The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently adopted a resolution at its 73rd annual general meeting aimed at modernizing the air cargo industry.
The resolution is based on the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).
Under the resolution, modern standards would be adopted to ensure safety, the supply chain would be digitalized, data would be used to improve efficiency and customers would be provided with technology that allows real-time monitoring and alerts.
The resolution requires governments quickly implement TFA and establish regulations that improve safety while efficiently moving goods.
“The TFA commits governments to making trade faster, cheaper and more efficient,” IATA Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac said. “Air cargo processes are stuck in another century. To ensure that air cargo is ready to benefit from the expected $1 trillion boost in trade growth arising from the TFA and the improving global economic environment, we need a major overhaul of industry processes. And there is no time to lose; our customers already expect the efficiency of electronic documentation.”
After years of stagnant growth, demand is finally growing. It is time to take advantage of new business opportunities, Juniac said.
IATA’s Simplifying the Business Cargo program is designed to enhance service and encourage innovation.