The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called for urgent and coordinated global efforts to reinforce the resilience of the air cargo sector, stressing the need to meet evolving customer expectations through enhanced safety, digital transformation and sustainability measures.
Speaking at the opening of the 18th World Cargo Symposium in Dubai, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo, Brendan Sullivan, highlighted the crucial role of air cargo in global trade, humanitarian support and e-commerce, urging governments and industry stakeholders to act decisively across key areas.
Safety: Zero Tolerance for Non-Compliant Shippers
Top of the agenda was safety—particularly regarding the transport of lithium batteries, which Sullivan identified as a growing concern. “The risks from undeclared or mis-declared lithium battery shipments are increasing,” he warned, calling on governments to enhance oversight and enforcement to support ICAO’s Annex 18 regulations.
Security: Need for Harmonised Global Measures
Sullivan also addressed the fragmented approach to air cargo security in the wake of recent incidents involving incendiary devices. IATA urged for globally aligned, risk-based measures and emphasised the importance of timely intelligence-sharing between states to mitigate threats effectively.
“Aviation security cannot be built on fragmented or reactionary measures,” Sullivan said. “Global standards and cooperation are essential.”
Digitalisation: Push for ONE Record Implementation
On the digital front, IATA reaffirmed the importance of the “ONE Record” initiative, a standard for digital data exchange across the air cargo supply chain. With airlines representing 72% of global air waybill volumes already onboard, Sullivan called on governments to formally recognise the standard in regulatory filings.
“ONE Record transforms how we manage and share data, improving efficiency and compliance. But its full benefits depend on universal adoption,” he said.
Sustainability: More Action Needed on SAF
Sullivan noted the industry’s increasing efforts to embed sustainable practices, such as phasing out single-use plastics and implementing carbon-reduction measures. However, he expressed frustration over the slow progress in scaling up Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), citing high production costs and lack of policy support.
“We’re committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, but we can’t do it alone,” Sullivan said. “Governments must act now with policy frameworks that encourage SAF production, just as they did with solar and wind energy.”
Trade Tensions and Global Prosperity
Finally, IATA warned against rising protectionism and trade restrictions, emphasising the role of air cargo in supporting economic growth.
“Trade drives prosperity. The more the world trades, the better off we all are,” Sullivan concluded. “Whatever the outcome of current trade tensions, air cargo will remain essential in keeping the world connected.”
The symposium’s themes underscored IATA’s message: strong international cooperation is vital for air cargo to thrive in a complex and fast-changing world.
