Cross industry collaborations – a new normal

 Cross industry collaborations – a new normal

The pandemic demonstrated the value of meaningful collaborative partnerships as common objectives emerged which united all parties within the supply chain and various industry associations. Building community and aligning air cargo stakeholders to a common vision is by no means an easy feat. It requires buy-in from within each organisation to transit from legacy processes and relationships, and time to build trust and deliver value.  Nevertheless, the air cargo industry is beginning to see the benefits of community collaboration in this increasingly dynamic business environment.

After the Covid-19 pandemic struck, air cargo became more than ever a key part of civil aviation, as well as of the broader global supply chain. Following the announcement of a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) issued targeted recommendations and guidance for aviation authorities, including the importance of coordinating with all relevant stakeholders. Further, ICAO collaborated with stakeholders such as the Universal Postal Union to encourage states to ensure the financial stability of air and postal operators while also recognising the essential nature of their work.

Commenting on the partnership with International Air Transport Association (IATA), Fédération Internationale des Associations de Transitaires et Assimilés (FIATA), and The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), ICAO’s air transport officer for air cargo, Cortney Robinson, says that the strengthened collaboration with these associations, as well as with various associations has played an important role in the sector’s pandemic response. “Today, common priorities have gained urgency yet some extend beyond it. Promoting the establishment of 7th freedom traffic rights for all-cargo operations - the most salient feature of ICAO Council Aviation Recovery Task Force (CART). In the current context, with the ongoing capacity shortages, efficiencies resulting from digitalisation have become a necessity for the transport of critical goods, including pharmaceutical deliveries.  In addition, cross-border restrictions have resulted in a massive growth of ecommerce activities, which increasingly rely on safe, secure, efficient and resilient air cargo services; and finally ensuring the safe transport of Covid-19 vaccines and other medical goods.”