It’s all things moving forward at the first important air cargo gathering in the 2026 world of trade shows next month in Orlando Florida.
     On February 15-17, 2026, the Omni Champions Gate is venue for Air Cargo’s most sought-after leaders who will share proven growth strategies as AirCargo 2026 organized jointly by ACI-NA, the Airforwarders Association and the Air & Expedited Motor Carriers Association presents this not-to-be missed event.
     AirCargo attracts all actors in the air cargo supply chain in one location, presenting an excellent opportunity to better understand the dynamics of the industry, exchange ideas, make connections, and position your organization to take advantage of future change.
     Highlighting the event will be Kendra Tanner, (above) a powerful leader in air cargo with a reputation as a respected and visionary leader.

Brandon's AirCargo 2026 Musings

If the early momentum is any indication, AirCargo 2026 is going to be something special.
From February 15–17, we’ll be back in Orlando at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, and with just about five weeks to go, registrations are already running well ahead of last year’s pace. That tells me one thing loud and clear: people in our industry are hungry for real insight, candid conversations, and face-to-face time with peers who understand today’s challenges. We’re expecting a big, energized crowd.
     And frankly, the timing couldn’t be better.
     Air cargo is operating in a period of constant change—shifting tariffs, election-year policy uncertainty in Washington, tighter compliance demands, ongoing congestion, security pressures, and markets that seem to change direction overnight. AirCargo 2026 is designed to cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters to forwarders, airlines, truckers, airports, and logistics providers.
     We’ll open Monday morning with a keynote from Kendra Tanner, CEO of Allstates World Cargo. Kendra is a respected leader who knows firsthand what it takes to run a successful forwarding operation in today’s environment. Her perspective on leadership, customer expectations, and building resilience in uncertain times will set the tone for the entire conference.
     Tuesday morning brings a keynote I know many attendees are looking forward to—Brian Clancy, one of the industry’s most trusted economic voices. Brian will walk us through where the airfreight market really stands today and where it’s heading next, breaking down demand, capacity, costs, and trade flows in a way that’s clear, candid, and immediately useful.
     The depth of expertise at AirCargo 2026 doesn’t stop there. We’re bringing together an exceptional lineup of industry leaders and policymakers, including Jon Gold, Vice President of Supply Chain and Customs Policy at the National Retail Federation, who will share the shipper perspective on the truck fraud challenge, trade, tariffs, and customs policy. Kevin Burke, President and CEO of Airports Council International–North America, will offer insights into airport infrastructure, congestion, and the realities facing cargo gateways across the country.
     From a global standpoint, we’ll hear from Glyn Hughes, Secretary General of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), and Stéphane Graber, Director General of FIATA, both of whom bring an international lens to air cargo security, regulation, and global trade dynamics. We’re also pleased to welcome Cindy Allen, CEO of Trade Force Multiplier, a widely respected trade expert and frequent media guest, who will help connect Washington policy decisions to real-world operational impacts.
     The program reflects the issues I hear about from members every week. Sessions will tackle Washington’s growing influence on air cargo, smarter approaches to marketing and business development, evolving TSA, FMCSA, FAA, and IATA compliance requirements, international cargo security, airport and port congestion, truck fraud, and the complexities of transporting dangerous goods across all modes. We’ll also host our Women’s Network event—sponsored by Delta Air Lines—which continues to spotlight leadership, collaboration, and building strong, inclusive teams across the air cargo ecosystem.
     And of course, AirCargo wouldn’t be AirCargo without the networking that happens after the sessions end. Our popular evening events—sponsored by Descartes, AMK9, and Allstates World Cargo—will once again provide the relaxed setting our attendees value to reconnect, compare notes, and build the relationships that keep this industry moving.
AirCargo has always been about more than panels and presentations. It’s about honest dialogue, shared experience, and leaving with ideas you can actually use on Monday morning.
     If early registration numbers are any indication, AirCargo 2026 is shaping up to be one of our strongest conferences yet. I’m looking forward to seeing many familiar faces—and plenty of new ones—in Orlando

FlyingTalkers

Glyn & Ram On Air Cargo

Here as Air Cargo Conference waits in the wings ready to step off next month, we spoke to Tod D. Willman, Assistant Vice President of Cargo Development for Greater Orlando Aviation Authority MCO, who makes the case that MCO Is Not Just Mickey Mouse Anymore.

FT:   Make the case for MCO Cargo. What do you say to someone who says to you . . . OK, Tod Willman MCO Cargo boss. Tell me why I should be doing business via Orlando? Isn’t that the airport made famous by Mickey Mouse & Donald Duck?
TW:  While Orlando and surrounding areas are known for our famous characters and world-class attractions we are also recognized for our vibrant aerospace, simulation, life sciences, and educational ecosystems. MCO is the ideal destination for cargo operations offering a convenient location with easy access to the interstate highways and less congestion than other airports in the region.  In addition, beyond our great domestic network, Orlando International has 60 international O&D pairs offering widebody belly capacity to Europe, South America, and the Middle East.  Simply put:  Orlando offers More Cargo Opportunities.

FT:  Describe MCO 2026. Where is the airport and how specifically is air cargo positioned at this time?
TW:  Currently the integrators have roughly a 70% market share at MCO.  Imports on international flights are respectable.  There is excess capacity available for sale on the outbound flights.  Growth in 2025 was about 4% overall.  The handlers and carriers are able to accept additional cargo immediately.  The airport is a perfect choice for relieving backlogs at other airports in the region.  Orlando International Airport is also a grantee for Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) 42, which encompasses all of Orange County. 

FT:  Looking  ahead, what initiatives are planned? Can you share some vision of the year, perhaps a review of the last year and what changes have taken place recently and are planned ahead?
TW:  In 2025 Air France launched service MCO-CDG adding 16 tons of additional belly capacity.  Iberia has also launched MCO-MAD service.  Cargo is also working closely with Airport Planning, Real Estate, and Security to expand capacity and enhance the cargo experience at MCO.

FT:  Can you speak a bit of commodities and include the entire range of goods either originating or transiting MCO.
TW:   Commodities being exported from Orlando International Airport include aerospace, telecommunication, and medical equipment.  There is also activity related to agriculture and seafood.  Raw pharmaceutical material, contact lenses, and orthopedic instruments are the leading imports.

FT:  What is the most common misunderstanding about MCO Cargo?
TW:  The most common misunderstanding about MCO Cargo is we are a low yield domestic airport, but it isn’t true.  Our widebody international airline partners offer high-yield services to Africa, South America, India, and the Middle East nonstop or via their strategic hubs.

FT:  How has airport authority supported the proposition of utilizing the MCO gateway for cargo? What initiatives, outreach, training or information programs are offered to help clients navigate doing business via Gateway MCO?
TW:  The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority has supported MCO’s cargo program by partnering with business development agencies including the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP), Central Florida International Trade Office (CFITO), U.S. Commercial Service, and local chambers of commerce.  We actively participate in trade events and educate the local community on airport amenities such as the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ).
 
FT:  How important is collaboration? How does MCO cooperate as example with other gateways? Are there any new programs in the works?
TW:  MCO is a member of the Airports Council International (ACI) and I am fortunate to participate on the Air Cargo Steering Group.  The airport has launched an Air Cargo Association in an effort to give our partners the opportunity to share ideas for making the airport a preferred gateway for air cargo. 

FT:  How do you handle burgeoning traffic, trucks and other access issues at MCO Cargo? What is the program?
TW:  The Aviation Authority has prioritized increasing air cargo processing capacity. As part of the airport Master Plan, we are exploring projects to expand and enhance cargo growth at the airport. Areas of consideration include taxiways, cargo buildings, and improved access to and from field operations.

FT:  Taking an industry view, can you please suggest some things the industry can do to better itself and frankly work better all around.
TW:  Shippers, consignees, and transportations service providers must digitize and go paperless with existing technologies. Pricing and booking platforms, eAWBs, and scanning bar codes have to be adopted. Transparency that adds visibility yet protects intellectual property is also a consideration moving forward. Transportation is about relationships. Improved technology will strengthen and enhance these relationships. 

FT:  What would you like to do in air cargo that has not already been done? (get rid of paper, tighten security etc.)
TW:  Airlines mandating eAWBs in markets that permit it.  Investment in scanners for employees receiving cargo on the docks.  Some carriers and handling agents are already doing this. 

FT:   Who will be the airport cargo managers of tomorrow? What must the airport business do to attract young talent to work for the betterment of air cargo.
TW:  Attracting young talent is one of my biggest focusses and something I’m passionate about.  One of the airport’s strategic pillars is People. We want to provide and expand opportunities for our own employees but also attract and retain talented individuals who possess the right attitude and aptitude to deliver our mission. 
     As an industry, it is our responsibility to educate young people about the career opportunities that exist in transportation. While the hours are tough and the stress can be challenging, the rewards are immeasurable. The industry provides opportunities for constant learning and personal growth as every day is different. From the Warehouse Clerk to an Airline Captain to the Director of Operations, we are a global industry that makes a difference and has an impact on people’s lives.
GDA/SSA

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