E-COMMERCE now represents 20 per cent of all global air freight, accounting for 1.5 million tons daily, Steven Verhasselt, founder of Cargo Strat Belgium and FB Cargo Strategy HK told an air cargo conference in Ostend, reports Hamburg's Cargo Forwarder Global.

Agreeing, Cainiao Group director Kendy Choi said her firm's expectations were in line with Mr Verhasselt's figures and that demand keeps growing.

Said Swissport International vice president Nicolai Schaffner: "Some 80 per cent of the growing volume over the last five years is e-commerce. It contributed to making Liege Airport Europe's leading e-commerce hub."

Said BoxC strategy officer Craig Strickland: "From the package perspective, on the Europe to Africa route, volumes are constantly growing as are other regions outside China, which have started shipping as well."

Another obstacle is when authorities create bottlenecks. "In certain circumstances, the throughput of shipments is very slow which adds to the costs and causes delays," said Cainiao's Ms Choi.

"Regular checks by officials, handling transparency and a well-functioning digital ecosystem involving all stakeholders, including customs could prevent hiccups," she said.

As far as e-commerce in the US is concerned, the biggest bottleneck is caused by customs, said Mr Strickland.

Said Swissport's Mr Schaffner: "The average value of an e-commerce shipment is between US$15 and $18. Even with an extra tax of 20 per cent, this will not alter consumer behavior. But there is no political rationale behind this."

Regarding distribution times, Ms. Choi said that Cainiao aims for 72 hours from order to delivery. "Currently, we are even thinking of shortening e-commerce transports to 3.5 days. This is challenging, but feasible, because we have a new facility in Hong Kong allowing us to track shipments all the way from A to Z."