Air cargo priorities set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) center on three areas: accelerating digital transformation, strengthening global standards, and improving safety and security. IATA Director General of Cargo Brendan Sullivan presented these priorities at the opening of the 19th World Cargo Symposium 2026, held in Lima, Peru, on March 10, 2026.
Sullivan said the sector plays a key role in connecting businesses to global markets and maintaining supply chain flow. He noted that external variables, including tariff-related disruptions and geopolitical tensions, make it more important to build resilience in areas the industry can control.
“Collective efforts to support digital transformation, embed global standards, and strengthen supply chain security enable air cargo to continue developing its economic growth trajectory by connecting products to the right markets around the world.”
Brendan Sullivan, Global Head of Cargo, IATA
Air Cargo Priorities: Accelerating Digital Transformation
Sullivan stated that air cargo data remains fragmented across multiple systems within the supply chain. This fragmentation causes duplicate processes, operational delays, and compliance risks. The challenge is particularly visible in high-volume sectors such as e-commerce, where house airway bill data must align with master airway bill records across different regional regulatory frameworks.
As of January 2026, the One Record system was formally adopted for cargo data exchange across the supply chain. Airlines representing more than 70% of global airway bill volume are working to implement the standard. However, IATA identified three requirements to accelerate progress further.
- Broader adoption among airlines and freight forwarders
- Government acceptance of One Record data within regulatory processes
- Technology providers developing secure, interoperable platforms
Strengthening Global Standards
IATA is focusing on two areas to improve consistency in global standards and cross-border cargo movement. On dangerous goods regulations, the number of country and operator variations in dangerous goods handling has exceeded 1,200. IATA stated that while some variations will remain, they must stay transparent, justified, and aligned as closely as possible with global standards.
On airport slot allocation, IATA noted that cargo carriers at major hubs — including Bogotá, Dubai, Heathrow, and Gatwick — frequently receive ad hoc or temporary slots rather than historical allocations. This limits operational flexibility and long-term planning. IATA stated that slot allocation must follow the principles outlined in the Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines to ensure fair and transparent access.
“Global standards and fair access to infrastructure are essential. As global trade evolves, aligning regulatory requirements and ensuring transparent airport slot distribution will be central to maintaining the reliability of global air cargo networks.”
Brendan Sullivan, Global Head of Cargo, IATA
Safety and Security Across the Supply Chain
IATA called for continued focus on ensuring that dangerous goods safety frameworks and cargo security procedures keep pace with evolving operational and security risks. On dangerous goods safety, ICAO Annex 18 serves as the global framework for safe transport of dangerous goods by air. However, IATA said this framework requires ongoing updates to address risks such as undeclared dangerous goods and the misuse of lithium batteries.
On air cargo security, IATA noted that cargo supply chains represent potential targets for deliberate disruption. The Cargo Security Declaration is a key compliance tool, but its application remains inconsistent across jurisdictions. IATA called for wider adoption of electronic solutions for this document and for improved alignment between pre-loading advance cargo information programs.
“Safety and security are a shared responsibility across the entire air cargo ecosystem. Updating global frameworks and strengthening government-industry cooperation will be essential to keeping global trade moving safely and reliably.”
Brendan Sullivan, Global Head of Cargo, IATA
About IATA and the World Cargo Symposium
IATA represents approximately 360 airlines, which together operate more than 80% of global air traffic. The World Cargo Symposium 2026 is the 19th edition of the annual event. The symposium serves as a platform for industry stakeholders to address operational, regulatory, and strategic challenges in the global air freight sector.