Air Cargo Conference 2026: Connecting People, Industries, and Countries
Focus on resilience, international partnerships, AI, robotics, and emerging opportunities in air cargo.
More than 400 air cargo and logistics professionals gathered for the 11th Air Cargo Conference, held for the first time at the Congress Center of Messe Frankfurt. Representatives from airlines, airports, freight forwarders, handling agents, suppliers, and technology providers came together to discuss current market developments and future opportunities for the industry. Guests attended from across the world, underlining the conference’s growing international significance.
“Cargo connects people, industries, and countries.” With these words, Michael Hoppe, BARIG Executive Director, opened the conference and emphasized the essential role of air cargo in keeping global trade and supply chains moving, particularly in times of geopolitical uncertainty and changing trade patterns. He also highlighted the industry’s strengths in speed, flexibility, and global connectivity.
Over two days, participants discussed key topics shaping the future of air cargo, including shifting trade flows, geopolitical developments, international partnerships, digitalization, artificial intelligence, automation, humanoid robotics, and future technologies. A particular highlight was the high-level airline panel featuring representatives from the BARIG member airlines Cathay Cargo, Delta Air Lines, LATAM Cargo, and Lufthansa Cargo. They gave valuable insights into how the industry can remain competitive, resilient, and future-ready, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across global supply chains.
Beyond the conference sessions, participants used the event as a platform for networking, exchanging insights, and strengthening partnerships across the global air cargo community. The growing international participation and the move to Messe Frankfurt reflect both the continued development of the conference and Frankfurt’s role as a leading global hub for air cargo, logistics, and aviation.
