At the inaugural Global Air Cargo Summit, held in Antalya, Türkiye, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) forecasted that air freight volumes will grow by an average of 3.2% annually from 2024 to 2050.
The three-day event, hosted by the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation and sponsored by MNG Airlines, convened over 600 participants from 80 countries. Attendees included regulators, airlines, airports, freight forwarders, customs authorities, and international organizations, all working to address pressing challenges and opportunities in the air cargo industry.
The Critical Role of Air Cargo
Air cargo remains an essential pillar of global trade. While it represents only 0.5% of international trade by volume, it accounts for over one-third of the total value of goods transported worldwide.
In his keynote address, ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar underscored air cargo’s importance, stating, “Air cargo is the top choice for transporting high-value goods.”
Looking ahead, ICAO predicts sustained growth in air freight volumes, driven by demand for rapid and reliable transportation of high-value items. To support this expansion, Salazar called for modernization of economic regulations and the removal of operational barriers to ensure greater efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in the sector.
Key Themes and Insights
Discussions at the Summit centered on crucial topics, including market access, e-commerce growth, infrastructure development, automation, and sustainability.
Digital Transformation:
Participants emphasized the potential of digitalization to enhance supply chain transparency, efficiency, and security. Unified global standards for security protocols and customs processes were identified as vital for streamlining operations.
Sustainability:
Addressing the industry’s environmental footprint was a top priority. Stakeholders explored innovative strategies to meet rising demand while minimizing ecological impacts.
Safe Transport and Innovation:
Delegates discussed the safe handling of dangerous goods and the potential for unmanned aircraft to revolutionize cargo delivery. Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted air cargo’s critical role in delivering essential supplies during crises.
World Customs Organization Secretary General Ian Saunders stressed the importance of collaboration between aviation and customs authorities, noting, “Security, resilience, and efficiency in air cargo are essential to the global economy, especially as trade volumes and consumer expectations grow.”
Commitments to a Sustainable Future
A pivotal moment of the Summit was MNG Airlines’ announcement of its support for ICAO initiatives. CEO Ali Sedat Özkazanç pledged substantial financial resources to advance sustainable aviation, bolster capacity building, and assist resource-constrained countries.
“This is more than a donation. It’s a sign of our lasting commitment to ICAO’s vision,” Özkazanç stated. This aligns with ICAO’s No Country Left Behind initiative, reinforcing the industry’s dedication to inclusivity and sustainability.
A Vision for the Future
In her closing remarks, ICAO Air Navigation Bureau Director Michele Merkle reflected on air cargo’s broader significance. “The pandemic showed us that air cargo is a lifeline in crises. Beyond that, it drives economic development, trade, and social progress,” she said.
The Summit’s outcomes will guide deliberations at the upcoming ICAO Assembly in Montréal, where 193 Member States will chart the future of civil aviation.
By fostering collaboration across diverse stakeholders, the inaugural Global Air Cargo Summit laid the foundation for transformative advancements in air cargo operations. As the industry looks ahead, the commitment to innovation, sustainability, and international cooperation remains steadfast, ensuring that air cargo continues to fuel global trade and contribute to economic and social progress.
Source: https://aviationsourcenews.com/global-air-cargo-expected-to-grow-by-3-2-annually-to-20250/
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