Strategies to cope with air cargo traffic peaks: The Beaujolais nouveau case

Abstract

Within the global air cargo market, the transport of perishable goods is one of the most dynamic and most important market segments. Characterised by a highly seasonal structure, the business tends towards cyclical demand curves, thus requiring a substantial degree of flexibility on the logistics services supply side to meet customer requirements during peak periods. Of all the major peaks in the perishable goods market, the annual global rollout of Beaujolais nouveau is probably the most significant single event in the air cargo industry. This paper analyses this demand peak and its specific implications for those in the supply chain. The paper then focuses on the strategies followed by airlines and airports in order to guarantee a successful operation.