreement. Aramex and GAL are also exploring the development of a warehousing facility in proximity to the express cargo terminal, with dedicated airside corridor access.

GAL may explore and facilitate introductions and interactions with relevant authorities and share its experience and technical know-how, as appropriate, in connection with this MOU. The proposed infrastructure development is expected to further strengthen India’s position in international trade and provide businesses with enhanced logistics capabilities for their import and export requirements, particularly with the GCC region. The two parties are working towards developing the proposed infrastructure by March 2027, as they continue to take the plans forward.

Amadou Diallo, Group CEO, Aramex, said, “Our focus on India goes beyond expanding our footprint; it is about building the capabilities and infrastructure needed to support the country's next phase of growth in global trade. At Aramex, we are committed to strengthening our network, investing in local capabilities and working with strategic partners to create more efficient channels for businesses to access international markets.

Our collaboration with GMR Airports Limited reflects this long-term commitment to India and will further strengthen our ability to support businesses across the country with efficient logistics solutions.”

Commenting on the partnership, Veena Bhogaonkar, Managing Director, Aramex India, said, “We are pleased to partner with GAL to strengthen our logistics capabilities across GMR-operated airports. By enhancing our infrastructure and operational capabilities at the express cargo terminal, we aim to provide businesses, including MSMEs, with more efficient and seamless express and freight services to support their domestic and international trade requirements.”

Abbas Panju, Regional CEO GCC and Indian Subcontinent, Aramex, said, “India is a strategically important market for Aramex, and we continue to see significant opportunities to strengthen our logistics network and support the country's growing international trade. Our collaboration with GAL will help us enhance our capabilities through GAL’s key international gateways and further support businesses looking to connect with global markets.”

The two companies will also explore potential investment opportunities, project timelines and other aspects of the proposed development as discussions progress, with further details to be worked out jointly.

DHL adds six healthcare air cargo corridors connecting Asia

DHL Global Forwarding has expanded its DHL Health Logistics Cold Chain Network with six new dedicated air cargo corridors connecting Europe and North America with key healthcare and pharmaceutical hubs across Asia. The new corridors are Liège-Shanghai, Brussels-Shanghai, Brussels-Singapore, Cincinnati-Singapore, Cincinnati-Tokyo Narita and Cincinnati-Seoul Incheon.

The routes aim to improve connectivity between major pharmaceutical manufacturing, research and distribution hubs. The new corridors will provide pharmaceutical customers with greater routing flexibility, access to temperature-controlled capacity and more consistent transit performance.

They are also designed to reduce supply chain risks and protect the quality of temperature-sensitive healthcare products. “These new corridors further expand our Cold Chain Network into strategically important healthcare markets across Asia,” said Henk Venema, global head of air freight at DHL Global Forwarding.

He said the routes respond to customer demand for reliable connectivity between major healthcare markets and give DHL greater control over quality throughout the transportation process. The new corridors are supported mainly by DHL's dedicated network, with most flights operating on its yellow-branded aircraft.

Keeping shipments within the network reduces handovers and gives the company greater control over cargo throughout its journey. DHL uses Boeing 777 freighter aircraft on its routes. These aircraft have three separate compartments with dedicated temperature settings to meet different cargo requirements.

The expansion follows the launch of the Brussels-Cincinnati air corridor earlier this year. The Cold Chain Network combines dedicated healthcare corridors, specialised operational processes, validated handling procedures and temperature-controlled infrastructure.

The corridors use specialised thermal blankets and validated operational processes to limit exposure to temperatures outside the required range during handling and transfer. The expanded network is designed to support the transportation of pharmaceuticals, biologics, vaccines, clinical trial materials and other healthcare products.

DHL uses thermal blanket solutions and phase change materials to provide temperature-controlled logistics. The new Brussels-Singapore and Cincinnati-Singapore corridors will also strengthen Singapore's role as a gateway in DHL's global healthcare logistics network. The launch follows DHL Global Forwarding's announcement of further healthcare logistics investments in Singapore, including a planned Singapore Cold Chain Hub.

The facility will have dedicated storage and handling areas for temperatures of 2–8°C and 15–25°C, alongside direct airside access. In North America, Cincinnati will continue to serve as a gateway connecting US customers with pharmaceutical markets across Asia. DHL is also expanding its life sciences and healthcare facility in Indianapolis, around 2.5 hours by road from Cincinnati, with additional space for operations and pallet storage at 2–8°C.

Lufthansa Cargo unveils 2026/27 winter flight schedule

Lufthansa Cargo has released its 2026/27 winter flight schedule, giving customers access to 88 freighter routes serving 40 destinations worldwide. The schedule takes effect on October 25, 2026. Bookings opened on October 4, 21 days in advance. In India, Lufthansa Cargo is shifting its freighter operations to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI) from today, October 12, adding a new stop to its local network.

The move away from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) is driven by an infrastructure upgrade that will allow BOM to expand its capacity and efficiency. NMI lies about 30 kilometres east of BOM and began domestic operations last year.

The carrier says the relocation keeps key industrial and manufacturing hubs in the region connected to international markets. SWISS WorldCargo will also add Bangalore (BLR) to its network to and from Zurich, giving southern India customers another European hub.

Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo, said: “India is one of the strategically important growth markets for Lufthansa Cargo. By connecting also Navi Mumbai, we are ensuring that our customers will continue to benefit from a high-performance infrastructure, reliable capacity, and seamless integration into our global network.”

Freighter capacity in Asia-Pacific has grown, with up to 46 weekly rotations to 17 destinations. Singapore (SIN) is added to the existing Frankfurt (FRA)–Taipei (TPE) rotation, creating a new intra-Asia route with main-deck capacity within the region. The increased frequency on the transpacific route from Frankfurt via Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) and Shanghai (PVG) to Los Angeles (LAX) continues from the summer schedule, operating 2 out of 7 days.

The additional Frankfurt flights to Taipei and Chengdu (CTU) also continue, each at 3 out of 7 days. Separately, cargo can once again be moved between Almaty (ALA) and Frankfurt.

Lufthansa Cargo’s Americas network is unchanged at eleven North American and four South American destinations, with the South American points having four weekly connections. Seasonal capacity increases add one service each to three US points.

Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) rises to four weekly connections, Houston (IAH) to three and New York (JFK) to five. Within Europe, the B777F fleet will operate up to three weekly freighter rotations to up to three destinations. The short-term rotations from Frankfurt to Larnaca (LCA), Istanbul (IST) and Stavanger (SVG) are now a permanent part of the schedule.

The former A321F destinations will be served by long-haul freighters or Lufthansa Group’s passenger network until a new operator is found for the four short- and medium-haul freighters. Lufthansa Airlines will serve Kuala Lumpur (KUL) five times a week, adding the city to the belly cargo network. From November, ITA Airways will add Santo Domingo (SDQ) in the Dominican Republic to its long-haul schedule twice a week.

Bhat said: “With the upcoming flight schedule, our network remains one of the strongest to, from, and within Europe.” He added that about 7,500 flights to 350 destinations via the six European hubs of Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, Brussels, Rome and Zurich will remain available.

“True to our mission, ‘Enabling Global Business,’ we will continue to flexibly align our route network with the needs of our customers and changing business flows,” he said. Besides its own freighters, Lufthansa Cargo markets capacity on passenger flights operated by Lufthansa Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines, ITA Airways, Lufthansa City Airlines and SunExpress.

Global air cargo volumes rise 9% in September: WorldACD

Worldwide air cargo volumes increased 9% year on year (YoY) in September 2026, rebounding from a slowdown in August, according to the latest figures from WorldACD Market Data. Tonnages rose 3% month on month, reflecting stronger demand across the major air cargo origin regions.

Asia Pacific and North America recorded the highest annual growth, with volumes from both regions increasing 10% YoY. Middle East and South Asia (MESA) registered 9% growth, while Europe and Africa each reported an 8% increase. Central and South America recorded 5% YoY growth.

The September performance follows a 4% year-on-year increase in the same month last year, indicating continued resilience in the global air cargo market despite changing trade patterns and geopolitical and economic uncertainties.

The growth also comes amid a decline in e-commerce volumes to Europe since July, particularly shipments originating in Hong Kong and southern China, following the removal of the European Union’s de minimis exemptions for lower-value imports.

According to WorldACD, strong demand from the high-tech sector has supported market performance, highlighting air cargo’s role in transporting high-value and time-sensitive goods. The sector also remains important in helping businesses navigate supply chain disruptions and imbalances. WorldACD’s latest report covers the five weeks up to October 4, 2026, providing an overview of recent developments in the global air cargo market. Rates rise globally After declining in June and July, global average air cargo rates stabilised in August before edging up 1% month on month in September.

Rates from Africa rose 4%, while those from Asia Pacific and Europe increased 2% each. Middle East and South Asia (MESA) rates remained unchanged, while North American rates fell 3%.

On a year-on-year (YoY) basis, average worldwide rates were 25% higher in September, broadly in line with the increases of 24% recorded in both July and August. Ongoing market and capacity disruptions, alongside elevated fuel prices linked to the US-Iran conflict, continued to put upward pressure on rates.

I hope you have enjoyed reading the above news letter.                                                    

Robert Sands

Joint Managing Director

Jupiter Sea & Air Services Pvt Ltd

Casa Blanca, 3rd Floor

11, Casa Major Road, Egmore

Chennai – 600 008. India.

GST Number : 33AAACJ2686E1ZS.

Tel : + 91 44 2819 0171 / 3734 / 4041

Fax : + 91 44 2819 0735

Mobile : + 91 98407 85202

E-mail : robert.sands@jupiterseaair.co.in

Website : www.jupiterseaair.com 1Branches  : Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Tirupur and Tuticorin.

Associate Offices : New Delhi, Kolkatta, Cochin & Hyderabad.

 

Thanks  to  :  Container  News,  Indian Seatrade, Cargo Forwarder Global  &  Air Cargo News.