The World Cargo Symposium 2026 welcomed 1,200 industry leaders in Lima, Peru, marking the event’s first appearance in South America, and highlighting the region’s growing importance in global air cargo.
Air cargo is becoming more agile as geopolitical tensions and shifting trade routes reshape global logistics. Longer routes, expanding e-commerce lanes, and increased demand for high-value goods are changing how networks operate, while regions like South America are strengthening their role as key logistics hubs.
A consistent message throughout the symposium was that industry-wide collaboration is essential. Breaking down silos and scaling shared standards will be the key to unlocking efficiency, innovation, and long-term resilience. The symposium reinforced that air cargo is rapidly evolving into a more digital, connected, and customer-centric industry, well positioned to navigate complexity and support global trade growth.
Many of these discussions will be continued at the IATA Cargo Experts Conference (CEC). to be held in Budapest, Hungary. The CEC is a specialized platform dedicated to air cargo operations. It focuses on core processes managed by subject matter experts and offers specialized tracks covering critical areas of the cargo business. Participants leave the conference with tangible knowledge and tools to revise and enhance processes, operations manuals and training programs.
This year’s theme is, “Advancing Air Cargo in a Dynamic World - From Expertise to Execution,” featuring three dedicated expert tracks, allowing you to tailor your experience to your priorities:
Digital Cargo Track
The Digital Track will bring together airlines, freight forwarders, ground handlers, technology providers, and regulators to discuss practical implementation of digital solutions that enhance efficiency, transparency, resilience, and collaboration across the cargo supply chain. Through real-world case studies and interactive discussions, sessions will focus on topics such as ONE Record adoption, API-driven connectivity, AI and automation and sustainability enabled through digitalization. It will also highlight industry standards and collaboration.
Safety and Security Track
The Safety and Security track will focus on current and emerging threats, information sharing, and global oversight. This will equip participants with actionable insights to strengthen risk assessment across air cargo supply chains. Through expert presentations and interactive discussions, the program will address critical topics such as geopolitical risk, the growing challenges of dangerous goods detection and examine how the industry can further improve data quality, compliance, and efficiency through digitalization.
Pharma and Operations Track
The Pharma and Operations two-day track will focus on operational excellence and the regulatory requirements of air cargo, with a particular emphasis on the safe, compliant, and efficient transport of pharmaceutical products by air. The agenda will explore the end‑to‑end cargo operations, including ground handling, temperature‑controlled logistics, quality management systems, risk mitigation, and contingency planning.
