Approaching this process must be based on knowledge, advice and guidance which looks into the future rather than dwelling in the past. Traditional rules of thumb or assumptions must be replaced with forward looking scenario-based plans whether it is discussions re the airlines choices in products that are wanted by ultimate customers, the design of a cargo terminal or warehouses to facilitate that, the introduction of new processes needed in the air or on the ground, or the training of new and existing team members. This is especially true in awarding contracts or choosing service providers for designing cargo terminals, where an approved plan when translated into a facility will likely be in existence for decades.

In the air cargo logistics market,  the product portfolios that airlines and airports want and deserve to be capable of, means all relevant stakeholders must evolve to deliver.  This is critically important on the ground at airports where any handling entity or sub-contractor must be fully and accurately involved, informed and advised. The advice and collaboration objectives received and decisions reached will start a process, which by experience must not be rushed.

Incorrect advice and assumptions which ultimately result in decisions re facility concepts of operations (Conops) and warehouse and ground handling designs and processes established will affect Air Cargo operations for decades to come.  This cannot be underestimated re the impact on any air carrier’s cargo marketing success in Air Logistics products they wish to introduce.  If all stakeholders are ill advised and not focused success will never be achieved.

TIACA is the right platform, where efficient, safe and secure air logistics capabilities are discussed and the evolving processes of airlines, airports and all stakeholders of the industry are championed. This attracts key air logistics stakeholders to debate and discuss and most importantly learn through dialogue why the need is there to introduce the innovative air freight products that optimise services across the board. The indirect and induced benefits of this evolution includes expanded economic development, profitable services, customer satisfaction and increased employment opportunities in key positions.

TIACA is that platform, where efficient air logistics capabilities are championed which are mandatory to attract key industries to utilise air freight products offered and spur economic development, employment in key positions, and ensure all the while a safe and secure airline, airport and all stakeholders eco systems.

For a scheduled airlines, airports, air cargo ground handling and ramp operations the following must be taken into consideration as we adapt to new realities as an industry:

• Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCO) or shippers and consignees demands and expectations on import/export traffic are based on the heightened awareness of the need for speed, transparency, quality, compliance and most of all a safe and secure environment.
• Scheduled air carriers must adjust their product portfolios to accommodate these heightened expectations and airports and ground/ramp processes must also be fit for purpose. Through dialogue TIACA will always continue to address this.
• Heightened need for speed and logistics products that accommodate this mean transit, customs, safety and security processes must be fine-tuned to allow cargo in transit with, if possible, the same efficiency as transit passenger baggage. Digitalization, end to end transparency effects on the hub and import and export traffic cannot be underestimated. Much is said re this but many do not recognise how, for TIACA members, embracing collaborative digital solutions such as Cargo Community Systems on airports result in tangible benefits and profitability, data needed to plan future needs, staff planning and retention and most of all customer satisfaction.
• The next decade will see the rapid introduction of Advanced Air Mobility platforms i.e. Drones, e-ctol and e-vtol technology which require new and completely different process, procedures and facilitation standards on the ground and by local authorities. TIACA must take a leading role in analysis and the changes required in this technology for Advanced Air Mobility. There will be more forthcoming on this in subsequent messages.

Last but not least, we welcomed Mammen to the team this month and that plus other issues affecting air logistics it’s been an exciting summer so far. Together with Mammen and the TIACA board we look forward in how we can best serve you, our cherished members. I hope these memos are useful in how we see the work ahead and we are really looking forward to discussing all in person in Miami at our ACF!