Freighter industry to examine trends, issues at Cargo Facts EMEA 2026 this week

BRUSSELS — The eighth annual Cargo Facts EMEA takes place in Brussels for the first time this week, bringing together leaders and stakeholders to discuss the trajectory of the industry.

The conference, taking place today through April 30, will examine key trends and issues affecting the freighter market in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, especially amid the high jet fuel prices and shifting traffic flows resulting from the Iran war.

With last week’s delivery of a pair of 777Fs to Emirates, Middle Eastern carriers operate eighty Boeing and Airbus freighters, fifty of which are 777Fs in operation with the three major Gulf combination carriers — Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways.

Meanwhile, in Europe, the narrowbody market remains relatively stable. New Polish carrier Warsaw Cargo got its AOC in August 2025 and subsequently started flying its A321-200PCF. However, Lufthansa’s four A321-200P2Fs have been parked since mid-April following a pilot strike and the closure of Lufthansa CityLine, which had been operating them on behalf of Lufthansa Cargo.

View the Cargo Facts EMEA 2026 agenda.          

Cargo Facts EMEA 2026 will feature a fireside chat with Chapman Freeborn Chief Executive Saska Gerasimova, along with sessions and presentations covering topics that include:

• The state of the freighter market in the EMEA region;
• Updates on the A350F and 777-8F programs;
• Maintaining older widebody freighter types amid new entrants;
• Africa’s growing role in air cargo; and
• Addressing engine and MRO challenges.

Executives speaking at the event include:

• Stanislas Brun, chief cargo officer of Etihad Airways;
• Colin Grant, chief operating officer of ASL Aviation Holdings;
• Marc Iarchy, partner at World Star Aviation; and
• Guneet Mirchandani, chairman of Air One.

Follow Cargo Facts’ daily coverage of Cargo Facts EMEA 2026.

Cargo Facts EMEA 2026 will take place April 28-30 in Brussels at the Marriott Hotel Grand Place. For more information and to register, visit CargoFactsEvents.com.