Lionel van der Walt, Global Chief Commercial Officer, and the PayCargo team on the half shell during International Air Transport Association IATA’s 2021 World Cargo Symposium (WCS) in Dublin, Ireland, an event mostly attended by northern Europeans. Team met with FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations Director General Dr. Stephane Graber as new exclusive online payment platform for FIATA members, called Freight-Pay rolls out worldwide.
     In the picture (l to r) Stéphane Graber, FIATA Director General, Lionel van der Walt, PayCargo LLC Global Chief Commercial Officer, Brandon Fried, The Airforwarders Association Executive Director (taking notes?), Michael White, PayCargo LLC Board Member.
Here Brandon, the intrepid President of the U.S.-based The Airforwarders Association reflects on (IATA) World Cargo Symposium (WCS).
     “IATA rolled out the red carpet for the air cargo community in this quaint city with some of the most friendly local people and best tasting Guinness stout in the world.
     “There is no doubt that the international border restrictions have adversely impacted the airline industry (international travel dropped 78) and IATA wants countries to reopen immediately for all travelers so that air capacity is restored and we can get back to business as usual. IATA Chief Willie Walsh said that industry was too soft on governments early on which resulted in harsh travel restrictions which must now end.
     “By the way, we can expect favorable change at IATA under Willie Walsh. He's the man for a promising future and we expect great things from him.
     “As the air cargo industry enters the post-pandemic world, IATA is calling for more digitalization (e-airwaybill penetration is over 60% with room for improvement), an eye on environmental sustainability (airlines recently resolved to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050) and an increased vigilance on dangerous goods, especially in the transportation of lithium batteries.
     “The goal of increased automation is certainly laudable and the Airforwarders Association continues to urge its members that increased investments in technology will yield tremendous returns in efficiency and customer satisfaction. In fact, forwarders are not technological neanderthals and most continue to purchase and use automation daily for airline bookings and customer transactions. Forwarders are investing in our future to meet the complex challenges and informational needs ahead.
     “The biggest takeaway from this conference is that our industry must focus more on the lithium battery threat to avoid catastrophe caused by thermal runaway fires.
     “IATA just initiated its Lithium Battery Certification Program which should go a long way in creating awareness, detection and vigilance throughout the air cargo industry. That said, governments need to increase efforts to enforce stricter manufacturing and packaging standards of these batteries while punishing those who evade the rules. IATA is calling for increased regulation in this important area to protect the airline industry.
     “Overall, this was a worthwhile event and I look forward to others in the future.”