TIACA looks forward to ACF in Toronto

The latest (August) issue of TIACAtalks, a newsletter produced by The International Air Cargo Association, has offered a look forward to the trade body’s forthcoming big biennial exhibition, Air Cargo Forum (ACF).
This year’s ACF, to be held in Toronto in October, promises to be “one of the most dynamic and well-connected forums we have had in recent years”, TIACA insists.
More than 4,000 delegates are expected to attend, with over 300 exhibitors from leading air cargo players – including luminaries such as Air Canada, Boeing, air charter broker Chapman Freeborn, logistic service provider DSV, Heathrow Airport, New JFK Airport and Seoul Incheon Airport, to name a few.
This year, TIACAtalks reported, the focus has been on partnerships, and TIACA is for the first time said to be working closely with representatives from other trade organisations such as Airports Council International (ACI).
“We are keen to work with ACI as the association broadens its focus to incorporate more of the air cargo industry in its overall mission, which is the reason we have exchanged our involvement at our two signature events,” TIACA informed.
“Disruptive innovation and new technologies are reshaping airports as we know them, and it is important that air cargo continues to have a strong voice at the table so that we can meet the challenges of today and seize new opportunities for business.”
In terms of umbrella forwarder bodies, TIACA is also working in collaboration with the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA) for ACF.
It has also worked with the Federation of National Associations of Cargo Agents and International Logistical Operators of Latin America and the Caribbean (ALACAT), Americas Alliance, AGUNSA, the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), the Airforwarders Association (AfA), and Neutral Air Partner.
All change
This past year has seen one of change within TIACA itself, the association pointed out, developments including a new logo and redesigned websites.
Plus, it expects to soon launch its Cargo Service Quality tool, which – it is hoped – will become a “new global benchmarking tool to improve air cargo standards by increasing visibility and transparency across the chain”.
More than 179 freight forwarders and 18 airports took part in the pilot programme, and TIACA is said to be now “fine-tuning details” before a global roll-out.