A memorandum of understanding will establish a dedicated startup pavilion at TIACA events, featuring investor pitch sessions and mentorship programmes
Air cargo organisation TIACA is partnering with logistics startup network HAUS61 to help promote and develop entrepreneurship in the airfreight sector, while its new executive leadership team officially took over the reins at the recent Air Cargo Forum event.
TIACA said that by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with HAUS61 it hopes to create new opportunities for collaboration between established industry leaders and innovative start-ups.
Under the agreement, the two will launch a dedicated start-up pavilion at the TIACA Air Cargo Forum event with exclusive investor pitch sessions to connect start-ups with potential industry investors.
They will also jointly develop workshops, mentorship initiatives, and knowledge-sharing programmes. Meanwhile, Tiaca will officially recognise HAUS61 as its innovation and start-up partner.
“At TIACA, we believe that innovation is essential to the continued growth and sustainability of the air cargo industry,” said Roos Bakker, chair of TIACA. “Our partnership with HAUS61 will help bridge the gap between start-ups with fresh ideas and the industry stakeholders who can bring those ideas to life.”
Both organisations have agreed to hold quarterly review meetings to assess progress and explore further joint initiatives under the MoU, which took effect on 1 November.
“Partnerships like this are vital for the future of air cargo,” added Glyn Hughes, director general, TIACA. “By connecting start-ups with established players, we not only accelerate innovation but also ensure that our industry continues to evolve with agility, creativity, and a strong focus on delivering value to global supply chains.”
New leadership lineup
The new partnership was announced on the second day of this year’s Air Cargo Forum, which also saw the official start of the organisation’s new chair and vice chairs.
Roos Bakker, manager of business development and contract management at CTSN, has now officially taken over from Steven Polmans as the Tiaca chair.
Meanwhile, Tushar Jani, chairman of the Cargo Service Center, has been elected co-vice chair, joining Emir Pineda of the Miami-Dade Aviation Department as the other co-vice chair.
Outgoing TIACA chairman Steven Polmans said the new executive leadership team "offered a good mix between continuity and a new vision and a new approach".
Bakker thanked Polmans for his efforts and said she was honoured to have been selected for the role, adding that the new chair and vice chairs would build on what Polmans and Hughes had developed over the past six years.
Jani said that his election was a "reflection of India’s growing voice in shaping the future of international logistics".
"I look forward to working collaboratively with industry leaders across the world to drive innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.”
Meanwhile, the organisation has also seen an increase in its membership numbers that have now surpassed the 500 mark, having added more than 40 in the last year and a 60% increase over the past six years.
At the event, TIACA also revealed that Warsaw would be the location for next year's executive summit event, taking place 1-3 June, supported by LOT Polish Airlines.
