Taiwan airlines ride AI boom in North American cargo market

台灣航空業搭上AI熱潮 搶攻北美貨運市場

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Demand for AI servers and semiconductor equipment is driving a surge in high-tech air cargo between Asia and North America.

China Airlines expects its cargo revenue to grow about 40% to 50% this year, while EVA Air said large AI equipment is driving demand for charter flights and reserved cargo space, per CNA. Starlux Airlines, which currently relies mainly on passenger aircraft for cargo, is also benefiting from rising high-tech shipments.

The global AI boom and investment in data centers have increased demand for servers, semiconductor equipment, and related components. The shipments are often high-value and time-sensitive, with larger equipment requiring dedicated freighters or reserved cargo capacity, according to CNA.

China Airlines Americas cargo head Lo Pao-jen (羅保仁) said the surge became noticeable after AI infrastructure investment expanded in 2024, per CNA. AI servers and other IT products have become major cargo sources, while semiconductor demand has also increased shipments of related manufacturing equipment from the US, he explained.

Lo said higher fuel costs following the outbreak of fighting in the Middle East in February have been offset by strong AI-related demand, keeping freight rates at reasonable levels. He said China Airlines operates more than 40 freighter flights a week in North America, with the region accounting for more than 60% of its cargo revenue.

EVA Air President Sun Chia-ming (孫嘉明) said in June that AI-related cargo accounted for about 40% to 50% of the airline’s cargo business, while North America generated about 70% of cargo revenue. He added that the company plans to expand its freighter fleet from nine aircraft to 12 by 2028.

Starlux, which has no dedicated freighters yet, has seen cargo revenue rise 41% year on year to NT$713 million (US$22.39 million) in May and NT$672 million in August and has ordered 10 Airbus A350F freighters, with deliveries potentially delayed until 2028.

The surge in air cargo comes as AI demand continues to drive exports. August exports hit a record NT$2.62 trillion, up 41% year on year, with electronic components and information, communications, and audiovisual products among the strongest performers, according to the Ministry of Finance.