Keeping it Fresh: How Airlines Are Innovating Perishable Cargo Logistics

When it comes to air cargo logistics, few categories are as demanding-and as vital-as perishable goods. From fresh flowers and fruits to pharmaceuticals and seafood, the race against the clock to deliver temperature-sensitive products is an ongoing challenge for airlines worldwide. It’s a high-stakes game where even a minor temperature fluctuation can mean significant losses,and the ability to maintain an unbroken cold chain can make or break a shipment.

In this exclusive feature, we dive into the complexities of perishable cargo with three industry leaders who know the ins and outs of this fast-moving sector.

Marco Vezjak, Director of Cargo Sales North America at United Airlines, shares how advanced tracking technologies and sustainability initiatives are shaping United Cargo’s approach to handling sensitive shipments. Peter Musola, Head of Cargo Commercial at Kenya Airways, gives us a closer look at how the airline is leveraging cutting-edge cold chain facilities and local partnerships to keep their perishable exportsparticularly fresh flowers-at peak freshness.

Meanwhile, Dereje Derero, Managing Director of Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services, sheds light on the innovative packaging solutions and digital platforms driving greater efficiency and visibility across the supply chain.

According to Business Research Insights – the perishable logistics market, valued at USD 21.3 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 22.6 billion in 2025 and will further grow to USD 37.28 billion by 2033, driven by a strong CAGR of 6.5%. In 2025, the air transport is expected to take the spotlight as the leading application segment.

As global demand for fresh, time-sensitive goods grows, the logistics behind transporting perishables have never been more critical-or more complex. Each expert offers a unique perspective on the technological innovations, collaborative partnerships, and sustainability measures that are transforming the industry.

From AI-driven monitoring to eco-friendly packaging and optimized flight scheduling, the conversation reveals that success in perishable cargo is no longer just about speed-it’s about smart, integrated solutions that ensure quality while reducing waste.

Whether you’re an industry insider or simply curious about how that bouquet of roses or box of fresh seafood arrives at your doorstep in perfect condition, these insights from the frontlines of air cargo offer a fascinating glimpse into the future of perishable logistics.

Ensuring Temperature Consistency Throughout the Supply Chain
Temperature consistency is the cornerstone of successful perishable cargo transport. Any deviation from optimal conditions can lead to spoilage, financial loss, and compromised consumer trust. Airlines employ advanced technologies and rigorous procedures to ensure that perishable goods maintain their quality throughout the journey.

United Cargo’s Approach: United Cargo emphasizes flexibility and precision through its specialized TempControl service. This service offers 24/7 monitoring via the TempControl Tower, which provides active temperature tracking and immediate responses to deviations. With the use of real-time tracking and proactive alerts, United Cargo ensures that perishables are carefully monitored across each phase of transit.

To prevent temperature excursions during loading, unloading, and layovers, United Cargo works closely with ground handlers and trucking partners. European facilities feature dedicated cool rooms, while refrigerated trucks maintain the cold chain during ground transport. By combining flexible service levels with cutting-edge monitoring, United Cargo delivers a comprehensive solution to protect temperature-sensitive shipments.

Kenya Airways’ Strategy: Kenya Airways maintains a rigorous cold chain process through its partnership with Stamina Group. The Triple F cold chain facility at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport spans 93,000 square feet and includes specialized pre-cooling zones. By reducing exposure to temperature fluctuations and leveraging the facility’s proximity to aircraft (within 30 meters), Kenya Airways minimizes the risk of thermal degradation.

Expansion plans include an additional 34,000 square feet to accommodate the growing demand for specific product categories like flowers, herbs, frozen fish, and meat. This product segmentation enhances the efficiency of handling diverse perishable shipments and ensures that each product type receives specialized care.

Ethiopian Airlines’ Solutions: Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services employs advanced thermal packaging and real-time temperature monitoring to maintain temperature consistency. Climate-controlled storage facilities and insulated containers protect perishables during transit. Quick-transfer protocols reduce dwell times during layovers, while backup power systems safeguard against equipment failures. These comprehensive measures ensure reliable temperature management from origin to destination.

Optimizing Transit Times and Minimizing Delays
Efficient transit times are critical in preserving the quality of perishable cargo. Delays caused by logistical inefficiencies, customs procedures, or mechanical issues can jeopardize temperature-sensitive shipments.

Flight Scheduling and Ground Operations: Kenya Airways optimizes transit times by implementing shorter cutoff windows for perishables. The airline has reduced its cutoff time to four hours, allowing rapid acceptance, screening, and loading. With a streamlined process and close proximity of the cold chain facility to freighter parking, transit times are kept to a minimum.

Ethiopian Airlines prioritizes direct routes and rapid cargo transfers to reduce unnecessary layovers. Coordinated scheduling ensures that perishable shipments receive priority handling. This strategic approach accelerates the movement of sensitive goods across major international markets.

Customs and Regulatory Efficiency: United Cargo enhances transit efficiency by working closely with ground handlers and customs authorities. Integrated data-sharing platforms ensure that all stakeholders have real-time access to shipment information, expediting the clearance process.

Kenya Airways participates in cargo community systems that enable seamless electronic data interchange. This integration facilitates faster customs processing and minimizes the risk of delays caused by paperwork inconsistencies.

Innovation in Packaging and Sustainability Initiatives
Innovative packaging and sustainability measures play a pivotal role in reducing environmental impact while maintaining the integrity of perishable goods.
Advanced Packaging Solutions: Ethiopian Airlines utilizes specialized materials such as vacuum-insulated panels and thermal blankets. Active containers, like Envirotainer and DoKaSCH, provide enhanced thermal protection.

The airline is also exploring biodegradable thermal liners to align with global sustainability goals.

Kenya Airways supports sustainable practices through Cargo Light, a lightweight packaging solution that reduces cargo weight and fuel consumption. This innovation not only cuts costs but also contributes to a lower carbon footprint.

Sustainability Practices: United Cargo is committed to reducing its environmental impact through initiatives such as electrifying ground support equipment and using biodegradable plastic wraps. The airline also invests in carbon removal technologies to offset emissions and reduce fossil fuel dependency.

Kenya Airways has banned single-use plastics across its operations and introduced a pyro-diesel production plant that converts plastic waste into fuel for ground support vehicles. These sustainability-driven practices reflect a broader industry movement toward eco-friendly air cargo operations.

Enhancing Stakeholder Collaboration and End-to-End Visibility
Collaboration across the supply chain is essential for maintaining the cold chain and ensuring transparency from origin to delivery.

Data Integration and Digital Platforms: Kenya Airways is actively involved in the IATA One Record initiative, which aims to create a unified digital system for cargo data sharing. This initiative facilitates end-to-end visibility and enhances coordination between airlines, freight forwarders, and regulatory bodies.

Ethiopian Airlines relies on APIs and universal standards to integrate diverse tracking systems. This real-time visibility allows for proactive monitoring and quick intervention during anomalies, reducing the risk of spoilage.

Cross-Industry Partnerships: United Cargo conducts joint training with ground handlers and shippers to align operational objectives and minimize communication gaps. Regular collaborative
meetings and shared platforms enable a cohesive approach to cold chain logistics.

Addressing Global Food Waste and Emergency Protocols
Airlines play a significant role in reducing food waste by maintaining temperature integrity and implementing contingency plans during disruptions.

Preventing Spoilage and Salvaging Goods: Ethiopian Airlines has developed comprehensive contingency plans, including alternative routing and backup storage, to mitigate risks during strikes, mechanical failures, or extreme weather. Rapid-response teams and advanced monitoring systems ensure that perishables remain protected during unforeseen events.

United Cargo collaborates with customers to optimize shipment planning and reduce spoilage risks. Proactive risk management strategies, combined with advanced tracking systems, improve the predictability and reliability of perishable transportation.

The Role of Emerging Technologies in Perishable Logistics
Technological innovation is transforming the way perishables are transported, enhancing efficiency and reducing risks.

AI and Predictive Analytics: Kenya Airways partners with Safaricom to leverage AI in cargo acceptance and dimensioning. Predictive analytics allow for better resource allocation, while AI-driven insights optimize operational workflows and reduce delays.

Advanced Cooling and Blockchain Solutions: Ethiopian Airlines employs IoT-enabled sensors and smart refrigeration units for real-time temperature monitoring. Blockchain technology further enhances transparency by providing an immutable record of cargo conditions throughout the journey.

Future Innovations: Emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles and drones promise to revolutionize last-mile delivery for perishables. These innovations can address logistical challenges in remote areas and improve delivery speeds while reducing spoilage risks.

Collaboration is key to future growth
The transportation of perishable cargo in the air freight industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by technological innovation, sustainability efforts, and collaborative partnerships.

Airlines like United Cargo, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines are leading the charge with advanced temperature control systems, optimized transit processes, and cutting-edge packaging solutions.

Throughout these conversations, a common theme emerges: collaboration is key. Airlines, freight forwarders, ground handlers, and regulatory bodies must work together to create a seamless, data-driven cold chain that not only reduces spoilage and food waste but also enhances overall efficiency.

At the heart of it all is a shared belief: the future of perishable cargo depends on continuous improvement. As the globaldemand for fresh, temperature-sensitive goods continues to
grow, the air cargo industry must remain agile and innovative. Through continued investment in emerging technologies and sustainability initiatives, airlines are ensuring that perishable cargo reaches its destination safely, efficiently, and with minimal environmental impact.

Ultimately, the insights shared by these industry leaders underscore a shared commitment to not only meeting the challenges of today but also preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow.

As global demand for fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive goods continues to rise, the ability to maintain cold chain integrity while optimizing efficiency will remain paramount. And as consumer expectations for fresh, fast, and eco-friendly deliveries continue to rise, the air cargo industry is proving that it’s up to the task.