It was no surprise to find air cargo executives at the WCA Worldwide forwarders conference in Hong Kong lobbying for more shippers and forwarders to send their cargo via air, but the U.S. port congestion provided a helpful marketing tool.

The Middle East’s leading airlines made clear their common determination to boost passenger and freight market shares this weekend at the 2013 Dubai Airshow as they dominated the headlines with a series of huge orders for new airplanes.

Etihad Cargo expects to see strong cargo volume and revenue growth during the rest of 2013 despite the global downturn afflicting the air freight sector.

Etihad Airways is expanding its fleet with a Boeing 747-8 Freighter.