This October, we hosted our very first Airline Night, and the response exceeded expectations! With an incredible turnout, it quickly became the second-largest event of the year for our association. Seeing so many members and industry colleagues come together to celebrate, connect, and enjoy an evening outside the office was truly something special.
From the Chicago Gangster theme and the creativity everyone brought to the evening to the conversations, laughter, and new connections made throughout the night, it was everything we hoped our first Airline Night would be—and more. It was a wonderful reminder that while our industry keeps us busy moving freight around the world, it is the relationships we build with one another that make this community so valuable.
A tremendous thank-you to everyone who attended, helped organize, and supported the evening. Your enthusiasm and participation made our first Airline Night a success, and I hope this is the beginning of a new IACAC tradition!
As we look ahead, our Annual Meeting, Voting Night & Karaoke are coming up on November 13. Beyond another opportunity to get together, this is an important evening for our members to participate in the future of our association. I encourage all members to join us, make your voices heard, and enjoy the night with fellow industry professionals.
Thank you for continuing to show up, support one another, and make IACAC such a great community. I am proud of what we are building together and look forward to seeing everyone again soon!
Warm regards, Christina Aguirre
President, IACAC
📬 Newsletter compiled and edited by Victoria Rahmanovic, IACAC Communications Committee
🌟 Member Spotlight: ECU Worldwide
This month, we’re pleased to spotlight ECU Worldwide, a global logistics provider offering international freight and multimodal transportation solutions.
With a worldwide network connecting businesses and markets, ECU Worldwide plays an important role in global logistics. We’re proud to have them as part of the IACAC community!
🛫 IACAC News & Announcements
📌 Welcome New Members – October 2026
Our IACAC community continues to grow! Please join us in welcoming our newest member.
Forward Air
Forward Air provides transportation and logistics solutions throughout North America, including expedited less-than-truckload, truckload, intermodal, and brokerage services. Its network supports freight forwarders and businesses across the supply chain.
We’re excited to welcome Forward Air to IACAC and look forward to connecting with their team at upcoming events!
📢 Industry News & Market Updates
📈 Global Air Cargo Demand Surges 7.7% in September
Global air cargo demand increased 7.7% year-over-year in September, according to IATA. International demand rose 8.6%, while available capacity increased 2.7%. The global cargo load factor reached 47.9%, reflecting continued strength in air freight demand heading into the final quarter of 2026.
North American carriers recorded an 11.8% year-over-year increase in cargo demand during September, while capacity increased just 0.8%. The Asia–North America trade lane also demonstrated significant strength, growing 17% compared with the same period last year.
These figures reinforce the importance of transpacific trade and North America’s position in the global air cargo market.
Jet fuel prices increased 17.5% month-over-month in September and were 103.4% higher than a year earlier, according to IATA’s September market analysis.
Elevated fuel costs continue to affect airline operating expenses and freight pricing as carriers navigate strong demand and shifting capacity conditions.
📦 Global Air Cargo Spot Rates Rise During Peak Season
WorldACD reported that global air cargo spot rates increased 5% week-over-week to $3.80 per kilogram during October 19–25. Rates were 38% higher than the same period last year, while worldwide tonnage declined 2% from the previous week.
The latest figures highlight continued pricing strength and changing demand patterns as the industry moves through the traditional year-end peak season.
💻 Technology Shipments Drive Air Freight Demand
Technology-related freight, including servers, semiconductor equipment, data center components, and high-value electronics, continues to contribute to international air cargo demand.
C.H. Robinson’s October market update highlighted these shipments as an important source of activity, particularly across transpacific trade lanes, while noting the potential for renewed shipping activity following China’s Golden Week holiday.
Peak Season Momentum: Global cargo demand continues to strengthen heading into the final months of 2026.
North American Growth: North American carriers led regional demand growth in September, supported by strong transpacific volumes.
Capacity Management: Demand growth continues to outpace available capacity across several markets.
Fuel Costs: Elevated jet fuel prices remain a significant consideration for airlines and logistics providers.
Technology Freight: Semiconductors, data center equipment, and electronics are contributing to international air cargo demand.
✈️ Featured Upcoming Event
🎤 IACAC Annual Meeting, Voting Night & Karaoke
Vote Early. Sing often.
📅 Friday, November 13, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 T-Woods Bar & Grill
1051 N. Wood Dale Road, Wood Dale, IL 60191
The IACAC Annual Meeting & Voting Night is back, andwe’re bringing everyone together for an evening of networking, important association decisions, great food, and karaoke fun!
Join fellow aviation and air cargo professionals for a memorable evening of industry connections, participation, and celebration.
🎟️ Ticket Pricing:
$45 – Members
$55 – Non-Members
$60 – At the Door
🍕 Your ticket includes two drink tickets and pizza!
🗳️ Important Voting Information:
In-person voting is exclusively for IACAC members and will take place from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with colleagues, participate in the future of our association, and enjoy a fantastic evening!
✔ January 30 — New Year Networking & Karaoke
✔ February 17 — PuttShack
✔ March 12 — Patty’s Day at Pop’s
✔ April 13—Behind the Scenes at Lufthansa Cargo—Members Only
✔ May 7—Still Celebrating Cinco De Mayo
✔ June 25 — Chicago Dogs Game
✔ August 13 — Annual Golf Outing
✔ September 24 — Oktoberfest
✔ October 15 — Airline Night 🗳️ November 13 — Annual Meeting, Voting Night & Karaoke 🎄 December 3 — Holiday Luncheon
🤝 Celebrating Our Community
📸 Photo of the Month
The Chicago Gangsters Take Over Airline Night! 🎩✈️
What an incredible night for IACAC!
Our first-ever Airline Night on October 15th was an outstanding success, becoming our second-largest event of the year!
The Chicago Gangster theme brought out some fantastic outfits, plenty of personality, and an unforgettable atmosphere as members and industry colleagues came together for an evening of networking, laughter, and celebration.
From longtime industry friends reconnecting to new relationships being formed, the evening showcased the strong sense of community that makes IACAC special.
A huge thank-you to everyone who attended, volunteered, sponsored, and helped bring our inaugural Airline Night to life! We couldn’t have asked for a better first year, and we’re already looking forward to the next one!
💡 Did You Know?
Did you know that Chicago O’Hare International Airport is one of North America’s most important international air cargo gateways?
O’Hare’s extensive network of passenger and freighter services connects Chicago to major international markets, supporting the movement of everything from pharmaceuticals and electronics to automotive components and time-sensitive industrial shipments.
For Chicago’s air cargo community, this global connectivity creates opportunities across airlines, freight forwarding, ground handling, trucking, customs brokerage, and logistics services.
It’s one of the many reasons our local industry plays such an important role in international trade!
