Non-compliance with standards and over stepping the prescribed safety measures by a small segment of shippers are posing challenges to air cargo security. This practice, if continued, will lead to disasters that will adversely affect the air cargo value chain. Imposing stricter compliance rules and creating more awareness about the impending danger is the only way to plug the holes.
Freight movement plays a crucial role in the trade of any country. Air cargo has gained a significant position in terms of the preferred mover of high value cargo. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the airlines transported 52 million metric tonnes of goods, representing more than 35 percent of the global trade by value in 2016. However, if considered in volume terms, it constitutes bearly one percent of the total cargo moved worldwide.
The pattern and components of goods carried by air has changed in the recent past with the onset of e-commerce platforms. Interestingly, of late, there is a sizeable increase in the volume of electronic goods shipped as air cargo. Experts name air cargo as the backbone of the thriving e-commerce industry as it offers the time advantage over other modes of transportation.
In the new era of technology, ensuring safety and security in the air cargo appears to be easy than earlier. However, the surge in electronic goods cargo bring along impediments that are not dealt with earlier. On one hand, when the freight forwarders and airlines are banking on technology to assure 100 percent safety during transit, they are also becoming more vulnerable to newer threats.
The key concern that is marring the industry currently is the possible danger from the packed lithium batteries. As these items reach various carriers in the packed form, airlines and airports are left with very little option, but to accept them believing what is recorded on the packets.
This story is from the December 2017 edition of The STAT Trade Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2017 edition of The STAT Trade Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
AVIATION INDUSTRY: FUELING THE FUTURE WITH SUSTAINABILITY
Following rising concerns about climate change and the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the aviation industry is building a well-established strategy for sustainability. Thanks to technological advancements, innovative practices, and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainable aviation is emerging as the path to a greener future.
WHO IS CHANGING THE GAME FOR AIR CARGO?
Up until five years ago, the air cargo industry was considered less digitally mature than other sectors marked by rigid legacy systems. But with the onset of Industry 4.0, innovation is on every business manager’s agenda and exciting changes are transforming this industry. Also, as consumer habits change and customer expectations grow, clients demand end-to-end visibility of their delivery. With emerging technologies like Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence and IATA’s initiatives One Record and Interactive Cargo, technology is definitely making changes to efficiency.
WAITING TO BE FILLED AIR CARGO CONTINUES TO BE IN THE DOLDRUMS
Global air cargo industry continues to suffer across all regions and the demand decline experienced in 2019 is the steepest drop since 2009 during the global financial crisis. Airline association IATA predicts that air cargo demand will increase by two percent in 2020; however there are several ifs and buts for the industry to get back to growth momentum.
TRADE WAR ADDS CANADIAN FLAVOUR INTO CHINESE CUISINE
The surging lobster business in Canada built on the trade war between the US and China shows the capability of Nova Scotia in addressing the supply chain issues of stakeholders, at a time when China demanded more lobster than the province exported earlier. By exporting around 22 tonnes from January-October 2019, one of the three maritime provinces of Canada is confident to face the aftermath if trade war ends, by foraying into new markets.
INDUSTRY RISES AGAINST DANGERS OF ROGUE LITHIUM SHIPMENTS
As the threat of mis-declared or ill-packaged shipments carrying lithium batteries looms large, the aviation industry is joining forces to fight the menace. As e-commerce and demand for cleaner technology grows, the demand for lithium batteries is also seeing an upward trend. It’s time this industry affair got more attention to make aviation safer.
GECAS, IAI Launch The B777 Freighter Conversion Programme, Freighter To Enter Service In 2022
GECAS and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have launched the Boeing 777-300ER freighter conversion programme.
From Booking Middlemen To Strategic Partner
Founded in the united kingdom in 1994, Air Logistics Group (ALG) has developed significantly from the traditional ‘general sales agent’ to a strategic partner offering the highest level of value added services to its airline and forwarding partners. As ALG completes 25 years, Stephen Dawkins, founder & chief executive officer of ALG, speaks to Reji John, about many more exciting years ahead providing airlines and forwarders with a reputable, financially sound partnership that can deliver in terms of revenue, network coverage, digitalisation and manpower. Edited excerpts.
FLA-PLA 2019 Call For Embracing Technology, Sustainability, Better Infrastructure
Sustainability and need for collaboration dominated the narrative of the latest Flower & Perishable Logistics Africa conferences in Nairobi, Kenya. Attendees discussed the importance of infrastructure development, exploring new markets, and looking beyond the traditional avenues.
Raising The Stakes On Perishable Logistics
When dealing with fresh produce and other food items intended for human consumption, there is no wiggle room when it comes to freshness and quality. For the food to reach one’s plate, there is a lot that happens along the way – this includes harvesting crops at the right time, maintaining proper temperatures, and of course, on-time delivery from farm to fork. As consumption patterns change, regulations vary, customer expectations rise, industry players are converging to create a seamless supply chain.
Connecting Intelligently For Cargo Mobility
The air freight industry, which has remained traditional in its processes and business models for a very long time has seen a perceptible shift on the back of advances both in operation and information technology in the last few years. For the industry to work more efficiently, the supply chain needs to generate a constant stream of data that can be collected, analysed and used to optimise productivity.
