TIACA calls for action to address critical challenges faced by industry

• The organisation has completed a year-long transformation programme which has created a forward-looking association to unite and represent all sectors of the supply chain.

April 07, 2021: The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) called for action to address critical challenges being faced by the air cargo industry during a Media day presentation.

The organisation has completed a year-long transformation programme which has created a forward-looking association 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 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 PPE and other life essentials and then mobilized to provide the only effective transport mode to support global vaccine distribution” stated Glyn Hughes, TIACA 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.

The key challenges and call to action are:

• Digitalisation: Great moves forward have been experienced during the past 12 months as the industry was forced to find new ways of working. We must now take this even further and we urge all parties to establish and implement digital transformation plans.
• Sustainability: In order to flourish in the years to come, we must create equal opportunities for all, embrace technology and innovation and ensure we implement environmental responsible solutions designed to protect the planet today and for generations to come.
• Safety and Security: We call on governments to ensure regulations are relevant and workable, aligned with the reshaped world and to work with 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 liberalized air and ground regulations will ensure the industry can develop and grow aligned with market needs.
• Partnerships and Collaboration: We as an 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 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 materialize. We will need be more innovative, agile and focused as an industry to overcome them,” stated Steven Polmans, TIACA, chair.