As Lunar New Year celebrations light up the Far East—the region’s most significant holiday—logistics face a unique challenge: a temporary production pause that echoes across global supply chains. Jayram Nair, IAG Cargo’s Regional Commercial Manager for Asia Pacific, reveals how IAG Cargo works behind the scenes to ensure the seamless delivery of goods worldwide, keeping vital connections alive around the Lunar New Year.
The Lunar New Year freight rush
Symbolising the arrival of spring, Lunar New Year celebrations span 15 days, beginning on the first day of the lunar calendar. Jayram, who recently celebrated 20 years within the IAG group, explains, “Asia Pacific is the world’s largest and busiest manufacturing region, generating a substantial share of air cargo exports, and this remains true during Lunar New Year.”
The holiday’s significance makes the weeks leading up to it among the busiest for air cargo. While millions travel to reunite with loved ones, factory production grinds to a near halt, impacting air exports for up to four weeks.
To offset this disruption, supply chains ramp up in the preceding weeks, building inventories to ensure businesses and consumers worldwide have access to essential goods. During this period, IAG Cargo sustains trade flows to over 250 destinations, transporting fresh produce, medical supplies, and e-commerce shipments despite broader supply chain challenges.
“Lunar New Year can be a challenging time for those relying on a steady flow of goods. That’s why we collaborate closely with customers and suppliers to handle peak seasonal volumes and strengthen supply chain resilience,” Jayram adds.
From red packages to oyster sauce
When asked about unique shipments during Lunar New Year, Jayram highlighted a notable increase in the transport of cherries and berries, especially from Peru, being transported into China via IAG Cargo’s Constant Fresh service. These vibrant red fruits, symbolising good luck, prosperity, and happiness in Chinese culture, are particularly sought after during the festive season.
The tradition of ‘hongbao’ (red envelopes), traditionally filled with money or tokens of gratitude, has evolved to include high-tech gifts such as smartphones and related accessories—popular cargo items departing from countries like China, Japan, and Thailand. For time-sensitive shipments, our Prioritise and Critical services ensure shipments are securely accelerated through our network with unmatched speed and dedicated support.
Jayram also revealed that this year had seen an unusually high volume of oyster sauce being moved from Asia Pacific to the UK!
Supply chain continuity
With a capacity of over 600 weekly wide-body services, IAG Cargo is trusted by its customers to deliver goods 24/7 365 days a year, even during peak periods like Lunar New Year.
Jayram explained, “We are a vital cog in the supply chain, working behind the scenes to ensure people all over the world have uninterrupted access to essential goods when they need them – whether that be lifesaving medication or fresh fruit and vegetables. Despite the halt in production throughout the Lunar New Year celebrations, we are still trusted to deliver much-needed stock and goods, ensuring continuity, stability and resilience for global markets.”
Jayram concluded, “We wish all our customers, partners, suppliers, and colleagues a successful year ahead. May the Year of the Snake bring you happiness, prosperity, and good fortune.”
To find out more about IAG Cargo services or to get a quote, please visit iagcargo.com
