Collaborating on growth

IATA’s World Cargo Symposium this year focuses on driving sustainable and inclusive growth.

The air cargo industry concluded 2023 near pre-pandemic performance levels and has begun 2024 by once again demonstrating its critical role in sustaining global trade, especially during turbulent times.

This improvement was highlighted by a surge in demand towards air, primarily due to maritime challenges in the Red Sea. In this context, global air cargo leaders are set to convene in Hong Kong (SAR), China from March 12 to 14 for the IATA World Cargo Symposium (WCS).

As geopolitical uncertainties continue, the significance of air cargo is expected to increase further. Driving sustainable and inclusive growth within the industry, which is the theme of this year’s event, is crucial.

This approach will not only enable the sector to meet the fluctuating demands arising from geopolitical instability and a booming e-commerce sector but also address sustainability and environmental concerns.

These issues will be at the forefront of discussions at this year’s WCS, which will feature a diverse lineup of speakers, showcasing the breadth of expertise needed to address these challenges.

I will join forces with industry leaders such as Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s senior vice president of sustainability and chief economist; Ronald Lam, group chief executive, Cathay Group; Tom Owen, director of Cathay Cargo; and executives from Atlas Air, Jardine Aviation Services Group, WestJet, and Accenture. Their insights are expected to fuel meaningful discussions and promote collaborative solutions.

Key topics of safety, sustainability and digitalisation will be explored at WCS. Sessions will address various subjects, including the safe transport of lithium batteries; a review of Annex 18, examining the challenges and benefits in addressing regulatory gaps; ESG reporting in air cargo; digital advancements including ONE Record; and the role of generative AI in the future of air cargo.

These sessions aim to provide participants with the knowledge and strategies needed to tackle industry-specific challenges while advancing sustainable practices.

Looking ahead

Complementing the symposium are workshops designed to cultivate the next generation of industry professionals and enhance current practices. These include the Future Air Cargo Executives Summit (FACES), discussions on competency-based training, and insights into IATA’s Cargo Solutions. Moreover, the symposium will host an e-commerce forum, highlighting the need for increased collaboration between e-tailers and cargo operators.

A highlight of the WCS will be recognising the innovative contributions of recent university graduates at the FACE UP! Air Cargo Awards 2024. The finalists, chosen for their groundbreaking theses on air transport logistics, will present their projects at the conference, offering fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. A winner will be selected by the audience.

WCS is more than just a conference; it is a pivotal event in the industry’s calendar. It leads the way in promoting a sustainable, inclusive and resilient air cargo sector, equipped to adapt to the ever-evolving demands of global trade and e-commerce.

The event assembles industry leaders from around the world for networking and business development opportunities, providing a unique platform for discussing and implementing industry standards, policies and procedures.