Global Air Cargo Leaders to Convene in San Francisco for CNS 2026 Conference

The global air cargo industry is set to gather in force this May as Cargo Network Services Corporation (CNS) prepares to host its flagship Partnership Conference 2026 in San Francisco from 18–20 May, bringing together nearly 700 industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders at a pivotal moment for the sector.

Held under the theme "Elevating Air Cargo: Partnerships, Progress & Possibilities", the conference is expected to spotlight the rapid transformation of air logistics driven by digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and surging e-commerce demand, while also addressing mounting operational and regulatory challenges.

A Critical Moment for Global Trade

Air cargo remains a backbone of the global economy, with approximately 180,000 tonnes of goods transported by air every day worldwide, enabling just-in-time supply chains, supporting humanitarian missions, and powering international commerce.

In the United States alone, 34 million tonnes of air cargo were handled in 2023, underscoring the sector's scale and strategic importance to trade, manufacturing, and economic growth.

Industry experts say the CNS 2026 conference comes at a time when the sector is navigating:

• Rapid technological disruption

• Rising customer expectations for speed and reliability

• Increasing regulatory complexity

• Heightened focus on safety and compliance

High-Profile Leadership and Keynote Discussions

The event will be opened by CNS President Alicia Lines, alongside a lineup of influential industry figures.

This year's keynote address will be delivered by Brandon Fried, Executive Director of the Airforwarder Association, who is expected to outline key policy and market trends shaping the U.S. cargo landscape.

A major highlight will be a C-suite panel on AI and digital transformation, moderated by Kes Nielsen, General Manager of Amazon Air Cargo, featuring:

• Diogo Elias, CEO, Avianca Cargo

• Stephanie Penarete, VP Air Product Americas, DSV

• Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer, Etihad Cargo

The session will explore how leading companies are moving beyond hype to deploy AI-driven solutions across logistics operations.

Innovation Takes Centre Stage

The conference's Innovation Stage will serve as a focal point for cutting-edge developments, with sessions addressing some of the most pressing issues in air cargo today:

• ONE Record Implementation — Examining the industry's shift toward unified digital data sharing and the challenges of real-world adoption

• Smarter Payments & Cash Flow — Showcasing CNS FlexiPay and next-generation payment systems designed to streamline transactions

• AI in Air Cargo — Demonstrating how artificial intelligence is delivering measurable efficiency and operational gains

• E-commerce Expansion — Exploring how logistics networks are scaling to meet explosive global demand for fast delivery

• Dangerous Goods Detection — Addressing safety risks posed by undeclared hazardous materials and new compliance solutions

• US ACE Export Manifest Changes — Breaking down regulatory updates impacting accuracy, efficiency, and export compliance

These discussions reflect a broader industry shift toward digitisation, automation, and risk management, as companies seek to remain competitive in a fast-evolving market.

Networking at the Core of the Event

Beyond policy and technology, CNS 2026 will emphasise relationship-building and commercial collaboration, offering multiple networking opportunities:

• The traditional golf tournament to kick off the conference

• A new Napa Valley networking excursion for non-golf participants

• The returning Meet & Greet programme, enabling pre-scheduled meetings between airlines, freight forwarders, and logistics providers

Organisers say these formats are designed to foster real business outcomes, from partnership formation to deal-making.

San Francisco: A Strategic Host City

This year's venue—San Francisco—adds symbolic weight to the event. As a global hub for technology and innovation, the city provides an ideal backdrop for discussions on the future of air cargo.

Its ecosystem of startups, tech giants, and logistics innovators is expected to inspire conversations on how digital transformation can redefine supply chains.

Driving the Future of Air Cargo

As the industry continues to adapt to global disruptions and opportunities, CNS 2026 is positioned as a key platform for shaping its next phase.

From AI adoption and e-commerce growth to regulatory evolution and sustainability challenges, the conference will bring together the ideas and partnerships needed to move the sector forward.

"Air cargo is the lifeblood of global trade," an industry representative noted. "Events like this are where the future of that system is defined."

With momentum building and participation from across the value chain, the San Francisco gathering is expected to deliver both strategic insight and tangible collaboration—at a time when the stakes for global logistics have never been higher.