The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has published its first-ever white paper dedicated exclusively to e-commerce, underscoring the sector’s transformative role in reshaping the global air cargo industry.
Entitled E-Commerce: Opportunities & Challenges, the report offers a comprehensive outlook on one of the fastest-growing segments in logistics. According to TIACA, e-commerce accounted for nearly 20% of global air cargo volumes by the end of 2024, with projections indicating that this share could double within the next decade. The acceleration of online trade—fueled in part by COVID-era shifts in consumer behavior—has redefined supply chains, created new business models, and exposed regulatory, standardisation, and infrastructure gaps.
The white paper was developed by TIACA’s multi-stakeholder E-Commerce Task Force, comprising airlines, airports, ground handlers, freight forwarders, technology providers, and industry analysts. It examines the sector’s most pressing challenges and opportunities, focusing on five key areas: safety, customs, data standardisation, sustainability, and innovation.
“E-commerce is not just another cargo product – it represents a paradigm shift in how the global logistics ecosystem functions,” said Steven Polmans, Chair of TIACA. “This white paper offers actionable policy guidance, industry best practices, and a collaborative roadmap to prepare the air cargo community for the next phase of growth.”
The 16-chapter study provides in-depth analysis across critical dimensions of the e-commerce air logistics landscape:
“Our industry stands at a crossroads,” noted Nikolai Schaffner, Swissport, and Co-Chair of TIACA’s E-Commerce Task Force. “By embracing digitalisation, innovation, and collaboration, we can build a safer, greener, and more efficient e-commerce air logistics ecosystem.”
Glyn Hughes, Director General of TIACA, added: “This white paper is a vital milestone in helping the industry navigate e-commerce’s rapid rise. Thanks to the expertise of our Task Force and the support of our Board, we are shaping a future of smarter, more sustainable, and regulation-ready air logistics that reflects evolving consumer demand.”
| TIACA publishes report on e-commerce trends in air cargo (PDF) |
Source: https://tiaca.org/tiaca-publishes-landmark-white-paper-on-e-commerce-charting-a-roadmap-for-the-future-of-air-cargo/
Download E-Commerce whitepaper: https://tiaca.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/TIACA-White-Paper-Ecommerce-Final.pdf
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