The symposium, hosted by LATAM Cargo, marked the first time the event has been held in South America, a region Sullivan described as critical to global trade.
“Air cargo delivers when supply chains are under strain,” Sullivan said. “But the operating environment is becoming more uncertain — not less.”
Geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, are already disrupting airspace and adding operational complexity for carriers, while evolving trade policies — including those in the United States — are reshaping global trade flows.
To illustrate the industry’s progress, Sullivan highlighted the journey of a temperature-controlled shipment of Peruvian blueberries travelling from Lima to global markets. Just a few years ago, such shipments faced fragmented data systems, inconsistent temperature monitoring and limited end-to-end visibility across the supply chain.
Today, digital tools and industry standards are improving transparency and reliability. Shipments can now be tracked continuously, emissions measured through tools such as IATA CO2 Connect for Cargo, and temperature-sensitive products handled under programmes such as CEIV Fresh.
At the same time, initiatives such as ONE Record are transforming how shipment data is shared across the industry, allowing airlines, forwarders and regulators to work from a common data source rather than duplicating information across multiple systems.
From January this year, ONE Record has become IATA’s preferred method for cargo data exchange, with airlines representing more than 70 percent of global air waybill volumes expected to adopt the standard.
However, Sullivan warned that significant work remains to ensure global adoption.
“Cargo data still sits in fragmented systems, creating duplication, delays and compliance risks,” he said.
IATA is also expanding its focus on artificial intelligence. The association plans to launch an Air Cargo AI Excellence Hub aimed at accelerating the safe and practical use of AI across the logistics ecosystem. A new tool, AI SME, will also allow operational teams to access cargo and safety standards through natural-language queries.
Beyond digitalisation, Sullivan stressed the need for stronger alignment of global regulations. While international frameworks such as the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) remain robust, increasing variations between states and airlines are adding complexity for global shippers.
Today there are more than 1,200 state and operator variations within dangerous goods regulations, creating compliance challenges for companies operating across multiple markets.
Infrastructure access is another growing concern. Cargo carriers in some major hubs receive only temporary or ad hoc airport slots, limiting operational flexibility and long-term planning. According to IATA, slot allocation must remain fair and non-discriminatory to ensure cargo operators can support global trade.
Security is also evolving. The industry is facing new threats including undeclared dangerous goods and attempts to exploit cargo systems. Sullivan called for broader adoption of electronic consignment security declarations (e-CSD) and improved alignment of advance cargo data requirements worldwide.
Despite these challenges, Sullivan said air cargo remains a critical enabler of global trade.
“Reliable air cargo connectivity turns local production into global opportunity,” he said. “Advancing air cargo in a dynamic world means ensuring shipments — whether blueberries from Peru or pharmaceuticals from elsewhere — continue to move safely, reliably and predictably.”
The post Digitalisation, security and standards key to advancing air cargo, says IATA appeared first on Air Cargo Week.
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Author: Anastasiya Simsek
