There have undoubtedly been many events endlessly ballyhooed in your e-mails recently.
      But, dear reader, take this one to heart.
      FlyingTypers endorses only one event as a must-attend this autumn in the U.S.
      Sign up now and don’t miss out on the CNS initiative meeting as USACIA returns for Part Deux on September 6, 2017.

Inside Story

      At the beginning of 2016, CNS’s new (sleeves rolled up) President Lionel van der Walt identified a need for the industry to do more in terms of educating government and the general public about the tremendous value the air cargo industry delivers in the United States.
      He emphasized that these benefits should be at the forefront of all decisions, at all levels, across partner government agencies.
      Lionel also stressed the need for more unity across the various associations and organization working to promote the industry.
      As Lionel told FT:
      “Bringing folks together for the greater good led to a vision of a new industry forum where the major associations come together in Washington, D.C., to meet with government and discuss the relevance and future of the industry.
      “The end result was the first ever U.S. Air Cargo Industry Affairs (USACIA) Summit that was hosted in Washington, D.C., in 2016, led by CNS in collaboration with the following eight partners: Airforwarders Association (AFA), Airlines for America (A4A), Cargo Airline Association (CAA), Express Association of America (EAA), Express Delivery & Logistics Association (XLA), International Air Transport Association (IATA), National Customs Broker and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA), and The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA).”

Hey, Friend Do It Again

      Lionel notes that based on the success of last year’s event, CNS has made a decision to host the 2nd U.S. USACIA Summit in Washington, D.C., on September 6th, 2017. He also notes that they have a new partner, JONES DAY, and that the summit will be hosted at the JONES DAY Washington, D.C., office this year, a most appropriate venue considering the important role the law firm plays in aviation and its proximity to Capitol Hill.

Rave Review For ACIA

       http://www.aircargonews.com/1116/110216/Did-USACIA-Work.html

A Clear & Present Danger

      Lionel notes:
      “The summit has been designed to bring executive-level air cargo professionals together with government leaders in order to discuss the industry’s priorities, needs, and expectations as well as to better understand government’s point of view.
      “This includes discussions on current and planned government projects, systems, and policy changes that impact the air cargo industry.”
      Mr. Van Der Walt insists “that as a high-level executive meeting, attendance is restricted to 160 of the industry’s most influential thought leaders, heads of the government agencies that impact on our business, and key decision makers from Capitol Hill.”

Not Your Same Old Trade Event

      “This is not just another networking event; this is the industry’s voice in Washington, D.C., and it is essential that the most is made of this important opportunity to discuss our priorities and influence government thinking.

The Air Cargo Proposition

      As noted by IATA, the value of international trade shipped by air in 2017 is forecasted to reach USD $5.5 trillion, representing less than 1 percent of world trade by volume, but over 35 percent by value.
      That is equivalent to USD $18.6 billion worth of goods every day.
      Brian Clancy, Managing Director at Logistics, Capital and Strategy, notes that in the United States, air cargo transported over USD $1.7 trillion worth of goods, approximately 39 percent of U.S. trade by value, and supported 21 million jobs in 2015. 
      “We think that it is also important to note the link between air cargo and trade,” Lionel said.
      A recent study on the value of air cargo by IATA elucidates that a 1 percent increase in air cargo connectivity is associated with a 6.3 percent increase in total exports and imports. “Without a doubt, airfreight is a major contributor to global economic development.”

Here's The Pitch

      Lionel’s quick take as to why you need to attend this event, dear reader, is that “air cargo should be considered a silent force for good that has a tremendously positive—yet hidden—impact on each and every one of our lives.”
      Lionel says that is “why we are bringing value chain stakeholders together, to collectively raise awareness in Washington, D.C., of the vital role air cargo plays in facilitating trade and economic wellbeing and to discuss the future of the sector.”

Where Cargo Reaches The Ruling Class

      Our key objective is to establish a better understanding of the air cargo industry in Washington, D.C., and to highlight the importance of and economic benefits associated with the sector. Topics to be discussed will include infrastructure constraints, eCommerce, undeclared dangerous goods, potential impacts of the recent Administration change, regulatory impacts on security, customs, and trade, as well as the importance of the air cargo value chain as a facilitator of trade and employment in the United States. The detailed agenda can be viewed here: https://events.bizzabo.com/204890

More Collaboration

      Lionel reminds us that as mentioned earlier, CNS is once again coordinating this important industry summit in collaboration with the following partners: Airforwarders Association (AFA), Airlines for America (A4A), Cargo Airline Association (CAA), Express Association of America (EAA), Express Delivery & Logistics Association (XLA), International Air Transport Association (IATA), National Customs Broker and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA),, and The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) plus the addition of the following two new important collaboration partners for this year’s event: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA).
      “Presenting a strong, unified voice is vital to ensure that our industry concerns are heard in Washington,” Lionel insists.
      He is adamant that such collaboration adds much value at the event, and is unique to the USACIA Summit.

An Invitation To Get Involved

      Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make your voice heard in Washington, D.C.
      Anyone interested in attending and or sponsoring the event should please reach out to Walesa Tejeda at Wtejeda@cnsc.us.
      Complete conference information, including the agenda and details on registration, may be found at the conference webpage: https://events.bizzabo.com/204890
Geoffrey