✉️ From the President’s Desk
Dear Members,
As we reach the halfway point of 2026, it’s remarkable to reflect on the momentum our industry—and our association has built together.
The first six months of the year have demonstrated the resilience of the global air cargo community. While the market continues to navigate changing trade patterns, infrastructure challenges, and evolving customer expectations, one constant remains: success is built on collaboration. The strongest supply chains are supported by trusted partnerships, open communication, and a willingness to adapt.
That spirit was on full display at our Chicago Dogs Networking Event on June 25th. It was wonderful to spend the evening with so many members, colleagues, and industry friends outside the office, strengthening relationships that make our community unique. These opportunities to connect are more than just networking events—they’re investments in the partnerships that help move our industry forward every day.
As we begin the second half of the year, your Board remains committed to delivering valuable educational programs, behind-the-scenes industry experiences, and networking opportunities that help our members grow professionally while strengthening Chicago’s air cargo community.
Thank you for your continued support of IACAC. We look forward to seeing many of you throughout the summer and at our upcoming events.
Warm regards,
Christina Aguirre
President, IACAC
📬 Newsletter compiled and edited by Victoria Rahmanovic, IACAC Communications Committee
🌟 Member Spotlight: National Air Cargo
🔗 https://www.gonational.com/
This month we’re proud to spotlight National Air Cargo, a global logistics provider specializing in integrated transportation solutions for commercial, government, and humanitarian customers worldwide.
For more than 30 years, National Air Cargo has built a reputation for handling complex logistics challenges through customized air freight, multimodal transportation, charter services, and project cargo solutions. Their expertise in managing time-critical and high-value shipments has made them a trusted logistics partner across a variety of industries.
National Air Cargo’s commitment to reliability, innovation, and customer service reflects the values shared throughout the IACAC community, and we’re proud to recognize them as one of our members.
🛫 IACAC News & Announcements
📌 Welcome New Member – June 2026
Please join us in welcoming our newest member:
• Mario Schwarz, Lufthansa Cargo
🔗 https://lufthansa-cargo.com/
We’re excited to welcome Mario to the IACAC community and look forward to seeing him at future events.
📢 Industry News & Market Updates
✈️ FAA Orders Temporary Flight Reductions at Chicago O’Hare
🔗 https://www.chicagobusiness.com/transportation/ccb-ohare-united-american-faa-flight-cuts-20260611/
The FAA has directed airlines to temporarily reduce scheduled flights at Chicago O’Hare during the busy summer travel season to improve operational reliability amid airport construction and air traffic management initiatives.
📈 Global Air Cargo Demand Climbs 6.0% in May
🔗 https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/2026-releases/06-29-air-cargo-demand-up-may/
IATA reported global air cargo demand increased 6.0% year-over-year in May, with international demand continuing to outpace available capacity across many key trade lanes.
🌍 Middle East Disruptions Continue to Influence Global Cargo Flows
🔗 https://www.iata.org/en/publications/economics/reports/global-outlook-for-air-transport-june-2026/
IATA’s June Global Outlook notes that geopolitical tensions and airspace disruptions continue to reshape cargo routing, increase operating costs, and influence capacity planning across international markets.
📦 Early Planning Remains Key as Peak Season Approaches
🔗 https://www.chrobinson.com/en-us/resources/insights-and-advisories/north-america-freight-insights/jun-2026-freight-market-update/air/
Industry experts continue encouraging shippers to secure bookings early as selective capacity, longer routings, and fuel-related costs reduce shipment flexibility heading into the second half of the year.
💹 Air Cargo Rates Remain Firm Despite Softer Growth Outlook
🔗 https://www.xeneta.com/news/global-air-cargo-spot-rates-jump-41-in-may-but-some-relief-may-be-on-the-way-for-shippers
Although cargo demand growth is expected to moderate later this year, constrained capacity and ongoing operational challenges continue supporting elevated air cargo pricing.
🚀 Hot Topics – Quick Scan
• FAA flight reductions highlight the importance of operational reliability at major hubs.
• Global air cargo demand continues to outpace available capacity across several trade lanes.
• Geopolitical events remain a key factor influencing routing and transit planning.
• Early peak-season planning is helping shippers secure capacity and reduce pricing volatility.
• Digital visibility and supply chain resilience remain top priorities across the logistics industry.
📆 2026 IACAC Event Calendar
✔ Jan 30 — New Year Networking & Karaoke
✔ Feb 17 — PuttShack
✔ Mar 12 — Patty’s Day at Pop’s
✔ Apr 13 — Behind the Scenes at Lufthansa Cargo – Members Only
✔ May 7 — Still Celebrating Cinco De Mayo
✔ June 25 — Chicago Dogs Game
✔ July — No Event
✔ Aug 13 — Annual Golf Outing
✔ Sep 24 — Oktoberfest
✔ Oct 15 — Air Cargo Night
✔ Nov — Date TBD — Compliance Day & Elections
✔ Dec 3 — Holiday Luncheon
🎉 Culture & Community
📸 Photo of the Month: Chicago Dogs Networking Event – June 25, 2026
Our June networking event at the Chicago Dogs game brought members together for an evening of baseball, conversation, and camaraderie. It was wonderful to see both familiar faces and new members enjoying time together outside the workplace while continuing to strengthen the relationships that make IACAC such a vibrant organization. Thank you to everyone who joined us—we look forward to seeing you at our next event!
💡 Did You Know?
Chicago O’Hare handles millions of tons of cargo annually and remains one of North America’s most important international air cargo gateways, connecting Midwest businesses with markets around the world.
🏆 IACAC Event Winners – Free Membership Giveaway
🎉 2026 Winners So Far
🏅 January — Carlos Delfin
🏅 February — Mathew Gudgeon
🏅 March — Alex Espinosa – Best Dressed (Patty’s Day)
🏅 April — No Drawing
🏅 May — To Be Announced
🏅 June — To Be Announced
Join us at our next event for your chance to win a complimentary individual membership or a $50 credit toward a corporate membership!
📣 Stay Connected
📧 info@iacac.com
🌐 iacac.com
🚀 Thank you for being part of Chicago’s vibrant air cargo community—together, we move the world.
