Welcome to Istanbul

THE International Air Transport Association (IATA) is hosting the World Cargo Symposium (WCS) to Istanbul, Turkey from 25th-27th April. The event will bring together companies across the industry for plenary sessions, workshops and summits, tackling topics including technology and innovation, security and customs, cargo operations and sustainability.

“Air cargo is operating at nearly pre-pandemic levels. But the way it operates has changed dramatically. This is due to a convergence of economic and geo-political forces, continuing priorities on improving sustainability, safety, and reliability, as well as emerging opportunities with new markets, technologies, and digitalisation. This year’s WCS will explore how to keep air cargo profitable while addressing these priorities, challenges, and opportunities,” Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, said ahead of the event.

Discussions

Sessions at the event will cover several crucial aspects of safety, sustainability and digitalisation, covering lithium batteries, ULD and operations, ESG reporting, reducing plastic waste, attracting and retaining talent, e-commerce, air cargo market dynamics digital distribution and booking, and digital cargo and one record.

At the event, speakers will include Ahmet Boat, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Turkish Airlines; Mehmet Tevfik Nane, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Pegasus Airlines; Kendra Kincade, President and CEO, Elevate Aviation, Marco Bloemen, Head of Seabury Cargo, Steve Smith, President and CEO, Airlink; Turhan Open, Chief Cargo Officer, Turkish Airlines.

There will also be a special session on the vital role of air cargo in humanitarian efforts, particularly focusing on recent efforts to deliver aid to Turkey and Syria following the deadly earthquakes in the region.

“Air cargo plays a critical role in delivering aid to those in need. The industry’s recent mobilisation to provide support to the people of Turkey and Syria affected by the tragedy is the latest example. With this year’s WCS being hosted in Turkey, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on the role that air transport plays so that airlines are even better prepared for the next humanitarian crisis,” Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo, said.

Working together

Across the WCS programme, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workshops including: The benefits of competency-based training through IATA’s Competency-Based Training and Assessment Center (CBTA Center); Improving performance on key market segments using IATA Center of Excellence for Independent Validators CEIV programs; How DG AutoCheck, CargoIS, Net Rates and CO2 Connect are assisting the industry in decision making and cargo compliance; An interactive e-Commerce Think Tank to identify how more transparency in e-Commerce would benefit stakeholders; Building the next generation of talent at the Future Air Cargo Executives Summit (FACES).

Networking

Not just an arena for discussions around avoiding challenges and implementing innovative solutions, WCS provides a place for individuals and organisations to meet with leaders throughout the airfreight industry in an inspiring and stimulating environment.

The networking that events, such as WCS offer, is a major draw for individuals in attendance, with Heathrow Airport’s James Golding noting it’s a “super” opportunity that helps lead “to tangible actions to advance the efficiency and sustainability of our industry.”

To facilitate this, WCS will provide attendees with multiple networking sessions in the main exhibition hall, set aside in between talks, to allow for meetings with long-time associates or new connections.