Events/ IATA

Driving ONE Record Adoption: Air Cargo Charts the Course at IATA WCS

With the clock ticking toward the industry-wide implementation date of January 1, 2026, the air cargo sector is rallying behind a new data-sharing standard that promises to revolutionize the way information moves across the supply chain.

At the recent IATA World Cargo Symposium (WCS), experts and executives emphasized that change management—not technology—will be the greatest hurdle to adopting ONE Record, a digital standard designed to replace legacy systems like XML.

Developed by IATA, ONE Record introduces a common data model, API specification, and robust security features, aiming to enable seamless integration and real-time data exchange among stakeholders in the air cargo chain.

“The technical foundation has been tested and proven,” said Janet Wallace, Managing Director of Cargo Operations and Transformation at Air Canada. “Now comes the hard part—bringing the industry along with us.”

Wallace highlighted the need for proactive collaboration with customers and partners: “We need to spend the remaining months getting close to the customer and help lead them through how this is going to work, because it is going to make many things much better.”

The benefits, she noted, include faster cargo processing and enhanced transparency throughout the journey.

Charles Marrale, CEO of digital freight forwarder Exfreight, echoed the sentiment. “We need to sell the benefits to the customer,” he said. “Eliminating documents speeds things up—and that’s the core value proposition.”

But Marrale also pointed to a gap in guidance: “We still need airlines to clearly outline what’s required—who’s transferring what data, when, and how. The deadline is coming fast, and the industry needs direction.”

Jan-Wilhelm Breithaupt, CEO of Jettainer, emphasized the unique capabilities of ONE Record, particularly its ability to manage data at the piece and parcel level.

“This could be one of the key use cases,” he said. “When shippers can attach data at every level—from individual pieces to house and master air waybills—you can clearly demonstrate how each player in the supply chain benefits.”

As the industry enters the final stretch before implementation, a united front is emerging: ONE Record isn’t just a technical upgrade—it’s a transformational leap for air cargo. But for it to succeed, the message is clear—engage the industry, empower the customer, and communicate the vision.

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