IATA: Air cargo has not undergone the transformation seen in passenger business

IATA DG and CEO Tony Tyler stated (15-Mar-2016) the air cargo business has not undergone the same thorough transformation process that has reinvigorated the passenger side of the business. According to Mr Tyler, developments including e-tickets, bar-coded boarding passes, airport self-check-in kiosks and inflight WiFi "have transformed the passenger experience", and there is a need for "similar breakthroughs on the cargo side of the business". Potential disruptors for the air cargo industry include data-sharing platforms, new market entrants and e-commerce, with the challenge being "to stay a step ahead in satisfying customer expectations," said Mr Tyler. According to IATA paperless processes and customized services "are critical to the sector's future" although the following challenges remain:

• Pace of adoption of the e-Air Waybill (e-AWB) must accelerate. As of the end of 2015, e-AWB penetration stood at 36%. To speed this up, the industry, through IATA, is engaging governments and airports to achieve targeted initiatives;
• Concerns over the quality of service for time- and temperature-controlled shipments, especially pharmaceuticals, need to be addressed. Patient safety is a key concern and compliance certification programs (such as the CEIV Pharma initiative) are a step in the right direction. The breadth of adoption "must evolve quickly" for shippers to have full confidence in the system. [more - original PR]