IATA updates industry manuals for cargo and ground handling

IATA has updated its industry manuals for cargo and ground-handling operations, with more than 300 updates made.

Some of the major changes in terms of cargo include those made to regulations related to live animals, perishable cargo, temperature-controlled cargo, operational risk assesment, and ground handling training and procedures.

The annual update is undertaken by various industry working groups such as the Dangerous Goods Board (DGB) and the Live Animals and Perishables Board (LAPB).

“Each working group is comprised of IATA and other respective industry experts who work with local governments and industry stakeholders, ensuring that each manual contains the most updated information on the latest regulations, trends, and best practices,” IATA said.

The airline association’s senior vice president of commercial products and services Frederic Leger said: “Operating to global standards is a must in aviation. Devising these standards together with member airlines and other key value chain stakeholders has been the hallmark of IATA’s activities since its founding.

“A great example of this is the Live Animal Regulations which sees its 50th edition published in 2024. Taking into consideration the various trends – especially sustainability and digitalisation – more than 300 changes are reflected in the 2024 IATA manuals, a testament to the fact that this work is essential to maintain a reliable and safe aviation ecosystem for both customers and employees.”

Highlighting the changes, IATA said that the latest edition of the LAR provides more clarity between the requirements for animals which are transported in cargo compartments (IATA Live Animal Acceptance Checklist) and animals which can be taken into the passenger cabin (IATA’s In-Cabin Live Animal Acceptance Checklist).

“This follows a notable increase in the transportation of domestic animals,” IATA said.

Revisions to Perishable Cargo Regulations and Temperature Control Regulations include a new definition of perishables. They are now defined as consumable and non-consumable goods with limited shelf life, susceptible to loss and spoilage if not preserved under appropriate conditions, thereby losing their inherent properties or essential quality components and no longer able to be used as originally intended

There is also further information on training and clarification on how temperature ranges can be placed on labels.

“As global demand for fresh and perishable goods, such as fruits, vegetables, seafood, and flowers, continues to grow, the industry is investing in advanced temperature-controlled and cold chain logistics to help maintain the integrity of perishable products throughout the transportation journey,” IATA explained.

Meanwhile, the IATA Cargo Handling Manual (ICHM) now includes guidance on developing an Operational Risk Assessment (ORA).

“Following an amendment to ICAO Annex 6, an ORA must now be carried out on all items carried in cargo compartments,” IATA said.

“The ICHM now includes guidance on developing an ORA, which is a sequential process that begins with the identification of potential hazards.

“This includes, among others, the capabilities of the operator and the aircraft, containment characteristics of unit load devices, or packaging details.”

In addition, the assessment needs to include the likelihood of an incident, its severity, and appropriate risk management strategies to mitigate the risk as far as practically possible.

Further details on the available manuals and how to obtain them can be found at www.iata.org/manuals

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