It is a pleasure to welcome you to this year’s IATA World Cargo Symposium in Dubai. The event comes after the air cargo industry demonstrated remarkable resilience and strength in 2024, with demand growing by 11.3% year on year – outpacing passenger demand growth.
E-commerce expansion and disruptions in sea shipping fuelled this growth, with yields remaining significantly above pre-pandemic levels.
As we look to 2025, the industry is set for another 5.8% growth. However, the road ahead is not without challenges — geopolitical uncertainty, inflation, and shifting trade policies all pose potential hurdles.
At this year’s IATA World Cargo Symposium, hosted by Emirates SkyCargo and dnata, we unite the global cargo community to tackle the complexities of modern trade.
This year, our focus is on three critical pillars that are shaping the future of air cargo:
Digitalisation: The role of Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation and data transparency in optimising cargo operations.
Sustainability: Accelerating decarbonisation efforts, reducing waste and implementing circular economy practices.
Risk & Resilience: Strengthening our industry’s ability to adapt to geopolitical shifts and regulatory changes.
The digitalisation track at this year’s World Cargo Symposium will delve into how we can capitalise on e-commerce growth, drive efficiencies through AI, and prepare for the ONE Record adoption deadline in 2026.
The event will explore how digital solutions are adapting to meet this demand and reshape the industry. Executives will open discussions with keynotes on implementing digital strategies.
Meanwhile, the sustainability sessions will showcase innovations in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and supply chain transparency. Reducing paper usage, optimising cargo space and minimising single-use plastics are priorities.
Circularity initiatives – such as recycling Unit Load Devices and increasing the use of reuseable plastic – are critical to reducing air cargo’s environmental footprint.
Risk and resilience discussions will explore the impact of trade policies and geopolitical uncertainty on global cargo flows.
At the event, industry experts will discuss strategies to enhance resilience – from adapting to shifting trade policies and regulatory environments to strengthening supply chain security in an evolving threat landscape.
In addition to thought-provoking panels and keynote sessions, the event also features a range of specialised workshops on future talent development, competency-based training and market performance optimisation.
With collaboration at the core of our industry’s success, these sessions will provide tangible strategies for cargo leaders to drive meaningful change.
Dubai’s world-class logistics infrastructure and strategic position at the crossroads of global trade make it the perfect setting for these crucial discussions.
As we gather at IATA World Cargo Symposium, our shared goal is clear: to shape the future of air cargo by embracing innovation, enhancing efficiency, and building resilience.
The conversations and connections made here will set the trajectory for our industry in the years to come. Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s make this year’s symposium a milestone in driving the future of air cargo forward.
