The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has emphasised the vital role of air cargo in maintaining global supply chain resilience and called on governments and industry to remain focused on delivering the fundamental expectations of customers—safety and security, digitalisation and sustainability.
IATA’s Global Head of Cargo at the opening of the 18th World Cargo Symposium (WCS) in Dubai, UAE, Brendan Sullivan, said that whether supporting global trade, enabling e-commerce, or delivering vital humanitarian aid, the value of air cargo has never been clearer.
“To meet customer expectations and navigate an increasingly complex environment, the air cargo industry must continuously strengthen safety and security, fast-track digitalisation, and deliver on its sustainability commitments,” he said.
Safety is the top priority for air transport, and in the case of air cargo, the specific focus is on the safe transport of lithium batteries. IATA calls on governments to step up efforts to stop rogue shippers and support ICAO’s work to strengthen Annexe 18 of the Chicago Convention—the global framework for safely transporting dangerous goods by air.
“Shipments of lithium batteries are growing in volume. With that comes increased risks associated with undeclared or misdeclared goods. The industry has invested in training, certification, and technology. Governments must match that commitment with robust oversight and enforcement,” Sullivan said.
IATA reinforced calls to governments for a coordinated, risk-based approach to air cargo security following recent incidents involving incendiary devices concealed in shipments. While some states implemented new measures, the lack of alignment led to inconsistent outcomes. This situation reinforces the importance of harmonised responses based on global standards.
Sullivan added that the recent security incidents highlight the need for better government coordination. “Aviation security cannot be built on fragmented or reactionary measures. Global standards and cooperation are essential,” he said.
IATA also renewed its call to states to fulfil their Annexe 17 obligations by sharing timely and accurate threat intelligence to enable informed risk assessments and operational decisions.
“The industry is best placed to understand its operations and the associated safety and security risks. However, governments have infinitely more resources, particularly in intelligence gathering. The best results come when governments and industry work together,” Sullivan said.
IATA reinforced the central role of ONE Record as the industry’s standard for end-to-end digital data exchange, supporting improved efficiency, compliance, and transparency. The industry’s goal is clear: by January 2026, ONE Record will become the preferred method of sharing data.
“ONE Record is a foundational shift in how we share, manage, and trust data across the supply chain. Airlines representing 72 per cent of global air waybill volume are on track to implement it. More than 100 IT providers and 10,000 freight forwarders are already aligned. To achieve full value, implementation must accelerate across all stakeholders, and governments must recognise ONE Record in their regulatory frameworks,” Sullivan said.
