IATA urges action on safety, digitalization and sustainability in air cargo sector

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is calling on governments and industry leaders to prioritize safety, security, digitalization and sustainability to maintain resilience in the global air cargo supply chain.

Speaking at the opening of the 18th World Cargo Symposium in Dubai, IATA’s global head of cargo, Brendan Sullivan, emphasized the critical role of air cargo in supporting global trade, e-commerce and humanitarian aid.

“Whether supporting global trade, enabling e-commerce, or delivering vital humanitarian aid, the value of air cargo has never been clearer. To meet customer expectations and navigate an increasingly complex environment, the air cargo industry must continuously strengthen safety and security, fast-track digitalization and deliver on its sustainability commitments,” said Sullivan.

On safety, IATA focused on the risks posed by lithium battery shipments and urged governments to crack down on undeclared or mis-declared goods.

“Shipments of lithium batteries are growing in volume. With that come increased risks associated with undeclared or mis-declared goods,” said Sullivan. “The industry has invested in training, certification, and technology. Governments must match that commitment with robust oversight and enforcement.”

Addressing recent incidents involving incendiary devices in cargo, IATA also called for harmonized, risk-based security measures and better intelligence sharing between states.

“Recent security incidents highlight the need for better coordination among governments. Aviation security cannot be built on fragmented or reactionary measures. Global standards and cooperation are essential,” said Sullivan.

IATA also pressed for industry-wide adoption of its ONE Record digital data-sharing standard by January 2026, calling it a “foundational shift.”

“ONE Record is a foundational shift in how we share, manage, and trust data across the supply chain,” said Sullivan. “Airlines representing 72 per cent of global air waybill volume are on track to implement it. More than 100 IT providers and 10,000 freight forwarders are already aligned.”

On sustainability, IATA noted progress on eliminating single-use plastics and advancing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) use, but criticized slow action by governments and fuel producers.

“We are committed to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. But the ramp-up of SAF—our strongest lever—has been disappointing… Airlines are committed and determined but we cannot do it alone. We need action behind the words of regulators, fuel suppliers and manufacturers,” said Sullivan.

Sullivan also warned that growing global trade tensions could threaten economic prosperity.

“Current trade tensions are deeply concerning. Trade drives prosperity,” he said. “The more the world trades, the better off we all are. So, whatever the resolution of current trade tensions is, we know that air cargo will be there to deliver the goods people need and want.”