A View of Air Freight Developments in the Next Decade

A review is given of air cargo economics over the past 15 years. Changing fleet mix, cargo handling techniques, and fuel cost are identified as significant determinats of economic patterns. In a forecast of the next 10 years, the impact of wide-bodied freighters is assessed, particularly with respect to their use in intermodal, air/highway movement of large, prepacked shipments. Estimates of different aircraft/load modes are given; container design, aircraft configuration, and loading equipment are crucial elements in cost projections.