An employee works at an Amazon delivery station in Rozenburg on November 30, 2022. - Netherlands OUT (Photo by Phil Nijhuis / ANP / AFP) / Netherlands OUT (Photo by PHIL NIJHUIS/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
Air Transport Services Group (ATSG), which handles cargo for Amazon and DHL, said the companies are cutting back on flights in response to lower customer demand.
"Both companies are adjusting their ground and air distribution and fulfillment networks in the United States to conform to reduced U.S. economic growth and consumer spending levels in the first half of 2023," the company said in a news release.
ATSG said the 767 freighters dedicated to those customers will see reduced schedules and fewer block hours per aircraft in 2023 compared to last year.
This tracks with recent data from the International Air Transport Association, which found that global demand for cargo was down 13.7 percent year-over-year in November.
“Air cargo performance softened in November, the traditional peak season," said Willie Walsh, director of IATA. "Resilience in the face of economic uncertainties is demonstrated with demand being relatively stable on a month-to-month basis. But market signals are mixed."
Amazon notably just reported one of its worst-ever quarters. The company has announced plans to cut 18,000 jobs and hit the brakes on its ongoing build-out of warehouses.
Wealthy individuals and industry leaders are driving soaring sports team valuations, fueled by private equity and growing interest in leagues like the WNBA.
The incoming Fed decision will likely be good news for consumers with high-yield saving options, but bad news for borrowers (like anyone with high credit debt).
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Inflation is still high, and economic activity is starting to slow down. But before you start to panic about stagflation, wait to see this week’s jobs report.
