Amid an extraordinary few years, one of the hero industries to emerge during the Covid crisis was air cargo, whether through transporting much-needed goods or by generating a vital source of income for airlines starved of passengers.

The industry responded to massive logistical challenges, and learned many lessons – among them, the need for closer collaboration, and the need to embrace digitalisation to benefit from the enhanced efficiencies modern software and solutions can provide.

We’ve also heard about the continued rise of e-commerce, and cargo divisions taking a bigger seat at the table at cargo airlines. There have been so many success stories it’s only right that the industry should take some time to look back on its recent achievements with satisfaction.

But it is also the case that the hard work is only just beginning and, against a macro environment that remains extremely challenging, the key is to build upon the momentum that has been gained over the past few years.

At the recent World Cargo Symposium in London, the International Air Transport Association highlighted four priorities to strengthen air cargo’s post-pandemic prospects: achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050; continuing to modernise processes; finding better solutions to safely carry lithium batteries; and making air cargo attractive to new talent.

There is plenty for the industry to do in each of these areas, but the general feeling at the World Cargo Symposium was of excitement at rising to these challenges, rather than being daunted by them. Looking around the exhibition hall, it was also interesting to see so many companies presenting digital solutions and products. There is an expectation that the rate of digitalisation in the industry will now accelerate at a much faster pace.

As we move into 2023, another fascinating year awaits us, and Airline Cargo Management will continue to explore and analyse all areas of the air cargo industry. In this final issue of 2022, we bring you more on the World Cargo Symposium and get the thoughts of TIACA director general Glyn Hughes on the main factors that will impact the ever-changing air cargo landscape next year. Our cover story on online booking platforms fits neatly with the discussion on digitalisation, while we also take an in-depth look at what it takes to create a hyper-efficient freight terminal, and developments in unit load
devices. Finally, our regular columns feature alongside an array of executive interviews, including with Emirates’ divisional senior vice president, cargo Nabil Sultan.

I hope you enjoy reading the issue.