IATA underlined the importance of air cargo to the world economy at the 18th World Cargo Symposium (WCS) being held in Dubai.

Amid increasing global trade tensions the aviation body said aviation freight plays a key role in maintaining global supply chains.

The organisation called on governments to remain remain focused on delivering “fundamental expectations of customers” in areas including safety and security, digitalisation and sustainability.

Brendan Sullivan, IATA global head of cargo, said: “Whether supporting global trade, enabling e-commerce, or delivering vital humanitarian aid, the value of air cargo has never been clearer.

“To meet customer expectations and navigate an increasingly complex environment, the air cargo industry must continuously strengthen safety and security, fast-track digitalization, and deliver on its sustainability commitments.”

With the treat of US tariffs causing concern on the impact on the aviation sector, IATA reiterated its position that trade drives prosperity.

It warned that any measures that undermine the free flow of goods will ultimately hurt businesses, consumers, and economies.

“Current trade tensions are deeply concerning. Trade drives prosperity. The more the world trades, the better off we all are,” said Sullivan.

“So, whatever the resolution of current trade tensions is, we know that air cargo will be there to deliver the goods people need and want.”