The inaugural Global Air Cargo Summit, hosted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), wrapped up last week in Antalya, Türkiye.
Representatives from 80 countries gathered to discuss ways to streamline air cargo operations, embrace digital solutions, and reduce emissions.
With over 600 attendees, the three-day event fostered collaboration among regulators, airlines, airports, freight forwarders, customs authorities, and international organizations.
Organized by the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation and sponsored by MNG Airlines, the Summit set the stage for a transformative future in air cargo.
The Importance of Air Cargo
Air cargo plays a vital role in global trade. Though it accounts for just 0.5% of international trade by volume, it represents over one-third of the total value of shipped goods.
Companies rely on air transport for its speed and reliability, especially for high-value items. ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar emphasized this in his keynote address, noting, “Air cargo is the top choice for transporting high-value goods.”
Looking ahead, ICAO predicts air freight volumes will grow by 3.2% annually from 2024 to 2050. To support this growth, Salazar called for modernizing economic regulations and removing barriers that hinder air cargo operators. These changes aim to boost global trade while ensuring efficiency and sustainability.
Key Discussions and Themes
The Summit featured sessions on critical topics like market access, e-commerce, infrastructure, automation, and sustainability.
Participants explored how digitalization can improve transparency, efficiency, and security across the supply chain. They also stressed the need for harmonized regulations to align security standards and customs processes.
Sustainability emerged as a top priority. Stakeholders discussed strategies to reduce the industry’s environmental footprint while meeting rising demand.
The safe transport of dangerous goods and the potential of unmanned aircraft for cargo delivery were also key focus areas. Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, when air cargo delivered critical medical supplies, underscored its role as a global lifeline.
World Customs Organization Secretary General Ian Saunders highlighted the importance of collaboration between aviation and customs authorities.
He noted, “Security, resilience, and efficiency in air cargo are essential to the global economy, especially as trade volumes and consumer expectations grow.”
MNG Airlines’ Commitment
A standout moment was MNG Airlines’ pledge to support ICAO’s initiatives. During a special ceremony, CEO Ali Sedat Özkazanç committed significant financial resources to sustainable aviation, capacity building, and support for resource-constrained countries.
This aligns with ICAO’s No Country Left Behind initiative. Özkazanç stated, “This is more than a donation. It’s a sign of our lasting commitment to ICAO’s vision.”
This pledge reflects the air cargo industry’s dedication to a sustainable and inclusive future. It also sets an example for other organizations to contribute to global aviation goals.
Looking Ahead
In her closing remarks, ICAO Air Navigation Bureau Director Michele Merkle emphasized the industry’s broader impact. “The pandemic showed us that air cargo is a lifeline in crises. Beyond that, it drives economic development, trade, and social progress,” she said.
The Summit’s outcomes will shape discussions at the upcoming ICAO Assembly in Montréal, where 193 Member States will address the future of civil aviation.
Stakeholders left the event with a renewed commitment to international cooperation, aiming to ensure air cargo continues to fuel global trade while advancing environmental goals.
The first Global Air Cargo Summit was an important gathering for the industry. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, it laid the groundwork for innovation, sustainability, and efficiency in air cargo operations.
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