Cargo Facts Symposium 2026 Agenda
Prepare for three days of innovation, insights, and networking as we delve into the exciting world of air cargo. Join us for an immersive experience where industry leaders, experts, and professionals converge to explore the latest trends, technologies, and strategies shaping the future of cargo transportation.
13:00 Registration Opens
15:00 Welcoming remarks
15:00 – 15:30 Session 1 (Presentation): Current trends in macroeconomics, global trade and e-commerce
– Update on geopolitical disruptions and economic performance
– Trade dynamics by region
– Assessment of potential challenges and opportunities facing the aviation sector
15:30 – 16:30 Executive Education: Freighter Fleet Strategy presented by Cargo Facts Consulting
This in-depth session will help attendees better understand the fundamentals of the freighter market and think more strategically about freighter fleet planning and opportunities. The goal is to enhance your understanding of the freighter market and offer new ideas and approaches to freighter operations.
17:00 Opening Cocktail Reception
08:00 Registration
08:00 – 09:00 Networking Breakfast
09:00 – 09:15 Opening remarks
09:15 – 10:15 Session 2 (Panel): Rebalancing capacity in the global freighter market
– Dealing with unpredictability in air cargo traffic flows and geopolitics
– Adapting capacity to match demand — the need for fluidity and flexibility
– Strategies for maximizing freighter fleet utilization
10:15 – 10:45 Session 3: Fireside chat with Richard Smith, COO of international and CEO of airline, FedEx
During this session, we sit down for a one-on-one conversation with Richard Smith to discuss the express company’s significant strategic changes, fleet strategy and management, and global e-commerce trends and logistics.
10:45 – 11:30 Morning Coffee Break
11:30 – 12:00 Session 4: Featured Industry Session Presented by Boeing
Topic and format to be announced.
12:00 – 12:45 Session 4 (Panel): Type Talk 777 — Ramping up 777 conversions in the widebody segment
– Progress update on the development of the conversion programs
– Mitigating feedstock and engine limitations
– Production vs. conversion in the 777 space
12:45 – 14:00 Networking Luncheon Sponsored by Diamond Sponsor Boeing
Sponsored by:
14:00 – 14:45 Session 5 (Panel): Technical aspects of freighter conversion and fleet management
– A look at the challenges of keeping conversion programs and heavy maintenance events on schedule
– What happens when unexpected issues are found once an aircraft enters modification
– Best practices for managing limited MRO slots, maintenance planning, and fleet availability
14:50 – 15:30 Afternoon Coffee Break
15:30 – 16:00 Session 6: Featured Industry Session Presented by Airbus
Topic and format to be announced.
Sponsored by:
16:00 – 16:30 Session 7 (Presentation): Tackling sourcing and procurement challenges facing freighters and engines
– Minimizing component, material, inventory, and labor cost escalations, particularly for aging freighter types
– Overcoming limited engine feedstock and inventory
– Solutions to the global parts dilemma
17:00 Cocktail Reception
08:00 Registration
08:00 – 09:00 Networking Breakfast
09:00 – 09:05 Opening Remarks
09:05 – 09:45 Session 8 (Panel): Current freighter values and lease-rate trends
– Pricing trends for conversion feedstock in 2026
– When narrowbody lease rates could decline
– How much longer will widebody market values continue to rise?
09:45 – 10:15 Session 9: Fireside chat
This session will feature another one-on-one discussion with a key industry executive to address crucial issues facing the freighter and airfreight industries.
10:15 – 10:45 Morning Coffee Break
10:45 – 11:30 Session 10 (Panel): Type Talk A321s — The state of Airbus narrowbody conversions
– Status snapshot on conversion orders and progress
– How conversion costs and lease rates may be contributing to slower demand
– When will the industry see increased appetite for A320 freighters?
11:30 – 11:45 Session 11 (Collaborative): Market Sentiments: Digital polling discovery on market sentiments
Live market-sentiment polling, along with corresponding commentary and analysis, for additional perspective and insights on industry trends and opportunities.
11:45 – 12:30 Session 12 (Panel): Type Talk 737 — Aging Classics and NGs, and ever-changing global fleet dynamics
– A look at 737-800 feedstock availability as newer passenger aircraft production continue to ramp up
– The ongoing challenge of securing engines, parts and support
– The resilience of 737 Classic freighters
12:15 Networking Luncheon Sponsored by Diamond Sponsor Airbus
Sponsored by: