Purpose

The main focus for Strategic Partners in this Area of Involvement is to gain a deeper understanding of how best to serve the industry on e-Commerce and Cargo Operations initiatives, in collaboration with airlines with the focus on 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

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.  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 preferential Strategic Partner rates to attend, and from first selection of sponsorship / exhibition opportunities at the IATA World Cargo Symposium, Cargo Experts Conference, CNS Conferenceand any e-Cargo event organized by IATA  
  • Network with airlines, cargo handlers and IATA Subject Matter Experts in cargo operations
  • Advertise in various IATA publications such as the IATA Cargo Handling Manual (ICHM) and the Airmail Handbook, and 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
  • Be informed of updates to handling and operations standards  
  • Have your company featured in the IATA Strategic Partnerships online directory
  • Gain visibility by contributing to the quarterly Strategic Partnerships Newsletter, distributed to more than 14,000 aviation stakeholders
  • Use the exclusive IATA Strategic Partner Recognition Stamp (logo)
  • Secure priority booth locations and enhanced placement opportunities at IATA Events, ensuring maximum exposure to airline executives and industry leaders
  • Access opportunities to join panel discussions and deliver presentations at IATA Events, positioning your company as a contributor to the air transport industry (subject to availability)
  • Enjoy discounts across a broad range of IATA products and services, including IATA Training courses, publications, and selected advertising

> More information is available on the Strategic Partnerships Program Benefits page.

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. Industry standards and guidance are developed and maintained through the Air Mail Board (AMB), which addresses all matters related to the movement of mail by air and the IATA Cargo Handling Council (ICHC), which focuses on cargo-related matters.

Access to meetings and working groups are subject to individual group terms of reference.

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 Ground Handling Agents (GHA) serving as experts in cargo  operations , 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
  • 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 Handling Agents (Cargo Handling Facilities)
  • Postal Operators / Designated 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