Purpose

The e-Commerce and Cargo Operations area manages the development of standards and guidance related to physical processes, in air cargo and air mail, which develop the requirements for efficiency on the ground enabling a seamless flow of cargo, crucial for B2B and B2C e-Commerce shipments.

 e-Commerce & Cargo Operations Strategic Partnerships Summary

Projected to hit USD 6.4 trillion by the end of 2024, the e-Commerce sector depends heavily on air cargo and air mail, responsible for transporting 80% of cross-border e-Commerce goods.

e-Commerce emerged as a crucial lifeline for both the air cargo supply chain and homebound consumers, during the pandemic. Following a COVID-induced surge, where e-Commerce grew by approximately 30%, the sector's growth has moderated but remains robust, expanding at a double-digit rate of 10-12% post-pandemic. Despite challenges such as geopolitical tensions, economic hurdles, inflation, and currency instability impacting consumer spending power, e-Commerce has risen to the occasion by offering cost-effective solutions.

Another significant evolution in air cargo, aimed at bolstering e-Commerce, is the rise and enhancement of multi-modal operations, including comprehensive first and last-mile services. This strategy is vital for managing the diverse and ever-evolving demands of the e-Commerce market.

Benefits

  • Benefit from first selection of sponsorship / exhibition opportunities at the IATA World Cargo Symposium and CNS Conference and any e-Cargo event organized by IATA  
  • Benefit from the opportunity to network with airlines, cargo handlers and IATA Subject Matter Experts in cargo operations
  • Participate in industry meetings
  • Advertise in various IATA publications such as the IATA Cargo Handling Manual (ICHM) and the Airmail Handbook
  • Advertise on the Cargo website at a discounted rate
  • Receive notifications on a broad spectrum of areas including Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Customs, Security, Safety in Operations, etc
  • Receive a complimentary premium listing in both IATA Cargolink and ONE Source  
  • Participate in the development of new standards
  • Be informed and involved in the development of handling and operations standards  

Activities

As Cargo Operations are performed by hundreds of handlers at thousands of airports around the world, providing clear guidance on the processes required and following the industry endorsed Master Operating Plan (MOP) are key for seamless operation and handling.

IATA Cargo Handling Council (ICHC)

The IATA Cargo Handling Council (the Council) is established to review and develop standards, procedures and provide guidance necessary for the appropriate handling of cargo, to ensure safe and efficient operational standards for all types of cargo including mail.

The Council, meeting 3 times per year, is composed of representatives from IATA Member Airlines and Cargo & Ground Handling industry representatives serving as experts in cargo and ground operations (e.g., members of the Airport Services Association (ASA), IATA Ground Handling Council (IGHC), etc.), referred to as industry experts.

Air Mail Board (AMB)

The Air Mail Board (AMB) is responsible for all matters dealing with the movement of mail by air, except for issues related to airmail rates and charges. The AMB develops and maintains standards, guidelines and procedures related to handling, digitalization, customs, security, safety, and sustainability of airmail transportation.

The AMB meets 3 times per year and works closely with international organizations such as the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and the International Post Corporation (IPC). Members of the AMB also integrate the joint working group IATA-UPU Contact Committee, which works under the umbrella of the IATA-UPU Memorandum of Understanding.

Focus Areas

  • Cargo Operations and Handling
  • Cargo Messaging
  • Master Operating Plan (MOP)
  • Sustainability in operations
  • Processes for landside activities
  • Cargo efficiency and excellence
  • Service Level Agreements (SLA)
  • Standard Ground Handling Agreements (SGHA)
  • Air Mail operations and mapping with cargo operations
  • EDI messaging
  • Collaboration with the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and the International Post Corporation (IPC)
  • Safety and Security requirements
  • Training requirements
  • e-Commerce Insights

Designed for

  • Ground Handlers
  • Postal Operators
  • Aircraft Manufacturers
  • ULD Manufacturers
  • Extra Territorial Offices of Exchange (ETOE)
  • Air Mail Units and Air Mail Centers at airports
  • Start-ups in handling and operations
  • Digitalization and transformation

 

> View the full list of Strategic Partnerships Program Benefits