As you read this edition of Airline Cargo Management it won’t escape your attention there are a number of recurring themes the industry is having to focus on.

Digitisation is always going to be vital and we take a deep dive look at what ‘state-of-the-art’ in online booking platforms looks like.

It will be fascinating to see how emerging tech like artificial intelligence is able to live up to its billing, not just in cargo but throughout the aviation sector.

In our cover feature, concerns are expressed about the lack of adoption of technology, particularly among smaller companies.

While the ability to invest in new systems is a competitive advantage for industry giants, smaller companies can benefit from being more agile and innovative.
Technology also provides the opportunity for greater levels of cooperation and data sharing and that should benefit the air cargo ecosystem.

The other inescapable issue facing the sector is the challenge of operating more sustainably and we highlight what industry bodies like IATA, TIACA and FIATA have to say on this.

Of course, digitisation and sustainability go hand-in-hand with many modern technologies developed to improve efficiencies and reduce waste.

It is heartening to see many companies, like Edmonton International Airport which we feature in this edition of ACM, taking their responsibilities for mitigating climate change so seriously.

But amid all the talk of digital transformation, we should not forget that the air cargo industry is nothing without its people.

Tech should be adopted to make the working lives of this global army of human beigs more fulfilling because this is an industry that will always need a professional and well-trained workforce.

This is a point made by TIACA director general Glyn Hughes in his regular column for ACM, who focuses in on the recruitment process as a key area the industry must address.

The sector has to present itself as an employer of choice to a wider pool of potential candidates, in particular women, who remain underrepresented across the industry.

The Covid pandemic left many industries struggling to find enough qualified people to get back up and running as demand returned.

Aviation was hit harder than most so it’s important the sector works together to address any misconceptions that persist about the careers it offers.

The exciting global opportunities aviation provides should be its competitive advantage when appealing to the next-generation of workers it will rely on.