Freight Waves by Seabreeze – Trends and insights shaping logistics

• Atlas Air and Etihad Cargo forge long-term freighter partnership

Atlas Air has signed a new long-term partnership with Etihad Cargo. The agreement will see Atlas Air provide dedicated freighter capacity through the operation of a newly delivered Boeing 777 freighter, further strengthening the two companies’ longstanding collaboration. The newly delivered 777F began operations in August, connecting Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, and Madrid, three strategic markets that underscore Etihad Cargo’s role as a key bridge between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

• Better ocean carrier reliability sees air freight losing its appeal

With ocean carriers delivering steadily improved schedule reliability—recent data shows global schedule reliability has climbed to 65.8%, led by shipper alliances—the urgency to switch to airfreight is waning. As ocean transit becomes more dependable and cost-effective, shippers are increasingly reverting to sea shipment options, reducing reliance on air cargo across global supply chains.

• Spot rate decline 'dragging carriers into loss-making territory'

Global container spot rates continue to slide despite efforts to reduce capacity. As of August 7, Asia–U.S. West Coast rates fell 3% to approximately $2,098/FEU, and U.S. East Coast rates dropped 9% to around $3,311/FEU—levels now more than 50% below mid-June highs. This sustained decline in rates is dragging carriers toward loss-making territory, even as they attempt to stabilize pricing through blank sailings and capacity cuts.

• DHL eCommerce finalizes strategic investment in Saudi logistics leader AJEX

DHL eCommerce has acquired a minority stake in Saudi-based AJEX Logistics to strengthen its position in the growing e-commerce market. AJEX, launched in 2021, runs 60+ facilities and 1,200 vehicles. The deal supports Saudi Vision 2030 and DHL’s Strategy 2030, with an option for DHL to take a majority stake later.