The cargo division of Middle East carrier Emirates has introduced a dedicated product designed to facilitate the shipping process for cloud computing companies and suppliers with time-critical AI-related products, which have become a major driver of air cargo demand in the past year.
The product combines priority loading, specialized handling to keep equipment upright and minimize risk of damage, and proactive airport-to-airport shipment monitoring for server racks, semiconductors, graphics processing units and other critical hardware, the airline said in a news release this week.
Why It Matters: The rapid adoption of AI technologies and construction of data centers has lifted revenues for large logistics companies and airlines, which view hyperscalers as a big growth opportunity. AI-related goods such as semiconductors and data-transmission equipment have become a major driver of international trade growth. Shipments of electronics and equipment needed for server farms have contributed mightily to the 5% to 6% growth in air cargo traffic, year-to-date through October, offsetting declines in e-commerce volume.
Large-scale deployments typically involve high-value cargo, compressed timelines and specialized handling requirements, with much of the demand involving intra-Asia shipments between suppliers and manufacturers, and exports from Asia to other parts of the world. Japan Airlines recently began chartering Boeing 747 cargo jets to support freight forwarder Nippon Express, which needed dedicated capacity for technology clients.
In July alone, Emirates SkyCargo said it transported more than 700 metric tons of AI infrastructure across its global network.
Emirates SkyCargo said AI Tech also offers higher levels of operational oversight and communication to ensure deliveries meet demanding customer specifications as it strives to attract more Big Tech business.
Emirates SkyCargo operates a fleet of 19 Boeing 777-200 production freighters and one 777-300 converted freighter. With more 777 passenger aircraft scheduled for conversion to full cargo configuration, it expects to have 23 dedicated cargo jets by March. SkyCargo also manages cargo moved in the belly of Emirates’ large fleet of passenger aircraft, but the freighters are best equipped to handle tall and dense server racks that often weigh more than 3.8 tons.
Click here for more FreightWaves/American Shipper stories by Eric Kulisch.
Write to Eric Kulisch at ekulisch@freightwaves.com.
RELATED STORIES:
AIT Worldwide snaps up Australian forwarder involved in Big tech buildout
