By Staff Reporter
Dubai Kicks Off 18th Edition of World Cargo Symposium
The 18th World Cargo Symposium kicked off today in Dubai under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.
Organised by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the event runs from 15 to 17 April, drawing global industry leaders to discuss the future of air cargo.
Opening the forum, UAE Minister of Economy Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri highlighted the sector’s dual reality: robust growth driven by e-commerce and logistics demand, alongside mounting challenges including geopolitical risks, regulatory pressures, and sustainability concerns.
Al Marri reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to decarbonisation, spotlighting a national plan to produce 700 million litres of sustainable aviation fuel annually by 2030. He also underscored the vital role of digital transformation, citing AI, predictive analytics, and integrated logistics as key to operational efficiency and compliance.
Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo, stressed air cargo’s critical role in global trade, humanitarian response, and e-commerce. He called for enhanced focus on safety, security, and sustainability, urging governments to support international frameworks and adopt harmonised, risk-based security measures.
Sullivan warned against fragmented responses to threats, noting recent security incidents involving concealed incendiary devices. IATA reiterated its call for better intelligence sharing and compliance with international obligations under ICAO’s Annex 17 and 18.
While progress is underway in carbon reduction, IATA flagged the urgent need to scale up sustainable fuel production and cut costs. The association also cautioned against trade barriers, emphasizing their adverse impact on global prosperity.
The symposium continues to serve as a critical platform for shaping the air cargo industry’s next phase amid shifting global dynamics.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
