Air, Freight News


Old tech and stress threaten air cargo brain drain

[ April 7, 2025   //   ]

Some 59% of air cargo workers have considered leaving the industry due to struggles with outdated technology, increased job stress and an unpredictable work environment, according to research commission by IBS Software.

The research conducted by Edge Insight said that industry employees complained of an unpredictable working environment heightened by outdated technology (42%) and shifting global policies and unpredictable crises (35%) as the key causes of their frustration. 

It added that digitalisation and updating legacy technology will be crucial for air cargo operators that wish to keep employees happy and attract new talent, as 63% of air cargo workers said that greater access and use of data would improve operational efficiency, in turn improving job satisfaction.

Employers need to ensure their people are trained to use the latest technology, as 39% of respondents currently cite a lack of skilled staff as a key operational challenge their company is facing. Without access to technological training, air cargo employers risk disgruntling staff further.

Some 22% of air cargo workers feel they have limited career progression opportunities in their roles, and 16% believe their contributions are overlooked by management.

IBS Software head of product, cargo and logistics, Radhesh Menon, commented: “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.”  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.”

However, 49% of respondents said that a passion for aviation and transportation had attracted them to the air cargo sector, and 68% agree that their current role still excites them.

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