As announced last year, IATA has set January 1, 2026, as the deadline for all member airlines to adopt the ONE Record standard, aiming to fully digitalize air cargo through a unified data-sharing framework. This initiative will enhance visibility, transparency, and efficiency across the global supply chain.
Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo, emphasized the significance of this transition: “Digitalization is one of the greatest opportunities for the air cargo industry today. This has not happened as fast as any of us would have liked but progress is real and the opportunities brought by ONE Record go far beyond those of the current data exchange capabilities of airlines.”
To meet the 2026 deadline, IATA urges stakeholders to begin preparations promptly, investing in the necessary technology and training to ensure a smooth transition. Collaborative efforts among airlines and logistics providers are essential to develop compatible platforms and share best practices for implementation. IATA provides opportunities for such collaboration through its working group and its conferences, like the WCS on 15-17 April 2025 in Dubai and the next hackathon on 24-25 February 2025 in Dublin.