When we spoke about the calm before the storm last week, we had no idea about the volcanic cloud which was about to change the world in the days that followed. While European air traffic is returning to normal, it will clearly take some time to clear the backlogs. What will not be cleared, however, are the problems associated with trade shows like the 29th BAUMA international trade fair in Munich. It was clearly not possible to postpone the event nor extend it, even though a number of exhibitors didn't make it in time and probably won't get there before the show ends on the weekend. The flight disruptions show just how globalised trade and commerce have become - and how interdependent we all are in the global economy.