Global Supply Chain Week Day 1 preview: Aerospace and manufacturing

Air cargo has played a central role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic and helping with the global economic recovery. Passenger airlines were mostly knocked out of business, but all-cargo carriers and passenger jets flying as temporary freighters have helped fill the void. In the early days, air cargo operators provided critical air bridges for personal protective equipment, ventilators and medicines to move from production centers to areas of need.

Since last summer, there has been a huge restocking boom and huge growth in e-commerce sales. Cargo planes are flying full on major East-West trade lanes and rates are very high.

Despite the turmoil, airlines continue to invest in digital sales and execution platforms as well as carbon-reduction initiatives and security measures to meet new standards.

Manufacturing also took a major hit when the pandemic forced businesses to lock down, except for those involved in food production. But the sector has experienced strong growth in recent months.