The below article is an extract from via FIATA’s e-Flash of Monday 3rd February 2025, which IIFA receives as Ireland’s National Association member of FIATA.
At the World Cargo Summit 2025 in Ostend, Belgium (27th – 29th January 2025), FIATA took part in the Executive Panel that opened the conference, titled "The Big Picture". Moderated by Glyn Hughes, Director General at TIACA, the panel featured Wilson Kwong, CEO of HACTL, Eduardo Arenas Perez, VP Cargo at Avianca, and Dr Stéphane Graber, FIATA Director General. Together, they explored key opportunities and challenges for 2025, offering insights into how the industry can navigate ongoing disruptions. The discussion also tackled pressing airfreight topics, including digitalisation and workforce shortages.
With geopolitical tensions reshaping global supply chains, 2025 is set to test the air cargo industry’s ability to remain both efficient and sustainable. Logistics actors must embrace volatility as the new normal, demonstrating agility and adaptability in an increasingly complex landscape.
Despite challenges, air cargo remains a critical enabler of global trade, benefiting from maritime disruptions and the sustained rise of e-commerce. Shifts in consumption patterns and demographic changes are reinforcing demand for faster deliveries, while capacity constraints at major hubs are accelerating the development of regional airports.
• An aging freighter fleet, increasing operational costs, and evolving regulatory frameworks that risk fragmentation
• Growing sustainability expectations and the urgent need for industry-wide digitalisation
• The necessity to redefine collaboration, strengthening ties between carriers, freight forwarders, ground handlers, and airports to drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainability
The digital transformation of logistics remains a crucial focus. FIATA emphasised the need for interoperability and interconnectivity, warning against the risks of fragmented digital systems that create isolated “digital islands.” Cybersecurity, data protection, and governance must be at the forefront of industry discussions to ensure digital advancements enhance efficiency rather than create new barriers.
Additionally, FIATA reiterated the importance of harmonised global regulations that strike a balance between security requirements and industry feasibility. Recent regulatory shifts have highlighted the dangers of unilateral decisions, reinforcing the need for early engagement between authorities and the private sector. Moving forward, dialogue and cooperation will be key to building a more resilient, adaptable, and future-ready logistics sector.
HACTL underscored the need to look beyond digitalisation and consider 2025 as the year of Robotics. With workforce shortages intensifying, automation and robotics present practical solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce labor constraints, and future-proof operations.
As the industry navigates the road ahead, adaptability, innovation, and collaboration will remain the cornerstones of success.
