AirBridgeCargo Airlines saw a year-on-year growth of over 25% in the volumes of special commodities it carried in 2018.

According to ABC, pharma volumes rose by more than 60%, thanks to the alignment of internal processes, the introduction of digital solutions to enhance customer experience, partnerships with reliable companies and the reinforcement of the company’s global team.

Dangerous goods shipments grew by 40%, while demand for oversize and heavy cargo increased by over 20% and the e-commerce business was up 6%.

Overall, ABC carried a total of more than 700,000 tons across its international network, which grew to include Ho Chi Minh City, Shenzhen, Budapest and Columbus.

“2019 will be an exceptional year for ABC – the year of our 15th anniversary – and we are delighted to achieve another company milestone supported by the consistent results of 2018,” said Sergey Lazarev, general director of AirBridgeCargo. “New challenges are ahead of us, but that’s what makes the air cargo industry an exciting place to be. We are all set and ready for new plans and accomplishments as we continue to follow our growth strategy.”

Further progress will be made this year in the development of digital front-end solutions for improved customer convenience. ABC will start implementing equipment such as temperature loggers, shock sensors and Bluetooth-transmitting devices to improve the monitoring of cargo conditions.

Partnerships with companies including Unilode and SITAONAIR will guarantee 100% traceability of shipments and help the move towards an Internet of Things platform, according to ABC.