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| PHOTO: CargotoNigeria |
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) 73rd Annual
General Meeting (AGM) has adopted a resolution to accelerate the
modernisation and transformation of the air cargo industry.
The resolution builds on the momentum created by the entry into force
of the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO’s) Trade Facilitation Agreement
(TFA).
IATA’s Director General and CEO, Alexandre de Juniac, said the TFA
commits governments to making trade faster, cheaper and more efficient.
According to de Juniac, “Air cargo processes are stuck in another
century. To ensure that air cargo is ready to benefit from the expected
$1 trillion boost in trade growth arising from the TFA and the improving
global economic environment, we need a major overhaul of industry
processes. And there is no time to lose; our customers already expect
the efficiency of electronic documentation.”
The IATA resolution calls for the air cargo industry to take a
customer-centric approach to transformation to meet the evolving needs
of shippers and urges the industry to: conclude the digitisation of the
supply chain to allow all information to be shared instantly, improving
efficiency and simplifying the transport process.
“Adopt modern and harmonised standards that facilitate safe, secure
and efficient operations, particularly in relation to carriage of
dangerous goods; use enhanced technology to provide customers with
responsive services based on intelligent systems able to self-monitor,
send real-time alerts and respond to deviation and harness the power of
data to drive efficient and effective industry quality improvements.”
Recognising that partnerships are critical in driving industry
transformation especially for a business where global standards are so
vital, the resolution also calls on governments to support the
industry’s modernisation process by: rapidly implementing the TFA so
that its substantial benefits such as harmonised rules for expediting
the movement, release and clearance of goods crossing borders and the
acceptance of e-payments and electronic documentation can be realised.
Also, developing smart regulations that not only improve the safety
and security of the air cargo supply chain, but also facilitates the
efficient transport of goods.
The resolution reinforces the role of IATA to facilitate and support
the modernization and transformation process through its industry
transformation program, Simplifying the Business (StB) Cargo. The StB
Cargo program is taking the lead in bringing several initiatives for
data-led innovation forward. The program also includes a Smart
Facilities initiative designed to enhance ground handling service
quality.
“The time is right for change. After several years of virtually no
growth, air cargo demand is starting to pick up. We are also seeing new
business opportunities with internet commerce and the global
distribution of time and temperature sensitive cargo, especially
pharmaceutical products,” said de Juniac.
SOURCE:-http://guardian.ng
