The International Air Transport Association (IATA) set its priorities for air cargo industry success at the World Cargo Symposium this week in Dallas.
The four priorities are developing the next generation of leaders, enforcing lithium battery regulations, making trade more efficient and digitalizing the supply chain.
“We expect a very healthy 4.5 percent expansion of demand in 2018,” Glyn Hughes, IATA global head of cargo, said. “But we must accelerate the modernization processes, enforce regulations for the safe transport of lithium batteries and improve the efficiency of trade facilitation. Longer term, we also need to inspire the next generation of talent. The air cargo industry has agreed to focus on these key areas, and we must follow through.”
IATA has created the Future Air Cargo Executives program for developing, attracting and maintaining talent. Over the next five years, the industry is expected to grow 4.9 percent.
Lithium batteries are often mislabeled. The government must take a tougher stance on lithium battery transportation, IATA said.
In 2017, it took most cargo 1.4 days to clear customs. This time must be cut to meet customer needs, IATA said.
The digitalization of the supply chain is known as e-freight. The industry plans to adopt the e-air waybill.