“New Head of IATA Cargo Hails Industry Response to Covid, Praises Collaboration”

Brendan Sullivan, the new head of cargo at IATA, recently commended the air cargo industry for its incredible response to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. In an article by Roger Hailey, Sullivan highlighted the sector’s agility and effectiveness in quickly adapting to the changing landscape.

While passenger divisions of airlines focused on filling seats, air cargo stakeholders stepped up by transporting life-saving PPE and launching the concept of preighters. This collaborative effort showcased the industry’s ability to come together in times of crisis.

Sullivan emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and highlighted the challenges that lie ahead for the air cargo industry, such as personnel restrictions, capacity constraints, and the return of passenger aircraft to normal services. Despite these challenges, Sullivan remains optimistic about the industry’s ability to overcome them.

During the Dublin World Cargo Symposium, Sullivan underscored the importance of safety, security, digitalization, and sustainability as top priorities for the industry. One of the key focuses is on the safe handling of lithium batteries, with the launch of the CEIV Lithium Battery certification program aimed at ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Digitization has played a crucial role in transforming the air cargo industry, with the adoption of electronic air waybills and the development of initiatives like ONE Record to streamline data sharing. Sullivan stressed the need for continued progress in digitization to enhance collaboration and efficiency within the supply chain.

In terms of sustainability, air cargo has the potential to lead the way in implementing environmentally friendly practices. Sullivan pointed out that cargo divisions within airline groups have been at the forefront of environmental initiatives, showcasing the industry’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

Overall, Sullivan is optimistic about the future of the air cargo industry, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the momentum gained during the pandemic and continuing to drive innovation and collaboration in the sector.