During a panel at the IATA’s CNS Partnership Conference, air cargo stakeholders discussed the potential for increased industry scrutiny in the wake of recent aircraft manufacturing-related safety incidents. Moderator Brandon Fried, from the Airforwarders Association (AfA), questioned whether monitoring of air cargo might intensify alongside the increased oversight of aircraft manufacturing by the FAA.
Participants, including Turkish Cargo cargo vice president Salih Kamil Salihoğlu, UPS vice president Susana Pereira, and Southwest Airlines managing director Michelle Williams, agreed that safety and regulations are paramount in the industry. They emphasized the importance of adhering to strict internal protocols to ensure the safety of operations.
Moritz Claussen of cargo.one highlighted the need for European air cargo operators to closely monitor developments in the industry and learn from them. Despite ongoing geopolitical challenges, the panelists remained optimistic about the resilience of the air cargo industry.
The discussion also touched on the significance of digitalization and innovation in driving the industry forward. Williams noted the challenges of maintaining the pace of innovation experienced during the pandemic, while Moritz pointed out the increasing interest in booking portal technology among US air cargo stakeholders.
Overall, the panelists emphasized the industry’s commitment to safety, adaptation, and technological advancement in the face of ongoing challenges and opportunities for growth.
