The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged governments and industry stakeholders to address growing challenges in air cargo safety, security and sustainability amid increasing global trade tensions.
Speaking at the 18th World Cargo Symposium in Dubai, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo Brendan Sullivan highlighted the critical role air cargo plays in global supply chains.
“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 digitalization, and deliver on its sustainability commitments,” he said.
IATA called for governments to increase enforcement against rogue shippers of dangerous goods, particularly lithium batteries, describing them as a significant safety risk.
“Shipments of lithium batteries are growing in volume. With that come increased risks associated with undeclared or mis-declared goods. The industry has invested in training, certification, and technology. Governments must match that commitment with robust oversight and enforcement,” Sullivan said.
The organisation also urged better coordination between governments on security measures following recent incidents involving concealed incendiary devices in cargo shipments.
“Recent security incidents highlight the need for better coordination among governments. Aviation security cannot be built on fragmented or reactionary measures. Global standards and cooperation are essential,” said Sullivan.
He emphasised that governments need to fulfil their obligations under Annex 17 of the Chicago Convention by sharing threat intelligence with industry partners.
“The industry is best placed to understand its operations and the associated safety and security risks. But governments have infinitely more resources, particularly in intelligence gathering. The best results come when governments and industry work together,” he said.
On digitalisation, IATA reinforced the importance of ONE Record, its standard for end-to-end digital data exchange, with a goal of industry-wide adoption by January 2026.
The association reported that airlines representing 72 per cent of global air waybill volume are on track to implement the standard, with more than 10,000 freight forwarders already aligned.
IATA expressed concerns about slow progress on sustainability initiatives, particularly regarding Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production.
Sullivan criticised major fuel producers for “slow-walking” planned investments in SAF and aircraft manufacturers for backing away from commitments to deliver hydrogen-powered aircraft.
“We are committed to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. But the ramp-up of SAF—our strongest lever—has been disappointing,” Sullivan said.
He added that while the industry has made progress with initiatives like the SAF Registry and plans to launch CO2 Connect for Cargo for emissions reporting, government policy support remains insufficient.
“Airlines are committed and determined but we cannot do it alone. We need action behind the words of regulators, fuel suppliers and manufacturers,” he said.
Despite growing trade tensions globally, Sullivan remained confident in air cargo’s essential role in world trade.
“Current trade tensions are deeply concerning. Trade drives prosperity. The more the world trades, the better off we all are. So, whatever the resolution of current trade tensions is, we know that air cargo will be there to deliver the goods people need and want,” he said.
