Amazon’s 2023 financial journey: Navigating soaring costs, labor uncertainty and strategic network changes

In 2023, Amazon faced escalating transportation expenses, with costs rising 7% to $89.5 billion, up from $83.5 billion in 2022. Despite these financial headwinds, the company’s consolidated net sales experienced substantial growth for the year, soaring to $574.8 billion from just under $514 billion in 2022.. This resulted in a net income of $30.4 billion, up from a net loss of $2.7 billion in 2022. However, Amazon’s international division finished 2023 with a $2.6 million loss, which follows a $7.7 billion loss in 2022. 

The chart below shows the year-over-year growth in fulfillment and shipping expenses versus North American and International revenue:  

Cost explosion  

The financial landscape for Amazon appears poised for further challenges, as jet fuel and labor costs are projected to continue to climb. IATA, representing about 320 airlines responsible for 83% of global air traffic, has predicted the average cost of jet fuel in 2024 to be roughly $2.71 per gallon, up from the $2.67 per gallon that it forecasted for 2023. 

In November 2023, 99.7% of the pilots flying for Air Transport International (ATI), which currently operates 40 aircraft on behalf of Amazon, voted to authorize a strike. In the three and a half years the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the union representing ATI’s pilots union has been negotiating with ATI, industry wages have soared, and as ALPA reports, ATI pilots feel they have been left behind. ALPA has highlighted ATI’s record attrition rates, as pilots leave for higher-paying roles.   

Newcomer to Amazon operations, Hawaiian Airlines, also agreed to a four-year contract with their pilots in January 2023. The contract came with a significant boost in pilot compensation, including pilots flying in their new cargo operation. The new agreement includes an average 32.9% pay increase over the duration of the deal, led by an average 16.6% increase at the time of signing. The deal includes a signing bonus, raises company retirement contributions, creates a health reimbursement account, increases schedule flexibility, and addresses quality of life. The increase makes pay scales at Hawaiian extremely competitive with the top all-cargo carriers as well as major passenger carriers such as Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, according to union data. With only one aircraft currently online, Amazon will not see the full impact of this agreement for some time.  

Cost Reductions and Network Changes 

In response to mounting costs, Amazon has implemented strategic changes, such as increasing the minimum purchase for free shipping from $25 to $35 for non-Prime members in select zip codes. This test has sparked customer dissatisfaction but reflects Amazon’s broader effort to cut shipping expenses. Historically, Amazon’s shipping policies have been a significant draw for shoppers due to fast and low-cost shipping options.   

Amazon Air has been adjusting its operations globally, including closing facilities in Germany in October 2023 and reducing flights in Europe in July 2023. In North America, the company has suspended operations with Silver Airways and closed facilities.  

Amazon Air is closing its airfreight facility at Kelly Field Airport in San Antonio, Texas. The closure is expected to impact ground handler employees at Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), with 65 warehouse employees affected. Amazon stated that the decision to close the facility was made to better serve customers, and supply chain operations would not be affected. The closure is set to be permanent, with the facility shutting down in April. Amazon’s other airfreight facilities in Texas, including Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston, will continue to operate. This closure follows Amazon’s exit from Tampa Bay in August 2023 and precedes the shutdown of its Leipzig/Halle Airport facility in Germany, attributed to a challenging year for global air cargo demand. While the closure date has not been announced, it is expected to occur this year. Amazon assures that its air operations will continue across Europe, utilizing Leipzig/Halle in its European logistics network. The decision is part of Amazon’s ongoing evaluation of its network to align with business needs and enhance customer experience. Despite the closure, Amazon emphasizes its commitment to the Leipzig region and plans to invest in supporting the approximately 2,000 employees working there. The closure is attributed to Amazon’s expanded logistics network and the establishment of more warehouse facilities in Germany and Europe, reducing the reliance on flights from Leipzig/Halle.   

In conclusion, Amazon’s financial landscape in 2023 exhibited both successes and challenges. The significant growth in consolidated net sales and a remarkable operating income of nearly $30.4 billion showcase the company’s overall strength. However, rising transportation costs remain a concern. The anticipated rise in jet fuel and labor costs, coupled with potential disruptions due to pilot strikes, presents a daunting scenario for Amazon’s transportation operations. The company’s recent agreements, such as the four-year contract with Hawaiian Airlines pilots, indicate efforts to address labor concerns, but the full impact of these agreements may take time to materialize.  

As Amazon navigates through these challenges, the company’s commitment to enhancing customer experience and optimizing its logistics network remains steadfast. The closure of certain facilities is aligned with Amazon’s broader strategy to adapt to evolving business needs. The ongoing evaluation of the network, along with investments in supporting affected regions, underscores Amazon’s dedication to maintaining a resilient and efficient supply chain. In the dynamic landscape of e-commerce and global logistics, Amazon faces a delicate balancing act between cost management and sustaining customer-centric operations. The coming years will witness Amazon implementing further strategies to navigate the complexities of the industry while striving for continued growth and profitability.