Industry Experts Gather in Budapest to Shape the Future of Air Cargo
More than 300 delegates gathered in Budapest for the second IATA Cargo Experts Conference (CEC), bringing together IATA Strategic Partners, technology providers, manufacturers, regulators, and industry experts from across the air cargo value chain. Over two days, participants examined the industry's most pressing challenges and opportunities, sharing insights on emerging trends, regulatory developments, operational best practices, and innovative solutions to strengthen the global air cargo supply chain. Structured around three dedicated tracks, Cargo Pharma & Operations, Safety & Security, and Digital Cargo, the conference offered focused discussions while also fostering cross-industry collaboration through joint sessions. Networking breaks and the welcome reception provided valuable opportunities for delegates to connect, exchange ideas, and build relationships across all sectors of the industry.
Pharma & Operations Track
The Cargo Pharma & Operations Track highlighted two of the industry's most dynamic priorities: pharmaceutical logistics excellence and operational transformation across the air cargo supply chain.
The Pharma sessions focused on strengthening the integrity, reliability, and resilience of healthcare logistics. Discussions examined the evolving requirements of temperature-sensitive shipments, advancements in quality standards, and the increasing expectations of shippers and regulators. Industry experts explored how collaboration across airlines, ground handlers, freight forwarders, and technology providers can improve visibility, compliance, and patient outcomes. The track also addressed innovation in cold chain management, risk mitigation, and the role of digitalization in ensuring end-to-end product integrity.
The Operations sessions concentrated on improving efficiency, reliability, and operational performance throughout the cargo journey. Presentations and panel discussions addressed the challenges of growing cargo volumes, evolving customer expectations, and increasing operational complexity. The track explored digital transformation initiatives, automation, data-driven decision-making, and strategies for enhancing operational resilience. Attention was given to improving cargo handling processes, reducing disruptions, and leveraging technology to create a more connected and efficient global cargo network.
Safety and Security Track
The Safety & Security track examined current and emerging threats affecting global air cargo supply chains. Sessions explored intelligence and information sharing, threat assessment, narcotics smuggling, geopolitical instability and airspace risk, alongside the challenges of maintaining effective security oversight across dispersed international operations. The program also considered how digitalization, e-CSD and ONE Record can improve data accuracy, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency and collaboration between industry and government authorities. An interactive dangerous goods session allowed participants to discuss practical opportunities and barriers to detecting and intercepting undeclared or mis-declared dangerous goods.
The second day focused strongly on lithium battery safety and the shared responsibilities of manufacturers, shippers, logistics providers, airlines, airports, regulators and consumers in building a safer supply chain. Discussions covered the detection of undeclared lithium batteries, regulatory and operational constraints, airport-led trust-based ecosystems, secure cargo terminals and emerging international safety standards. The program also addressed the fundamentals of secure supply chains, the protection of time-critical pharmaceutical cargo, evolving airmail security threats and dangerous goods regulatory changes, concluding with the official launch of the IATA White Paper on Safety and Security in the Supply Chain (pdf)
Digital Track
The Digital Cargo track focused on turning digital ambition into operational reality by bringing together airlines, freight forwarders, ground handlers, technology providers, and regulators to advance industry-wide digitalization. Discussions centered on scaling ONE Record adoption, interoperability, cargo visibility, AI applications, automation, and data-driven collaboration across the supply chain. Through live demonstrations, practical case studies, and industry panels, delegates shared lessons learned and explored how digital solutions can move from pilot projects to measurable operational value. The program also examined responsible AI adoption, future-ready cargo facilities, RFID-enabled tracking, and the role of airports as digital enablers. Joint sessions highlighted how digitalization can strengthen safety, security, and pharmaceutical logistics through enhanced visibility, real-time data sharing, and smarter cargo handling operations.
See you in Helsinki, Finland in 2027!
Digitalization Leadership Charter Highlights
Members of the Digitalization Leadership Charter (DLC) gathered in Budapest on 22 September 2026, alongside the Cargo Experts Conference, to review progress achieved since the Charter’s launch and identify priorities for the next stage of air cargo digitalization.
A key topic of discussion was the industry's continued transition toward ONE Record as the preferred standard for data sharing across the air cargo ecosystem. Members exchanged implementation experiences, highlighted ongoing projects, and discussed opportunities to accelerate adoption and deliver greater interoperability between stakeholders. Attention was given to use cases such as shipment visibility, digital document management, revenue optimization, and operational automation.
The meeting also underscored the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence across the industry. Participants shared perspectives on how AI can enhance operational efficiency, improve decision-making, and create new opportunities for collaboration. A common theme throughout the discussion was that successful AI deployment depends on a strong foundation of standardized, trusted, and accessible data. Members agreed that digital transformation and data quality remain critical enablers for future innovation.
The group reviewed the initial findings of the Digital Maturity Index, which provides insights into the industry's progress and highlights opportunities for further improvement. Members welcomed the benchmarking value of the initiative and supported its continued development.
Looking ahead, members emphasized the importance of focusing collective efforts on a limited number of high-impact initiatives capable of delivering tangible value for the industry. There was also strong support for expanding knowledge-sharing activities, strengthening regional engagement, and fostering greater collaboration across the air cargo community.
The meeting reaffirmed the DLC’s commitment to turning industry collaboration into practical outcomes and accelerating the digital transformation of global air cargo.