IATA has launched a new programme to raise global standards in cargo handling operations. IATA Smart Facility Operational Capacity programme (SFOC) aims to reduce audit complexity and duplication for cargo handling facilities and has two components, a Standardized Global Audit Program component and a Committed Audit Reduction component.

IATA has introduced the SFOC Audit Certification to provide airlines with the assurance that SFOC-certified facilities are adhering to IATA’s Resolutions and Recommended Practices in cargo handling and with IATA’s Cargo Handling Manual.

IATA Smart Facility Operational Capacity programme

It is estimated 360,000 days per year are wasted annually on redundant cargo handling audits. The SFOC Audit Certification programme aims to reduce redundant efforts across the industry by 50 per cent through removing the need to validate generic cargo operation procedures. The Audit Reduction Commitment (ARC) is an industry pledge to reduce audits.

Airlines participating in the SFOC programme will undertake a gap analysis to determine which audit standards will not need to be assessed for SFOC-certified facilities. The revised audit scope is then defined through the ARC.

Singapore will be the initial focal point for this important new initiative. SATS Ltd and Singapore Airlines are the first organisations to join the SFOC programme, with SATS being the first cargo handling facility to receive the new SFOC Audit Certification and Singapore Airlines being the first airline to join the programme by signing the ARC.

“The SFOC certification, which we have worked closely with IATA to refine, allows us to sharpen the focus of our own audits of our handling agents. This zooms in on SIA–specific procedures and enabling even greater emphasis on safety and security,” said senior vice president of cargo for Singapore Airlines, Mr. Chin Yau Seng.

“The combination of both the SFOC audits and our own audits serves to provide a comprehensive picture of our service partners’ capabilities and operational quality, while improving audit efficiency for us and our service partners.”

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