acd makes political demands for the air freight industry

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Annual general meeting

At the beginning of 2026, the aircargo club deutschland provided a significant platform for the air freight industry in Germany with its Annual General Meeting and New Year’s Reception at the Airport Club Frankfurt. The meeting offered members the opportunity to review the past year’s developments and look to the future with renewed confidence. In addition to the unanimous re-election of the Executive Board, a particular focus was placed on the political situation of air freight, which is considered an indispensable component of Germany’s export-oriented economy. The event highlighted the challenges facing the industry, especially regarding the economic framework, and emphasized the urgent need for political action to ensure the sustainable competitiveness of German air freight.

Stable leadership and a clear focus on the future

The confidence in the leadership of the Air Cargo Club Germany was impressively reaffirmed at the regularly scheduled elections. The existing board remains unchanged at the head of the organization, ensuring continuity in its political representation and industry work. Prof. Dr. Christopher W. Stoller was re-elected as president and will again represent the strategic direction. Ingo Richter as vice president and Laurent Jossa as chief financial officer complete the leadership team, which represents the interests of the approximately 200 member companies. This stability is of particular importance given the complex challenges facing the global air freight industry.

The re-election not only signals broad support from the members, but also the expectation that the board will place the club’s work even more firmly at the center of political decision-making. With the aim of maintaining and expanding air freight as an essential driver of economic growth and free trade in Germany, the club pursues an active role in shaping the framework conditions that govern air transport and logistics.

Political challenges and demands of the industry

In his keynote address, Alexander Klay of the German Aviation Association (BDL) focused on the challenges facing the industry in 2026. He reported on the developments of the past year, which were characterized by numerous burdens, such as rising operating costs, regulatory requirements, and infrastructure bottlenecks. Klay was particularly critical of the relief package announced by the German government, which, while acknowledged as a step in the right direction, is far from sufficient to sustainably secure the competitiveness of Germany as an aviation hub on the international stage.

The demand for a significantly increased level of relief underscores the complexity of the situation: The air freight industry operates in a global competition where efficiency, cost structure, and political support are crucial factors. Insufficient political support could lead companies to favor alternative locations, which would not only weaken Germany’s economic position but also directly impact free global trade, which air freight significantly supports.

Professor Dr. Stoller complemented this perspective by emphasizing the strategic importance of air freight for the world’s third-largest export-oriented economy. He stressed that policymakers must not only provide short-term relief but also make long-term, binding decisions that sustainably promote air transport and its associated infrastructure. The German Air Cargo Club sees itself as responsible for continuously drawing attention to these issues and intensifying the dialogue between business and politics to ensure the industry’s future viability.

Perspectives and priorities for 2026

The annual program of the aircargo club deutschland is geared towards a diverse and demanding year in 2026. One focus is the development of alternative air freight services, which are gaining significant importance in light of infrastructural challenges and environmental concerns. A panel discussion in June will be dedicated to this topic, providing an opportunity to discuss potential solutions and innovative concepts in detail.

Furthermore, an international trip is planned to focus on the so-called New Silk Road. This infrastructure project is of strategic importance for international trade and offers potential for German companies in the air freight sector. The trip will, among other things, highlight the Middle Corridor as an alternative transport route and thus discuss the opportunities for a diversified and resilient supply chain.

The event program reflects the dynamic changes in the industry and demonstrates the necessary adaptability to address global challenges. Knowledge sharing, networking, and political advocacy will continue to be central elements of the club’s activities, supporting members in their strategic direction.

Significance of the Air Cargo Club Germany for the air freight industry

Since its founding in 1963, the Air Cargo Club Germany has pursued the goal of promoting air freight as an industry-specific platform and acting as a voice between business and politics. The fact that its membership consists exclusively of executives with responsibility at the national or international level underscores the high standards and expertise that are concentrated within the club.

The air freight industry connects people, countries, and industries, playing a key role in global trade. Especially in the age of globalization, the efficient transport of goods by air is a crucial factor in ensuring competitive pricing and securing supply chains. The club’s work supports this development through targeted events, the exchange of experience, and highlighting political and economic trends.

The acd’s commitment not only promotes the economic success of the industry, but also innovation and sustainability in air freight logistics. Furthermore, the club is dedicated to working with its members to overcome challenges, whether technical, regulatory, or environmental, and to strengthen Germany’s position as a hub for air freight traffic.

Air freight replacement services and global infrastructure projects in focus

The 2026 Annual General Meeting of the Air Cargo Club Germany marks an important milestone for the air freight industry. The unanimous re-election of the Executive Board demonstrates that members value the continuity and experienced leadership necessary to address the multifaceted challenges. At the same time, the call for a more comprehensive relief package sends a clear signal to policymakers to recognize the strategic potential of air freight for the German economy and to create the necessary framework.

With an ambitious annual program focusing on future-oriented topics such as air freight replacement services and global infrastructure projects, the aircargo club deutschland positions itself as a central hub for knowledge, networking, and advocacy. The importance of air freight for securing and developing the German export industry is undisputed and requires sustainable political support that goes beyond short-term measures.

Overall, the meeting not only provides a stocktaking but also a clear direction for a successful year in which the air freight industry faces current and future challenges – always with the aim of maintaining and expanding Germany as a leading air transport location.