7 September 2021: Temporary suspension of Post collections in NSW, ACT & VIC

In an effort to clear the backlog caused by increased volumes of freight travelling in Australia, our partners have temporarily delayed the injection of consignments into their system. This will cause an increase in transit time in the short term. We apologise for any frustrations caused and thank you for your patience.

23 August 2021: Sydney Postal Gateway Temporarily Closed – items being moved via other gateways

We regret to inform you that a staff member at the facility located within our Sydney postal gateway has tested positive to COVID-19. As a result the facility has been temporarily closed while they work closely with the NSW Department of Health for contact tracing. The facility is undergoing a deep clean with a health certificate to be issued on completion. All efforts are being made to get the operation back up and running as soon as possible.

Staff regarded as close contacts are currently being tested and isolating accordingly. 

As a temporary measure, the intention is to move cargo arriving into SYD to other States as deemed necessary to keep the supply chain optimised - however some delays will be experienced.

May 2021: Airfreight Demand Back to Pre-COVID Levels But Capacity Remains Tight

Airfreight demand is back to pre-COVID levels but capacity remains tight, with volumes now at levels seen prior to the US-China trade war. When comparing figures from February 2021 with those in the same period of 2019 (comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19), Global capacity, which is measured in available cargo ton-km (ACTKs), has declined by 14.9%.

Government-imposed travel restrictions are a main contributing factor, and this crisis is lasting much longer than anyone could have expected. The reduced level of international flying has resulted in a 15% overall shortage of cargo capacity, which is straining supply chains and driving up rates.

Cargo airlines have added 30% more capacity by operating more pure freighters and running them at higher utilisation rates, but it isn’t enough to make up for the lost belly space in such a high-demand environment. The resumption of international passenger travel, which accounts for about two-thirds of airline revenues, is a key element for overall recovery.

The return to break-even levels has been made more difficult by the rising cost of jet fuel. IATA estimates jet fuel will average $69 per barrel, close to the 2019 average of $77 per barrel. Jet fuel is already adding to the high cost of air cargo as airlines pass on the extra expense in the form of fuel surcharges (FSC). Capacity is likely to return at a much slower pace than demand, as the airlines must take a cautious approach toward recovery; managing their rising debt during this critical stage will be paramount to their long-term survival and overall fiscal health.

Going forward, it is critical to understand how passenger demand will recover, as this is a key indicator of how much belly capacity will be available for air cargo. We are collaborating regularly with our carrier partners and our clients so that we are able to efficiently plan for and secure the capacity needed to uplift our clients' shipments and ensure that our air cargo operations can flex as necessary to manage through any spikes in demand.