After another successful IATA World Cargo Symposium (WCS), which took place in Hong Kong from 12 to 14 March 2024 and attracted 1300 delegates, the level of satisfaction again reached the 100% mark. This positive outcome is due to the ideal combination of core stream presentations attracting 1300 delegates, where the air cargo industry leaders share their expertise and latest initiatives and trends, and a wide range of air cargo industry meetings, where the top global technical experts meet to discuss challenges and develop the solutions for tomorrow, for the benefit of all stakeholders.
In a nutshell, 20 industry meetings and 5 workshops gathering around 500 members and including IATA’s Strategic Partners to develop the standards of tomorrow and showcase innovative solutions.
The Digital Cargo Working Group (DCWG) and the Interactive Cargo Task Force (ICTF) ensure that data is exchanged in a seamless and efficient way, using APIs in the IATA ONE Record platform to make cargo interact and to react to any deviation to the planned journey (e.g., tracking, temperature control, shocks, etc.). As this area of expertise requires a very particular set of skills, the support of IATA’s Strategic Partners is welcome and encouraged to build the communication of the future.
This area is pivotal to the air cargo supply chain and IATA’s vision is to drive safe, efficient and customer-focused operations. The Cargo Operations and Technology (COT) Strategic Partnerships Program Area of Involvement manages the development of standards and guidance related to technology and business processes with key initiatives and projects, addressing the main challenges of e-freight. One of the many activities includes the non-stop development of the former C2K MOP (Master Operating Plan) which describes what needs to happen in each step of the supply chain, supported by our standard working instructions explaining how it needs to happen.
Animals have been transported by air since the early 1930's and the carriage of live animals by air is considered to be the most humane and expedient method of transportation over long distances.
> Celebrating the 50th edition of the Live Animal Regulations (LAR)
Transporting healthcare products by air demands a rigorous logistical approach. With the pharmaceutical industry moving over one trillion dollars’ worth of cargo every year, upholding a shipment’s quality requires above all, strong cooperation among the cold chain partners.
Perishable goods (such as fruits, flowers, and vegetables) deteriorate over time, and under extreme temperatures and humidity. They must be handled with particular care, providing shippers with optimum, cost-efficient packaging methods.
All of these specific requirements are developed with the support of our expert partners in each domain.
A Unit Load Device (ULD) is either an aircraft pallet and pallet net combination, or an aircraft container. ULDs are removable aircraft parts subject to strict civil aviation authorities’ requirements. An airworthy ULD must be structurally capable of restraining the loads and providing adequate protection to the aircraft systems and structure during flight. ULD experts investigate solutions, for the safe transport of goods, to mitigate the risks posed by some commodities and develop standards to this effect with IATA’s Strategic Partners, particularly today on Fire Resistant Containers (FRCs) and Fire Containment Covers (FCCs). ULD Experts also investigate solutions for special commodities like perishables and pharmaceuticals to ensure that the cold chain is unbroken.
Andre Majeres
Head E-Commerce and Cargo Operations, IATA
