Express integrators shift freighters to transpacific as air rates surge 36%

Summary

With Northeast Asia-North America spot rates at $5.76/kg (+36% from February) and Asia-Pacific capacity down 2% in week 33, DHL, FedEx and UPS are redeploying freighter capacity toward US routes, tightening Europe and other lanes. Dedicated freighters run ~65% load factors versus 36% for belly hold. Shippers should lock Q4 space now to avoid rollovers.