Improving air freight’s competitiveness was top of the agenda at this year’s World Cargo Symposium in Istanbul.

• Some 900 executives witnessed the launch of IATA’s four point agenda to boost air cargo across the value chain.
• Security: significant progress in collaboration with the US Department of Homeland Security was evidenced by the attendance of Assistant Secretary, Doug Smith.
• Delegates were also briefed on the successful pilot of Secure Freight in Malaysia.
• Two further countries are targeted for implementation in 2011, including the United Arab Emirates.
• E-freight: with the IATA Board target of 10% e-freight volumes on capable trade lanes by end 2011, delegates called for industry-wide collaboration on the project.
• Quality: delegates supported the development of Cargo 2000 standards into global quality standards, accessible to all, by early 2012.
• Safety: the conference recognized that all cargo stakeholders must act to ensure individual shippers are aware of their responsibilities regarding the shipment of dangerous goods.

DGR Published in Russian

• The Russian edition of the Dangerous Goods Regulations was launched at the World Cargo
• Symposium and will help facilitate mandatory dangerous goods training.

CAAC—IATA Agreement on ULD Airworthiness

• Collaboration on Unit Load Device (ULD) airworthiness regulations was established in an agreement between the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC) and IATA.
• The agreement covers training, harmonization and raising awareness of airworthiness issues in the design, operation and maintenance of ULDs.