Nearshoring & regionalization: Impacts on air freight demand and infrastructure

At transport logistic & air cargo Americas 2025, industry leaders came together to debate one of the most pressing shifts in global trade: nearshoring and regionalisation. As supply chains adapt to rising costs, geopolitical uncertainty, and sustainability goals, this panel explores how moving production closer to consumption is reshaping air freight demand, infrastructure, and investment.

Moderated by Reji John, Editor at STAT Publishing Group, the discussion features Diogo Elias (CEO, Avianca Cargo), Kes Nielsen (Director Business Development, Amazon Air Cargo), Jared Azcuy (CEO, Alliance Ground International), and Tom Crabtree (Airfreight Analyst, Drewry Supply Chain Advisors). Together, they examine pressure points at airports and ground handling, the role of partnerships, and the impact of AI and automation.

From Latin America’s growing role in U.S. supply chains to Southeast Asia’s manufacturing surge, the panel highlights opportunities to build resilience, speed, and smarter regional networks.