TIACA calls for critical challenges faced by air cargo industry to be addressed

The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has called for action to address the critical challenges being faced by the air cargo industry. The organisation has completed a year-long transformation programme which has created a forward-looking association that is well positioned to unite and represent all sectors of the supply chain, reflecting its broad membership composition. 

“The industry has demonstrated over the last 12 months how effective it can be when all of the supply chain partners unite around a common objective, supporting the global community through the COVID-19 pandemic. Our industry came together initially by transporting personal protective equipment (PPE) and other life essentials, and then mobilised to provide the only effective transport mode to support global vaccine distribution,” said Glyn Hughes, TIACA’s Director General.

TIACA has identified key industry priorities that will need to be embraced by the entire supply chain in order to modernise and continue to provide enhanced solutions addressing shipper and other customer demands.

A call to action

The key challenges and call to action defined by TIACA are:

Digitalisation

Efficient and effective solutions require harnessing the power of data to modernise processes and provide transparent, quality services. Great moves forward have been experienced during the past 12 months, as the industry was forced to find new ways of working. The industry must now take this even further, and TIACA urges all parties to establish and implement digital transformation plans.

Sustainability

The air cargo industry must reflect the global society of which it serves and must collectively seek to focus on people, the planet and prosperity. In order to flourish in the years to come, the industry must create equal opportunities for all, embrace technology and innovation and ensure that it implements environmentally responsible solutions designed to protect the planet today and for generations to come.

Safety and Security

The protection of the supply chain and its employees, as well as regulatory compliance, are critical components of future industry success. TIACA is calling on governments to ensure that regulations are relevant and workable, aligned with the reshaped world, and to work with the industry in tackling counterfeit and non-compliant shipments. Government authorities must take appropriate action against those who seek to evade regulations.

Liberalisation

Fair and liberal trade policies will ensure the continued growth of the global economy, which relies heavily on effective global air cargo networks. Supportive trade regulations, coupled with fair and liberalised air and ground regulations, will ensure that the industry can develop and grow aligned with market needs. The industry must come together to ensure that its voice is heard to support trade policies that positively impact the global economy.

Partnerships and Collaboration

Success can only be achieved through effective collaboration between supply chain partners, supply chain customers and those who regulate the industry. The industry must unite around a common vision for an efficient, effective, sustainable global supply network established through strong community relations. 

“TIACA is committed to working with its members, the broader industry, association partners and government agencies to ensure that we have a united and successful air cargo industry. We have demonstrated considerable success over the past months, but, as we go forward, new challenges will materialise. We will need be more innovative, agile and focused as an industry to overcome them,” stated Steven Polmans, Chair of TIACA.