US airlines discuss pandemic affect on cargo

As the pandemic unfolded in 2020, cargo assumed a bigger role in some airlines’ strategic planning, airline executives said at the International Air Transport Association annual meeting, as some recounted the gratification employees got from providing essential services, such as shipping vaccines. “The relationship forged has changed (things) in the last year and a half” and “conversations around a market (involve) freight and mail as well as passenger service,” said Jessica Tyler, president of cargo at American Airlines. United CEO Scott Kirby also addressed cargo stating, “Our cargo business will be much better,” as he predicted the carrier’s cargo business has increased permanently.