Air Cargo Workforce on the Brink: 59% May Exit Sector

Air Cargo enters a period of significant instability amid ongoing geopolitical turbulence. A new study by Edge Insight for IBS Software reveals a growing talent crisis in air cargo. Nearly 59% of industry workers have considered leaving the industry altogether.

The workers cite an unpredictable working environment heightened by outdated technology (42%) as a key cause of their frustration. They also point to shifting global policies and unpredictable crises (35%) as another major factor.

Digitally skilled staff to boost satisfaction

Digitalization and updating legacy technology will be crucial for airline cargo operators. These changes are necessary for keeping employees happy. They are also important for attracting new talent. In fact, 63% of workers say that greater access and use of data would improve operational efficiency. This, in turn, would improve job satisfaction.

That said, employers must train their employees to use the latest technology. Currently, 39% of respondents cite a lack of skilled staff as a key operational challenge their company faces. Without access to technological training, air freight employers risk disgruntling staff further.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom for the airline cargo sector. Nearly half (49%) say that it was a passion for aviation and transportation that attracted them to the airline cargo sector in the first place. Additionally, 68% agree that their current role still excites them.

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“Business leaders in the air cargo industry need to be aware of the huge frustrations outdated technology causes for dissatisfied employees and the impact to the wider organization. The industry cannot afford to ignore the fact that motivated, skilled staff are critical to the success of the sector – especially when you consider the next generation of workers who are far more tuned to newer and more connected ways of working.” commented Radhesh Menon, Head of Product, Cargo & Logistics, IBS Software, “Our research shows that 39% of air cargo workers themselves identify talent shortages as a core issue for their company. Without a motivated, satisfied workforce, air cargo’s operational ability is threatened. The value air cargo has globally in terms of wider trade depends on the skilled and passionate staff who care about aviation.”

A need for talent investment

The airline cargo sector represents less than 1% of global cargo volume. However, it is responsible for a staggering 33% of global trade by value. Despite their critical role in global trade, industry workers are not just frustrated, they are struggling – 26% say they have considered leaving the industry due to burnout or work-related stress.

Adding fuel to the potential talent shortage, 22% of airline cargo workers feel they have limited career progression opportunities in their roles, and 16% believe their contributions are overlooked by the wider cargo ecosystem. For air cargo operators, these research findings highlight the importance of workforce investment – training, career development and upskilling – or they could risk losing their best talent.