SriLankan Airlines Cargo sees a major opportunity to transport e-commerce consumer electronics due to US tariffs on Chinese goods.

This is according to Cargo Head Chaminda Perera.

With Chinese exports potentially rerouting through Asia to markets like Australia and India, SriLankan aims to capitalise on the booming e-commerce airfreight sector, which is growing at 20% annually.

China's massive USD 3.5 trillion e-commerce market, with electronics containing lithium batteries, presents significant cargo volume.

International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects 6% annual demand growth in air cargo, outpacing capacity growth at 5%, indicating an opening.

SriLankan's new IATA CEIV Lithium Batteries Certification enhances its ability to handle these shipments safely, boosting its competitiveness in the region.

SriLankan Airlines received International Air Transport Association certification to carry large quantities of lithium batteries in its cargo, a move expected to boost the airline's electronic goods business.  

SriLankan Airlines has increasingly focused on air cargo since 2020.  

 

Perera said the airline plans to obtain certification to carry live animals in the future, to exploit opportunities in global e-commerce.  

 

The cargo business contributed 12 per cent of the group’s revenue last year.