The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure and a worsening global helium supply shortage are placing growing pressure on the air cargo industry, tightening capacity and increasing operational challenges for airlines and logistics providers worldwide. Industry experts said demand for high-value AI-related hardware shipments is rising sharply at the same time that helium shortages are disrupting critical aerospace and industrial supply chains.
Air freight demand has surged due to increasing global shipments of AI servers, semiconductors, graphics processing units (GPUs) and advanced data centre equipment, much of which requires fast and secure transportation. Technology companies are accelerating investments in AI infrastructure, driving higher volumes of time-sensitive cargo across major Asia–North America and Asia–Europe trade routes.
At the same time, constrained helium supplies are creating additional complications for sectors dependent on the gas, including semiconductor manufacturing, medical equipment, aerospace operations and scientific research. Helium is essential in semiconductor fabrication and cooling processes used in advanced chip production, making supply disruptions a growing concern for technology manufacturers and logistics operators.
Air cargo industry participants said the combined impact of AI-driven freight demand and helium-related supply pressures is contributing to tighter aircraft capacity, higher spot freight rates and increased competition for premium cargo space. Airlines are prioritising high-yield technology shipments, particularly on trans-Pacific routes where AI hardware exports from Asia remain strong.
Logistics analysts noted that supply chain disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions, export controls and limited semiconductor production capacity are further intensifying pressure on the global air freight market. Some freight forwarders are also facing challenges in securing specialised handling and temperature-controlled transport solutions for sensitive electronic equipment.
Despite the operational pressures, aviation and logistics experts expect AI-related cargo demand to remain strong over the long term as cloud computing, generative AI and data centre investments continue to expand globally. They added that the industry may increasingly invest in dedicated cargo capacity, digital logistics systems and supply chain diversification strategies to manage future demand growth and supply disruptions.
