Air Partner tracks changing business behaviours amid Brexit and Pandemic Impact

Mark Briffa, chief executive, Air Partner

Regarding the current overall global freight situation amidst the ongoing pandemic, Mark Briffa, CEO of Air Partner recently said: “As a result of issues affecting global shipping, transporting cargo via sea transportation is proving extremely challenging for businesses and supply chains, so we have seen a growing number of enquiries for air charter.

Currently around 50% of business in our freight division is coming from transporting goods that would usually go via sea transportation. While the main industries turning to air charter are energy, automotive, aerospace and marine, we are also seeing interest from some major UK retailers that want to minimise disruption to their supply chains.”

About the impact of Brexit on air freight, Mark added: “Understanding and navigating Post-Brexit customs protocols for importing and exporting goods via sea or ground transportation to/from the UK are proving extremely challenging for businesses, and we have experienced a growing number of enquiries for air charter as a result. We are also offering access to customs advisors where necessary to streamline any complexities. We have seen an uptick in enquiries from businesses who had stockpiled goods in the run up to Brexit and are needing to restock as these supplies are beginning to dwindle. We are preparing for this trend to continue.”

And on the growing need for PPE for vaccinations around the world, Mark said: “Separately, we have experienced higher demand for requests to transport PPE globally, with most supplies coming from Asia to countries that are preparing for national vaccination programmes which require items such as protective gloves. We are well versed in transporting critical freight, having arranged over 300 cargo flights during the onset of the pandemic last year to support the urgent demand for PPE, test kits and other essentials.”