Agility in the Skies: How Strike Aviation Is Powering High-Value Air Freight

Lithuania may not be widely recognized as a global hub for air freight, but recent years have seen the country make significant strides in the sector. Lithuanian airports are emerging as strategic logistics nodes in Europe and beyond, successfully integrating into the global supply chain through efficient infrastructure, business agility, and growing collaboration with international air cargo operators.

This successful integration is underscored by a 10% increase in cargo traffic in 2024. In this context, Strike Aviation LT plays a key role as a General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA), providing professional airline representation and efficient cargo flow management across the Baltic States. Operating since 1997, the company has significantly expanded its route network, reaching markets in Europe, Asia, and North and South America.

“The air freight sector has faced several challenging years. The COVID-19 pandemic and sudden economic disruptions caused by geopolitical events have made it difficult for businesses to adapt,” says Andrius Antanaitis, Director of Business Development for Europe at Strike Aviation. “Strike Aviation’s strength lies in its flexibility and the strategic geographic diversification of its cargo destinations. This enables the company to withstand market fluctuations and continue expanding its capacity.”

According to Antanaitis, air cargo growth is expected to remain positive in 2025 across Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia – a sign that the Baltic region is strengthening its position within the global logistics network.

“Strike Aviation’s network – covering Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn – contributes to this growth by offering modern cargo solutions, rapid service, and flexible coordination with airlines and local freight forwarders,” Antanaitis explains. “The market’s diversity and evolving demands show that success ultimately depends on speed, adaptability, and a customer-focused mindset.”

New Opportunities for Strike Aviation

Antanaitis highlights an emerging trend: the logistics sector is gaining new momentum from the rapid growth of MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) services across the Baltic region. This sector involves the essential work that keeps aircraft and their systems safe, reliable, and airworthy throughout their operational lifecycle.

Maintenance facilities in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are undergoing significant expansion, attracting major international players and driving increased demand for specialized air freight – from aircraft parts to advanced technical equipment.

“Strike Aviation has strong experience in handling special cargo, which positions us well to support the MRO sector,” Antanaitis says. “We’re well-equipped to coordinate the supply of spare parts and manage urgent transport of critical components between airport maintenance centers.”

Navigating Trade Tariff Challenges

A growing concern for the air cargo industry is the trade tariff policy introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump in 2025.

Higher import duties on European goods could suppress export volumes to the United States, leading to a decline in transatlantic air cargo demand. The tariffs may also erode the competitiveness of exporters from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia in the U.S. market. By increasing costs and dampening consumer confidence, the policy may push businesses and buyers to seek alternative trading partners.

Strike Aviation LT is already adjusting to these developments.

“We’re under pressure to adapt quickly to these geopolitical shifts,” Antanaitis says. “Given our partnerships with multiple airlines and our diverse cargo portfolio – from perishables to specialized freight like pharmaceuticals, MRO components, and electronics – flexibility is essential.”

Mid-Year Outlook

As mid-2025 approaches, how does Strike Aviation view the current business climate? According to Antanaitis, data from the first quarter of the year shows no clear drop in cargo volumes.

“Still, business sentiment remains cautious,” he notes. “High value-added goods – such as electronic components, medical equipment, and perishable items – which heavily depend on air transport, remain the most exposed to risk. Any shifts in this segment could have lasting effects on pricing strategies, logistics planning, and investment decisions.”

He adds that this is especially critical for small, export-oriented economies like Lithuania, which are deeply dependent on stable global trade flows.

Key Strategic Priorities

Strike Aviation has long demonstrated a strong commitment to strategic development – a factor that has enabled it to weather difficult economic cycles while maintaining steady growth. Today, as Antanaitis outlines, the company is prioritizing several focus areas to remain competitive and responsive to changing market dynamics.

The company is expanding its services for high value-added cargo, particularly in the pharmaceutical and perishable goods sectors. At the same time, it is deepening partnerships with IT and innovation firms to automate and optimize the management and tracking of cargo flows. Regional expansion remains a priority, as does adaptability in the face of geopolitical uncertainty.

Sustainability is another core pillar of the company’s strategy. Strike is working to implement a comprehensive environmental policy aimed at reducing its CO₂ footprint by optimizing flight routing and identifying more energy-efficient transport solutions.

“In the air logistics sector, it’s not only important to explore new export markets and strengthen regional cooperation among the Baltic States, but also to work with trusted partners like Strike Aviation LT,” Antanaitis emphasizes. “Such partnerships are essential to managing risks, supporting growing industries, optimizing airport-to-airport routes, and maintaining high service quality in an increasingly complex global trade environment.”

Strike Aviation is an air transportation business established in 1997 with special expertise in perishables and other air cargo. Its customers include IATA CASS (Cargo Accounts Settlement Systems) and non-CASS agents all over the globe. The company has offices in 26 cities worldwide. Its teams use state-of-the-art ITC technologies to effectively manage all operations: from bookings and track-and-trace activities to postflight procedures, flight revenue reports, and cargo yield analysis.