THE VALUE of air cargo has never been clearer according to International Air Transport Association (IATA) global head of cargo, Brendan Sullivan, speaking at the 18th World Cargo Symposium in Dubai.
He called on governments and industry to remain focused on delivering the fundamental expectations of customers—safety and security, digitalization and sustainability.
“Whether supporting global trade, enabling e-commerce, or delivering vital humanitarian aid, the value of air cargo has never been clearer. To meet customer expectations and navigate an increasingly complex environment, the air cargo industry must continuously strengthen safety and security, fast-track digitalization, and deliver on its sustainability commitments,” Mr Sullivan said.
In terms of safety Mr Sullivan focused on the safe transport of lithium batteries and called on governments to step up efforts to stop rogue shippers and support ICAO’s work to strengthen Annex 18 of the Chicago Convention—the global framework for the safe transport of dangerous goods by air.
“Shipments of lithium batteries are growing in volume. With that comes increased risks associated with undeclared or mis-declared goods. The industry has invested in training, certification, and technology. Governments must match that commitment with robust oversight and enforcement,” he said.
There was also a need for coordinated, risk-based measures for increased security and IATA reinforced calls to governments for a coordinated, risk-based approach to air cargo security following recent incidents involving incendiary devices concealed in shipments.
IATA also renewed its call to states to fulfill their Annex 17 obligations by sharing timely and accurate threat intelligence to enable informed risk assessments and operational decisions.
“The industry is best placed to understand its operations and the associated safety and security risks. But governments have infinitely more resources, particularly in intelligence gathering. The best results come when governments and industry work together,” Mr Sullivan said.
He also called for greater emphasis to be given to ONE Record as the industry’s standard for end-to-end digital data exchange, supporting improved efficiency, compliance, and transparency.
The air cargo industry needed to continue to build sustainability into its operations, with growing efforts to reduce waste, implement circular practices, and phase out single-use plastics.
Momentum was also growing around reducing carbon emissions with more companies committing to sustainable aviation fuel.
Amid growing trade tensions, IATA reinforced its position that trade drives prosperity, and that any measures undermining the free flow of goods ultimately hurt businesses, consumers, and economies.
“Current trade tensions are deeply concerning. Trade drives prosperity. The more the world trades, the better off we all are. So, whatever the resolution of current trade tensions is, we know that air cargo will be there to deliver the goods people need and want,” Mr Sullivan said.
