Dubai – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reiterated the critical role of air cargo in maintaining global supply chain resilience, urging governments and industry stakeholders to prioritize customer expectations in safety, security, digitalization, and sustainability.
“Air cargo is indispensable for global trade, e-commerce, and humanitarian aid. Meeting customer expectations in a complex environment requires unwavering commitment to safety and security, accelerating digital transformation, and delivering sustainability goals,” stated Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo, during the 18th World Cargo Symposium in Dubai.
Safety: Combating Risks with Zero Tolerance for Rogue Shippers
Safety remains the foremost priority for air transport, particularly concerning the secure handling of lithium batteries. IATA has called on governments to enhance efforts to combat rogue shippers and bolster the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Annex 18, the global framework for safely transporting dangerous goods by air.
“With the growing volume of lithium battery shipments comes an increased risk of undeclared or misdeclared goods. While the industry has invested in training, certification, and technology, governments must match this commitment through stringent oversight and enforcement,” Sullivan emphasized.
Security: Coordinated, Risk-Based Measures Essential
Recent security incidents involving incendiary devices have underscored the need for a harmonized, risk-based approach to air cargo security. IATA has urged governments to adopt global standards to avoid fragmented and inconsistent measures.
“Fragmented security approaches are ineffective. Coordinated global standards are critical for aviation security,” Sullivan noted.
Furthermore, IATA called on states to fulfill their obligations under ICAO’s Annex 17 by sharing timely and accurate threat intelligence to enable informed risk assessments.
“Collaboration between governments and the industry is essential. Governments possess unparalleled resources in intelligence gathering, while the industry has an operational understanding of risks,” Sullivan added.
Digitalization: Accelerating ONE Record Implementation
IATA reaffirmed the importance of ONE Record, the industry standard for end-to-end digital data exchange, which aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and compliance. The goal is to make ONE Record the preferred data-sharing method by January 2026.
To expedite adoption, IATA urged:
Airlines and freight forwarders to advance implementation efforts.
Governments to incorporate ONE Record into regulatory frameworks.
Developers to create secure, compatible digital platforms.
“ONE Record revolutionizes how supply chain data is shared and trusted. While significant progress has been made, full implementation requires accelerated efforts from all stakeholders,” Sullivan said.
Sustainability: Strong Commitment but Support Needed
The air cargo industry continues to integrate sustainability practices, including reducing waste, adopting circular operations, and eliminating single-use plastics. However, the most significant challenge remains reducing carbon emissions, particularly through the scaling of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
While initiatives like the SAF Registry and CO2 Connect for Cargo support accurate emissions reporting and SAF adoption, production volumes and costs remain barriers.
“The path to net-zero emissions by 2050 hinges on scaling SAF production. Governments must implement policy frameworks akin to those used to expand wind and solar energy,” Sullivan stated. “Airlines are committed, but we need fuel suppliers, manufacturers, and regulators to deliver on their promises.”
Trade Tensions: The Case for Free Flow of Goods
Amid rising trade tensions, IATA emphasized the essential role of trade in driving global prosperity and warned that restricting the free flow of goods harms businesses, consumers, and economies.
“Trade fosters prosperity. Air cargo will always support the global exchange of goods, regardless of how trade tensions evolve,” Sullivan concluded.
Source: https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/2025-releases/2025-04-15-01/
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