European air cargo operators face structural change rather than recovery in 2026, with regulation, volatility and shifting trade lanes reshaping networks, reports Singapore's Payload Asia.

Sustainability and compliance have moved to the centre of logistics strategy, with rising environmental reporting requirements redefining value beyond speed and price. Marion Simpson of Rhenus Road UK said heightened competition and selective customers mean "good enough" service is no longer sufficient.

Ms Simpson noted rising costs, capacity pressures and sustainability targets are changing the definition of value. Trade flows in 2025 shifted as cooling China-US volumes redirected demand to South America and Africa, prompting operators to abandon traditional planning cycles.

Hubert van der Laaken of Euro Cargo Aviation said strong e-commerce growth and geopolitical turmoil forced airlines to show maximum flexibility in creating new routes. He added that volatility remains embedded in the market.

Regulators are exerting pressure, with environmental compliance now a pressing operational concern. Ms Simpson said sustainability will drive investment in fleet upgrades, energy efficiency and carbon reporting.

Both Rhenus and Euro Cargo Aviation expect growth in 2026, with expansion into Asia-Pacific and investment in digital platforms and infrastructure. Van der Laaken said the US-China relationship will be decisive, with improved ties likely to rebalance capacity on China-Europe routes.

Ms Simpson concluded that companies anticipating pressures, adapting to sustainability imperatives and innovating in service delivery will reinforce customer loyalty and strengthen market share.