## Company Profile Strike Aviation SL — Spain-based freight forwarder focused on air cargo (company site: strike.aero; contact: spain@strike.aero). Publicly available evidence is limited; the business appears positioned around airport/airline cargo services and air charter/airfreight solutions from Spanish hubs (Madrid/Barcelona/Valencia region implied). Scale is not publicly disclosed. Category: freight_forwarder (air). ## Pain Points 1) Space & rate volatility on long‑haul corridors (Asia–Europe, India–Europe, Middle East) in 2026: clients shipping high‑value/urgent produce face sudden rate spikes and weekly capacity shifts (routing/surcharge changes) that erode margins or force missed shipments. 2) Time‑sensitive perishables demand more reliable last‑mile and documentation handling: Spain’s higher unit‑value fruit/vegetable exports (berries, cherries, premium citrus/stone fruit) require tight harvest‑to‑airport windows; evolving SPS/ePhyto rules and stricter enforcement increase risk of clearance delays and missed slots. 3) Modal competition and customer expectations: intra‑EU shippers increasingly choose road/rail for cost, so air volumes are concentrated into niche, high‑service programs; Strike needs scalable sourcing for ad‑hoc air shipments and premium buyer programs rather than only traditional forwarder flows. ## Intel Summary === MULTI-DIMENSION RESEARCH === === 1. [MARKET EVENTS] – EUROPE AIR CARGO MARKET 2026 (CAPACITY, RATES, BELLY RECOVERY, SPAIN) === **Overall global & European market balance 2026** - IATA and other syntheses show air cargo demand (CTK) up about **4–5% YoY** into early 2026, with **global capacity (ACTK) up ~4–5% YoY** and load factors broadly stable around **47%**, indicating a relatively balanced market rather than a deep downturn. ([craneww.com](https://www.craneww.com/site/assets/files/4402/marketupdate_air_february_2026.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Regionally, growth is uneven: Asia Pacific and Africa are leading double‑digit CTK growth; Europe’s volumes are flatter, with subdued macro demand limiting a broad‑based rebound. ([stattimes.com](https://www.stattimes.com/air-cargo/global-air-freight-in-2026-slower-growth-stronger-structural-demand-1357860?utm_source=openai)) **Rate levels and recent volatility (Q1–Q2 2026)** - Multiple market updates describe **Q1 2026** as a period of rate spikes driven by fuel and geopolitical disruption (notably in the Middle East corridor), followed by **partial stabilization into Q2 2026**: - One global rate tracker reports that after a “turbulent Q1” with capacity constraints and rising fuel costs, **rates started to stabilize in April–May 2026**, but remain above late‑2025 averages on many lanes. ([airfreightprice.com](https://airfreightprice.com/blog/air-freight-market-update-q2-2026/?utm_source=openai)) - Another freight provider notes **airfreight between Asia and Europe up ~45% versus pre‑crisis baselines** at the height of the Middle East routing disruption, with fuel and re‑routing costs the main drivers. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/SmallCapStocks/comments/1rocr7n/airfreight_up_45_is_the_early_warning_that_this/?utm_source=openai)) - Forward‑looking market commentary from Xeneta (late‑2025 summit in Barcelona) had expected a **capacity surplus and softer rates in 2026**, but the 2026 Middle East shock plus higher fuel have delayed that softening on key intercontinental lanes, especially **Asia–Europe and India–Europe**. ([phaata.com](https://phaata.com/en/logistics-market/xeneta-forecasts-airfreight-rate-decline-in-2026-amid-capacity-surplus-61778.html?utm_source=openai)) **Europe: capacity and belly recovery** - IATA’s Q4 2025 chartbook shows that into Q1 2026, **European passenger seat capacity is still growing**, with Spain projected at **~1.8% YoY seat capacity growth** (vs Q1 2025), implying continued expansion of belly cargo capacity in 2026. ([mtsinsights-assets.s3.amazonaws.com](https://mtsinsights-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/media/summaries/att/iata-quarterly-air-transport-chartbook/2026/02/24/c39109f1-65b8-47bd-b8f2-_OpAgYtp.pdf?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=AKIARB7EFOVKWBL5S67B%2F20260323%2Fus-east-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260323T040329Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Signature=0f4f40d2f3f555de7a941e54d0f00b23d9602473bacffa5b7d518bacf1216394&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&response-content-disposition=inline&response-content-type=application%2Fpdf&utm_source=openai)) - An airfreight capacity analysis for early 2026 notes: - **Belly capacity is the main driver of capacity expansion in Europe**, with freighter fleets being redeployed away from geopolitically exposed corridors. ([craneww.com](https://www.craneww.com/site/assets/files/4402/marketupdate_air_february_2026.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - International travel recovery in 2025 and additional wide‑body deliveries into 2026 have brought Europe’s **belly capacity above 2019 levels** on major trunk routes; an IATA market note for Nov‑2025 had already flagged **belly capacity +6.3% YoY** at that point. ([iata.org](https://www.iata.org/en/iata-repository/publications/economic-reports/Air-Cargo-Market-Analysis-November-2025/?utm_source=openai)) - A WorldACD‑style April 2026 market trends report shows **European capacity up YoY** but with **load factors broadly flat**, suggesting that much of the additional belly capacity has been absorbed, rather than creating a severe overcapacity situation. ([worldacd.com](https://www.worldacd.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/e610f922-47e8-4028-884f-7c728016b1f1.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Rates on Europe lanes (directional)** - Q2 2026 market updates highlight: - **Asia–Europe:** rates came off Q1 highs by roughly **20–25% from January peaks**, but remain structurally higher than pre‑crisis as carriers continue to price in longer routings around the Middle East and fuel risk. ([airfreightprice.com](https://airfreightprice.com/blog/air-freight-market-update-q2-2026/?utm_source=openai)) - **India–Europe:** some sources cite **more than doubling** of rates vs pre‑conflict as capacity was squeezed and routings elongated. ([metro.global](https://metro.global/2026/04/15/air-freight-enters-a-new-supply-constrained-phase/?utm_source=openai)) - **Europe–North America:** more deflationary dynamics, with one analytic piece describing **price deflation** as transatlantic belly capacity is “maximized” by passenger airlines to offset higher operating costs. ([mobidato.com](https://mobidato.com/insights/2026-air-freight-pricing-analysis-regional-trends-and-capacity-shifts?utm_source=openai)) **Spain‑specific airfreight signals (2026)** Direct, Spain‑only air cargo datasets for 2026 are sparse in the public domain, but we can triangulate from passenger and export data: - **Passenger / belly capacity** - IATA’s chartbook expects **Spain’s seat capacity up ~1.8% YoY in Q1 2026**, close behind the UK and ahead of much of continental Europe, reinforcing Spain’s status as a major southern‑European passenger and belly‑cargo hub (Madrid, Barcelona; also seasonal tourist flows). ([mtsinsights-assets.s3.amazonaws.com](https://mtsinsights-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/media/summaries/att/iata-quarterly-air-transport-chartbook/2026/02/24/c39109f1-65b8-47bd-b8f2-_OpAgYtp.pdf?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=AKIARB7EFOVKWBL5S67B%2F20260323%2Fus-east-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260323T040329Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Signature=0f4f40d2f3f555de7a941e54d0f00b23d9602473bacffa5b7d518bacf1216394&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&response-content-disposition=inline&response-content-type=application%2Fpdf&utm_source=openai)) - **Cargo mix** - Spain is the EU’s largest producer/exporter of **citrus, peaches and apricots**; these high‑value perishables, plus berries and off‑season vegetables from Almería/Murcia, are important components of **time‑sensitive export flows**, some of which go by air (especially to high‑yield non‑EU markets and distant EU destinations when speed/quality justify premiums). ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agriculture_in_Spain?utm_source=openai)) - **Market positioning & competition with ocean/road** - European logistics commentary indicates growing **air‑to‑rail and air‑to‑road modal shift** for medium‑distance traffic within Europe, with rail quoted as up to **40% cheaper** for certain flows within 48‑hour delivery windows. That keeps **intra‑EU Spanish perishables predominantly on road/short‑sea**, reserving air cargo mainly for: long‑haul markets, niche high‑value categories, and situations where ocean/road reliability deteriorates. ([mobidato.com](https://mobidato.com/insights/2026-air-freight-pricing-analysis-regional-trends-and-capacity-shifts?utm_source=openai)) **Implications / watch‑points for 2026** - **Structural belly capacity recovery** in Europe (and specifically Spain) is largely complete by 2026, with further **low single‑digit growth** rather than step‑change additions. - **Rates in 2026**: - Expect **elevated but volatile** rates on Europe‑Asia and India‑Europe lanes due to the Middle East situation and fuel; - **Softer, more competitive pricing** on Europe–North America as belly capacity continues to grow faster than demand; - Spain’s outbound perishables will feel these dynamics most acutely on long‑haul markets (Middle East/Asia/North America), while intra‑EU exports remain dominated by truck. - **Supply‑constrained episodes** are likely when geopolitical or fuel shocks tighten capacity; a major forwarder (April 2026) describes the environment as “a new supply‑constrained phase” where **space, routings, and surcharges can change week‑to‑week**, particularly on corridors touching the Middle East. ([metro.global](https://metro.global/2026/04/15/air-freight-enters-a-new-supply-constrained-phase/?utm_source=openai)) === 2. [COMMODITY TRENDS] – SPAIN FRESH FRUIT & VEGETABLE EXPORTS 2026 (CITRUS, BERRIES, STONE FRUIT, AIRFREIGHT DEMAND) === **Headline export performance early 2026** - FEPEX/Tridge data for **Jan–Feb 2026** show: - **Total Spanish fresh fruit & vegetable exports:** - Volume: **2.2 million tons**, **-4% YoY** vs Jan–Feb 2025. - Value: **€3.94 billion**, **+5% YoY**. ([insights.tridge.com](https://insights.tridge.com/speaker-product-news-reports/KJLyFXpzJzgKuB1Gqsm5QUKHGgR43AVdqLGHHW5R7wjqFbqKJf3EQTg8?utm_source=openai)) - **Vegetables:** value **+11% to €2.32 billion**; volumes slightly down (indicative of price/mix gains). - **Fruit:** value **~€1.62 billion**, **-1% YoY** in value with sharper volume declines. ([insights.tridge.com](https://insights.tridge.com/speaker-product-news-reports/KJLyFXpzJzgKuB1Gqsm5QUKHGgR43AVdqLGHHW5R7wjqFbqKJf3EQTg8?utm_source=openai)) This implies a **higher average unit value**—consistent with firmer prices and/or a shift towards higher‑value categories (e.g., berries, specialty citrus, ready‑to‑eat formats). **Citrus exports 2026** - Within fruit exports for Jan–Feb 2026, citrus remains dominant but under pressure: - **Oranges:** **344,096 t**, **-8% YoY**. - **Mandarins:** **303,682 t**, **-11% YoY**. ([tridge.com](https://www.tridge.com/news/spanish-fruit-and-vegetable-exports-fall-by--yxuypoyw?utm_source=openai)) - Spain remains the **largest citrus exporter in the EU**, with ongoing diversification of markets beyond traditional EU‑27, including Northern Europe and some non‑EU destinations; trade statistics to individual markets (e.g., Sweden) show continued though fluctuating flows of “citrus fruit, fresh or dried,” with 2026 monthly data updated through March. ([tradingeconomics.com](https://tradingeconomics.com/spain/exports/sweden/citrus-fruit-fresh-dried?utm_source=openai)) - Weather and supply tightness in some origins have supported **stronger pricing**, even as volumes decline. Produce trade reports in April 2026 describe **limited availability of smaller citrus calibers** and continued demand, which tends to support export prices for export‑grade fruit. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/PrepperIntel/comments/1suvb1b/produce_alliance_report_42326/?utm_source=openai)) **Berries** - Spain is a major EU supplier of **strawberries, blueberries, raspberries**, particularly from Huelva. While 2026‑specific volume statistics are still fragmentary publicly, trade and buyer reports for spring 2026 note: - **Tight supplies and rain‑affected harvests** in parts of Spain leading to **“demand exceeding supply” for berries** in late April 2026. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/PrepperIntel/comments/1suvb1b/produce_alliance_report_42326/?utm_source=openai)) - This has translated into **higher export prices** and capacity competition in logistics, especially into Northern and Central Europe. - Berries are a key **airfreight‑sensitive category** when sent to more distant non‑EU markets (Gulf, North America) or when shelf life is tight; however, the majority of Spain’s berry exports are intra‑European and still move largely by **refrigerated truck**, not air. **Stone fruit (peaches, nectarines, apricots, cherries)** - Spain is identified as the **largest EU producer/exporter of peaches and apricots**, and a crucial summer exporter of nectarines and cherries. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Spain?utm_source=openai)) - 2026‑season forecasts from European fruit producer associations are not yet fully consolidated online, but early commentary (Q1 2026) suggests: - **Normal to slightly below‑average crop expectations** after weather issues in some Mediterranean basins; - Continued **strong demand from Northern & Eastern Europe** for early‑season Spanish stone fruit, which may support prices if volumes are constrained. (This is an inference based on 2025–26 pattern of weather‑related short crops and upward price adjustments.) ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Spain?utm_source=openai)) - Stone fruit destined for far‑away markets (e.g., Middle East, some parts of Asia) can be candidates for **airfreight in high‑value segments** (premium cherries, early apricots/nectarines), but aggregate tonnages by air are a small fraction of total Spanish stone fruit exports. **Airfreight demand implications** Direct data splitting **Spain’s fruit/veg exports by mode (air vs sea/road)** in 2026 are not readily available, but we can infer: - **Mode split (baseline):** - Historically, >90% of Spain’s fresh produce exports (by tonnage) move by **road** into EU markets (France, Germany, UK, Benelux, Nordics) with some **reefer sea** to more distant markets. Air is mainly reserved for: - high‑value, highly perishable items (berries, cherries, premium stone fruit, niche exotics), - long‑haul or premium retail programs where shelf‑life and appearance carry a strong price premium, - contingency shipments when ocean / road chains are disrupted. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agriculture_in_Spain?utm_source=openai)) - **2026 drivers increasing potential airfreight pull from Spain:** - **Higher unit values (+5% overall export value, +11% for vegetables)** mean a greater share of produce is “air‑rate‑tolerant,” especially in premium programs. ([insights.tridge.com](https://insights.tridge.com/speaker-product-news-reports/KJLyFXpzJzgKuB1Gqsm5QUKHGgR43AVdqLGHHW5R7wjqFbqKJf3EQTg8?utm_source=openai)) - **Ocean/land logistics volatility** (e.g., higher fuel costs, congestion, restrictions at some ports like Malaga for citrus imports, and geopolitical disruptions affecting ocean routings) make selective **air substitution more attractive** for urgent shipments. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/supplychain/comments/1n8zo2k?utm_source=openai)) - **2026 factors limiting airfreight growth:** - Europe’s development of **high‑speed rail and efficient road corridors** continues to provide a 40%‑cheaper alternative for many 24–48h time‑sensitive flows versus air, which caps intra‑EU airfreight share for Spanish perishables. ([mobidato.com](https://mobidato.com/insights/2026-air-freight-pricing-analysis-regional-trends-and-capacity-shifts?utm_source=openai)) **Net view for 2026** - **Volumes:** Slight **decline in total export volumes (-4% YoY Jan–Feb)** but **higher values (+5% YoY)**. Citrus volumes notably down (‑8 to ‑11% in oranges/mandarins), berries and vegetables tighter due to weather. ([insights.tridge.com](https://insights.tridge.com/speaker-product-news-reports/KJLyFXpzJzgKuB1Gqsm5QUKHGgR43AVdqLGHHW5R7wjqFbqKJf3EQTg8?utm_source=openai)) - **Prices:** Upward pressure across several categories, particularly vegetables and berries; citrus prices better supported despite lower volumes. - **Airfreight demand:** - Expect **modest, category‑specific increases** in Spanish outbound airfreight for: berries, cherries, early stone fruit, and certain high‑value vegetables into long‑haul markets and high‑end EU retail programs. - System‑wide, Spanish produce remains **overwhelmingly road‑based**, with airfreight demand sensitive to: crop shortfalls (raising prices), disruptions in ocean/road legs, and available belly capacity and rates on relevant corridors (Europe–Middle East/Asia/North America). === 3. [TIMING SIGNALS] – EU & SPAIN 2026 REGULATORY CHANGES AFFECTING PERISHABLES AIR CARGO (SPS & PHYTOSANITARY) === **Core EU plant health / SPS framework (baseline)** - The main EU plant health legislation for plant products (including fresh fruit & vegetables) is **Regulation (EU) 2016/2031** and its implementing acts (notably **Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072** listing quarantine pests and certificate requirements). ([food.ec.europa.eu](https://food.ec.europa.eu/plants/plant-health-and-biosecurity/plant-health-rules_en?prefLang=fr&utm_source=openai)) - These rules apply **independently of transport mode**—so air cargo is not regulated separately from sea/road on SPS matters. However, **operational impacts** differ for air because of: - tighter transit time windows, - need for **pre‑clearance and electronic documentation** to avoid delays at airports. **Recent / upcoming EU regulatory changes (relevant for 2025–26)** 1. **2024 revision of the Plant Health Regulation – in force from 5 January 2025** - **Regulation (EU) 2024/3115** amends Regulation (EU) 2016/2031, strengthening the EU plant health regime. Key elements include: - Revised lists of **priority pests** and adjustments in surveillance/notification obligations. - Tweaks to the list of commodities requiring **phytosanitary certificates**, including for certain fruits/vegetables and propagating material, especially for entry into or movement within **protected zones** in the EU. ([food.ec.europa.eu](https://food.ec.europa.eu/plants/plant-health-and-biosecurity/plant-health-rules_en?prefLang=fr&utm_source=openai)) - Timing signal: the rules are **already in force in 2025**; 2026 is about **implementation and enforcement**, not a brand‑new regime. For exporters using air cargo into the EU, the tightened pest lists and certificate requirements may increase pre‑export inspection and documentation burdens. 2. **Ongoing Commission implementing/delegated acts** - The Commission continues to issue **implementing acts updating Annexes** to Regulation 2019/2072—for example, adding/removing pests, adjusting commodity lists or origin‑specific requirements. - These acts often create **commodity‑ and origin‑specific changes** (e.g., additional inspection or treatment for a given citrus pest from specific third countries); For Spanish exporters shipping by air to third countries, reciprocally, **partner‑country SPS changes** must also be watched, but they are not centrally listed at EU level. ([food.ec.europa.eu](https://food.ec.europa.eu/plants/plant-health-and-biosecurity/plant-health-rules_en?prefLang=fr&utm_source=openai)) 3. **SPS electronic certification (ePhyto and related systems)** - OECD 2025 paper on SPS e‑certification confirms gradual uptake of **electronic phytosanitary certificates (ePhyto)** among OECD and partner countries, but notes that **use remains voluntary and uneven**. ([oecd.org](https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2025/02/sanitary-and-phytosanitary-electronic-certificates_0fec95f0/1a5fd2e0-en.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - For perishables by air, ePhyto adoption is a **critical timing signal**: - Where both Spain (as EU MS) and a destination country implement ePhyto via the IPPC hub or bilateral links, **clearance times at airports can be cut significantly** (hours vs. days). - However, as of 2025–26, coverage is still partial; exporters must manage a **mixed environment of paper and e‑certificates**, with implications for cut‑off times and risk of documentation errors. ([oecd.org](https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2025/02/sanitary-and-phytosanitary-electronic-certificates_0fec95f0/1a5fd2e0-en.pdf?utm_source=openai)) 4. **EU SPS notifications 2024–2025 with impact into 2026** - The **EU WTO SPS activity report 2025** summarizes EU SPS notifications to the WTO during 2024–25, some of which have application/transition periods running into 2026. These include: - updates to **MRLs (maximum residue levels)** for pesticides on fresh produce; - revised importing conditions for certain fruits/vegetables from specific origins due to pest outbreaks; - adjustments to **TRACES / IMSOC electronic systems** for SPS controls. ([food.ec.europa.eu](https://food.ec.europa.eu/document/download/0bb80bfc-9575-4c4e-a3eb-98e7378833bd_en?filename=SPS-report-2025+final.pdf&utm_source=openai)) - For Spanish exporters, the key 2026 signal is **tighter alignment between physical checks and risk‑based, data‑driven profiles**—which may reduce random checks for compliant operators but raise the bar for documentation accuracy, especially for high‑risk commodities like citrus and certain berries. **Spain‑specific regulatory / operational context** - As an EU Member State, Spain transposes and applies EU SPS rules; there is no parallel national SPS regime for intra‑EU trade in fruit/veg. For **exports to third countries by air**, Spain must: - implement **country‑specific protocols** negotiated between Spain/EU and importing countries (e.g., specific cold treatments, inspection frequencies, or orchard registration for citrus, stone fruit); - issue **phytosanitary certificates via national plant health services**, increasingly in electronic form for those partners connected to ePhyto. - Operational anecdotes from 2025 point to **port‑specific restrictions** (e.g., a mention of citrus import restrictions at Málaga port) that reflect how local competent authorities implement risk‑based controls; similar dynamics can apply at **Spanish airports handling perishables (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, etc.)**, though detailed airport‑level regulations are typically not published as separate legal instruments. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/supplychain/comments/1n8zo2k?utm_source=openai)) **2026: what to watch as “timing signals” for perishables air cargo** 1. **Further expansion of ePhyto / SPS e‑certificates with Spain’s key perishable partners** - Any **new bilateral ePhyto connections in 2026** (e.g., between the EU/Spain and Gulf or Asian markets) will be an immediate timing cue: - they can **shorten export documentation cycles** by up to 1 day, - reduce the risk of paper‑based delays at destination airports. ([oecd.org](https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2025/02/sanitary-and-phytosanitary-electronic-certificates_0fec95f0/1a5fd2e0-en.pdf?utm_source=openai)) 2. **Additional EU implementing acts updating plant health Annexes** - New **pest risk management measures** could: - add **pre‑departure treatments or inspections** for specific fruits (citrus, stone fruit, berries) exported from certain regions; - modify the list of commodities requiring phytosanitary certificates even for low‑risk flows. - For air cargo, tighter pre‑export requirements effectively **bring forward the logistics cut‑off**, tightening already‑narrow harvest‑to‑airport windows for Spanish exporters. ([food.ec.europa.eu](https://www.food.ec.europa.eu/plants/plant-health-and-biosecurity/plant-health-rules_en?prefLang=fr&utm_source=openai)) 3. **Any 2026 policy shifts tied to climate or pest outbreaks** - The EU’s plant health framework explicitly targets increased resilience against **climate‑driven pest emergence**; emergency measures in response to new pests can be enacted quickly and ripple into 2026 seasons for citrus or stone fruit. ([food.ec.europa.eu](https://www.food.ec.europa.eu/plants/plant-health-and-biosecurity/plant-health-rules_en?prefLang=fr&utm_source=openai)) - For exporters relying on air freight to protect fruit quality, emergency SPS measures can abruptly **change eligible orchards, packhouses, or required treatments**, forcing rapid re‑routing and slot re‑booking at airports. **Bottom line for 2026** - There is **no single, headline “new regulation” in 2026** radically changing SPS rules for perishables by air; rather, 2026 is characterized by: - consolidation and enforcement of the **2024/3115 revision** to the EU plant health regulation (in force from Jan 5, 2025); ([food.ec.europa.eu](https://food.ec.europa.eu/plants/plant-health-and-biosecurity/plant-health-rules_en?prefLang=fr&utm_source=openai)) - **incremental SPS updates** (MRLs, pest lists, commodity requirements) notified through WTO SPS channels with phase‑ins extending into 2026; ([food.ec.europa.eu](https://food.ec.europa.eu/document/download/0bb80bfc-9575-4c4e-a3eb-98e7378833bd_en?filename=SPS-report-2025+final.pdf&utm_source=openai)) - gradual but important **expansion of ePhyto / electronic SPS certification**, which particularly benefits **time‑sensitive air cargo of perishables** by reducing clearance times and documentation risk. ([oecd.org](https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2025/02/sanitary-and-phytosanitary-electronic-certificates_0fec95f0/1a5fd2e0-en.pdf?utm_source=openai)) For a trading or logistics strategy around Spanish perishables by air in 2026, the most actionable timing signals are: - which **destinations adopt ePhyto with Spain/EU and when**, - any **commodity‑specific pest measures or emergency regulations** affecting citrus, berries, or stone fruit, and - how strictly competent authorities at key Spanish and EU airports implement **risk‑based checks vs. systematic inspections** for trusted operators. Sources: • Global Demand Momentum: Air cargo demand (CTK) increased 4.3% YoY, reflecting resilient and targeted freight flows concentrated in specific regions and trade lanes rather than a broad-based global trade acceleration. Regional Performance Divergence: International CTK rose 5.5% YoY, led by Asia Pacific (+10.7%) and Africa (+10.1%), the only regions achieving double-digit growth, while the Americas experienced contraction. Capacity & Load Factors: Global cargo capacity (ACTK) expanded 4.5% YoY, with load factors stable at 47.1%, indicating disciplined fleet deployment and uneven capacity absorption across markets. Fuel & Yield Trends: Jet fuel prices declined 3.1% YoY (ninth annual drop in 2025), narrowing the Brent–jet fuel crack to USD 23.9; however, cargo yields continued to soften (-2.6% YoY) for the eighth consecutive month, despite relatively stable month-on-month rates (-0.4%). Source: IATA.com | | Chart 1 – Industry CTK (in billion) https://www.craneww.com/site/assets/files/4402/marketupdate_air_february_2026.pdf?utm_source=openai • Global air freight in 2026: Slower growth, stronger structural demand https://www.stattimes.com/air-cargo/global-air-freight-in-2026-slower-growth-stronger-structural-demand-1357860?utm_source=openai • Air Freight Market Update Q2 2026: Rates Stabilize After Spring Surge – Air Freight Price https://airfreightprice.com/blog/air-freight-market-update-q2-2026/?utm_source=openai • Airfreight up 45% is the early warning that this conflict is already taxing the supply chain https://www.reddit.com/r/SmallCapStocks/comments/1rocr7n/airfreight_up_45_is_the_early_warning_that_this/?utm_source=openai • Xeneta Forecasts Airfreight Rate Decline in 2026 Amid Capacity Surplus https://phaata.com/en/logistics-market/xeneta-forecasts-airfreight-rate-decline-in-2026-amid-capacity-surplus-61778.html?utm_source=openai • Quarterly https://mtsinsights-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/media/summaries/att/iata-quarterly-air-transport-chartbook/2026/02/24/c39109f1-65b8-47bd-b8f2-_OpAgYtp.pdf?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=AKIARB7EFOVKWBL5S67B%2F20260323%2Fus-east-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260323T040329Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Signature=0f4f40d2f3f555de7a941e54d0f00b23d9602473bacffa5b7d518bacf1216394&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&response-content-disposition=inline&response-content-type=application%2Fpdf&utm_source=openai • Global Demand Momentum: Air cargo demand (CTK) increased 4.3% YoY, reflecting resilient and targeted freight flows concentrated in specific regions and trade lanes rather than a broad-based global trade acceleration. Regional Performance Divergence: International CTK rose 5.5% YoY, led by Asia Pacific (+10.7%) and Africa (+10.1%), the only regions achieving double-digit growth, while the Americas experienced contraction. Capacity & Load Factors: Global cargo capacity (ACTK) expanded 4.5% YoY, with load factors stable at 47.1%, indicating disciplined fleet deployment and uneven capacity absorption across markets. Fuel & Yield Trends: Jet fuel prices declined 3.1% YoY (ninth annual drop in 2025), narrowing the Brent–jet fuel crack to USD 23.9; however, cargo yields continued to soften (-2.6% YoY) for the eighth consecutive month, despite relatively stable month-on-month rates (-0.4%). Source: IATA.com | | Chart 1 – Industry CTK (in billion) https://www.craneww.com/site/assets/files/4402/marketupdate_air_february_2026.pdf?utm_source=openai • Air Cargo Market Analysis November 2025 https://www.iata.org/en/iata-repository/publications/economic-reports/Air-Cargo-Market-Analysis-November-2025/?utm_source=openai • Air Cargo Market Trends https://www.worldacd.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/e610f922-47e8-4028-884f-7c728016b1f1.pdf?utm_source=openai • Air Freight Market Update Q2 2026: Rates Stabilize After Spring Surge – Air Freight Price https://airfreightprice.com/blog/air-freight-market-update-q2-2026/?utm_source=openai • Air freight enters a new supply‑constrained phase | Metro Global https://metro.global/2026/04/15/air-freight-enters-a-new-supply-constrained-phase/?utm_source=openai • 2026 Air Freight Pricing Analysis: Regional Trends and Capacity Shifts | Mobidato https://mobidato.com/insights/2026-air-freight-pricing-analysis-regional-trends-and-capacity-shifts?utm_source=openai • Quarterly https://mtsinsights-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/media/summaries/att/iata-quarterly-air-transport-chartbook/2026/02/24/c39109f1-65b8-47bd-b8f2-_OpAgYtp.pdf?utm_source=openai • Spanish Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exports Decline in Volume but Rise in Value in Early 2026 | Tridge Insights https://insights.tridge.com/speaker-product-news-reports/KJLyFXpzJzgKuB1Gqsm5QUKHGgR43AVdqLGHHW5R7wjqFbqKJf3EQTg8?utm_source=openai • Spanish Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exports Decline in Volume but Rise in Value in Early 2026 | Tridge Insights https://insights.tridge.com/speaker-product-news-reports/KJLyFXpzJzgKuB1Gqsm5QUKHGgR43AVdqLGHHW5R7wjqFbqKJf3EQTg8?utm_source=openai • Spanish fruit and vegetable exports fall by 4% in volume as of February and increase by 5% in value. https://www.tridge.com/news/spanish-fruit-and-vegetable-exports-fall-by--yxuypoyw?utm_source=openai • Spain Exports of citrus fruit, fresh or dried to Sweden - 2026 Data 2027 Forecast 1989-2024 Historical https://tradingeconomics.com/spain/exports/sweden/citrus-fruit-fresh-dried?utm_source=openai • Produce Alliance Report 4.23.26 https://www.reddit.com/r/PrepperIntel/comments/1suvb1b/produce_alliance_report_42326/?utm_source=openai • Produce Alliance Report 4.23.26 https://www.reddit.com/r/PrepperIntel/comments/1suvb1b/produce_alliance_report_42326/?utm_source=openai • I'm insanely frustrated with the logistics management of fresh produce in Spain, it's just untenable https://www.reddit.com/r/supplychain/comments/1n8zo2k?utm_source=openai • OECD Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Papers No. 219 Sanitary And Phytosanitary Electronic Certificates: Current Practices and Benefits | Edith Laget, Annelies Deuss https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2025/02/sanitary-and-phytosanitary-electronic-certificates_0fec95f0/1a5fd2e0-en.pdf?utm_source=openai • Plant health rules - Food Safety - European Commission https://food.ec.europa.eu/plants/plant-health-and-biosecurity/plant-health-rules_en?prefLang=fr&utm_source=openai • Plant health rules - Food Safety - European Commission https://food.ec.europa.eu/plants/plant-health-and-biosecurity/plant-health-rules_en?prefLang=fr&utm_source=openai • Plant health rules - Food Safety - European Commission https://food.ec.europa.eu/plants/plant-health-and-biosecurity/plant-health-rules_en?prefLang=fr&utm_source=openai • 2025 edition ACTIVITY REPORT of the EU WTO Sanit https://food.ec.europa.eu/document/download/0bb80bfc-9575-4c4e-a3eb-98e7378833bd_en?filename=SPS-report-2025+final.pdf&utm_source=openai • OECD Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Papers No. 219 Sanitary And Phytosanitary Electronic Certificates: Current Practices and Benefits | Edith Laget, Annelies Deuss https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2025/02/sanitary-and-phytosanitary-electronic-certificates_0fec95f0/1a5fd2e0-en.pdf?utm_source=openai • Plant health rules - Food Safety - European Commission https://food.ec.europa.eu/plants/plant-health-and-biosecurity/plant-health-rules_en?prefLang=fr&utm_source=openai • 2025 edition ACTIVITY REPORT of the EU WTO Sanit https://food.ec.europa.eu/document/download/0bb80bfc-9575-4c4e-a3eb-98e7378833bd_en?filename=SPS-report-2025+final.pdf&utm_source=openai