The Importance of Air Freight in Global Supply Chains - Broekman Logistics
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Broekman Logistics Insights The Importance of Air Freight in Global Supply Chains

The Importance of Air Freight in Global Supply Chains

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In today’s global economy, staying in motion is essential. Supply chains span continents, adapt to shifting demand and must respond to disruption in real time. Over the past three months, developments such as the Red Sea crisis, port congestion, geopolitical tensions and growing trade friction have compelled businesses to re-evaluate the role of modal flexibility. In this rapidly evolving landscape, air freight transport has proven its strategic importance. Not only as the fastest option, but also as a reliable and stabilising link within global supply chains.

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Vincent Korporaal

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Global Supply Chains Demand Speed and Reliability

Why air freight plays a crucial role in modern logistics

Companies are facing growing pressure to deliver quickly and consistently. Compressed lead times, fluctuating demand and the need for flexibility leave little room for error. Air freight allows businesses to move critical cargo across continents within days, avoiding congested ports and reducing risk. The result is a shorter time to market and improved customer satisfaction.

In recent months, increased volatility in global demand and sourcing patterns has led industries to rethink their logistics strategies. Many have moved away from lean-only supply chains towards more responsive and diversified models. This shift reinforces the role of air freight as an essential transport mode for time-sensitive goods, enabling faster decision making and continuity during supply chain disruption.

Maintaining Performance When Every Hour Counts

From urgent ship spares to time-sensitive industrial goods, certain shipments require guaranteed speed and precise handling. When production is at risk due to missing components, or critical parts must reach a vessel at its next port of call, air freight becomes essential. Its speed and flexibility make it a critical asset when delays in other transport modes threaten business continuity.

In recent months, disruptions such as port congestion and the Red Sea crisis have highlighted the importance of having a reliable alternative. Many companies were able to keep cargo moving and maintain delivery commitments by shifting urgent shipments from sea to air, avoiding long detours around the Cape of Good Hope and preventing delays of several weeks. Air freight offers businesses the ability to act quickly, reroute cargo and meet delivery commitments when timing is non-negotiable.

Connecting Global Markets Through Air Freight

One of the defining strengths of air freight is its ability to connect distant markets within hours. As e-commerce and high-value trade flows increase, air freight continues to support agile, demand-driven supply chains across key global routes. These include air freight to Europe, Asia, North and South America and Africa.

Through Broekman Logistics Amsterdam, we benefit from a strategic location close to one of Europe’s busiest air cargo hubs. From this position, we provide direct access to international air networks, supported by seamless integration with road and warehousing operations. This ensures that every shipment benefits from secure handling, speed and control throughout the chain.

Optimising Global Air Freight Through Trade Lane Management

Connecting continents through dedicated corridor solutions

Air freight plays a vital role in global supply chains, not only because of its speed, but also because of its ability to support stable and scalable connections between international markets. Real impact is created when air freight is managed strategically, with a focus on reliability, visibility, and end to end integration.

Our dedicated trade lane between the Netherlands and India offers weekly allocated space from Amsterdam to Mumbai, supported by daily or regular movements to other key airports. With a strong presence in India, including 18 of our own offices, we manage cargo flows with local expertise and hands on coordination. This structured air freight corridor ensures steady capacity and fixed transit times, even during disruption or demand volatility.

It allows businesses to plan ahead, reduce uncertainty and minimise lead time variation. Additionally, it creates economic value by improving predictability, accelerating delivery and offering cost efficient alternatives that strengthen performance within global supply chains.

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The Value of Air Freight in Global Logistics

Over the past months, global supply chains have been tested by ongoing disruption, volatility and shifting trade dynamics. From the Red Sea crisis to changing consumer demand and geopolitical tension, businesses are under pressure to move faster and respond smarter.

In this context, air freight has proven its importance. It supports supply chain continuity when other modes slow down. It ensures availability for time-critical industries. And it creates direct access to global markets through structured, stable air corridors. Whether through fast rerouting, fixed transit schedules or strategic capacity management, air freight enables the flexibility and resilience that modern logistics demands. The value of air freight lies not only in its speed, but in how it strengthens end-to-end performance. By building reliable, high-performance connections between continents, it transforms uncertainty into opportunity  and keeps global supply chains in motion.

Curious how air freight could strengthen your supply chain strategy? Get in touch with our expert.

Vincent Korporaal

Business Development Manager
+31645493932