ICAO takes aim at air cargo digitalisation with proposed task force

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The United Nations (UN) organisation’s working paper urges the creation of an Air Cargo Multidisciplinary Digitalisation Task Force to develop a strategy covering the key aspects of economic development, safety, security and sustainability relevant to air cargo.

The paper also proposes that the task force develop a pilot programme using the latest innovations in digital information exchange. 

According to the paper: “Speed is of the essence in air cargo as the customer expects the goods to be picked up from their premises as late as possible and delivered to the consignee as quickly as possible. “However, over time the industry has become marred by significant amounts of avoidable paperwork that became integral to core supply chain processes.”

It added: “Technology can play a pivotal role in making air cargo much more efficient, secure, safe and sustainable. It acts as the common thread across the spectrum of air cargo.”

Quoting research from IATA, the ICAO paper states that an air cargo shipment is accompanied by up to 30 types of documents (invoice, packing list, letter of instruction, master air waybill, house air waybill, manifest, customs declarations, etc.) and depending upon the origin and destination points, more than 100 copies of paper is generated per air cargo shipment.

“Most of the data across these 100+ copies of papers are identical. Hence, there is a great optimization possibility in reducing the paperwork, which will make air cargo not only more environmentally sustainable, but efficient as well.”

It is proposed that the charter of the proposed task force has a strategic plan/road map; explores innovative digital concepts; provides a neutral forum; provides guidelines for the implementation of technology; harmonises cargo-related data requirements; formulates implementable measures to align with UN Sustainable Development Goals; counters counterfeit and illicit trade; monitors air cargo-related developments; and strives towards the goal of ‘global ease of doing business’.

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The proposed paper is due to be discussed at the ICAO triennial assembly next month. An International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) by India has proposed the creation of a task force to help drive efforts to increase digitalisation in air cargo.

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Devender was born in the year when the Beatles Group was formed. He holds two master’s degrees in English Literature and Public Administration. He also has an Honors degree in English Literature and a post-graduate diploma in Corporate Communications and Public Relations. He was closely associated with the Indian State Transport Undertakings and Ministry of Transport in his role as Corporate Communications and PR specialist for over two decades handling domestic and international organizations. He ventured into business forming his own Media House, Profiles Media Network Private Limited which is now a twenty years old company. Excelling as an editor, Marketing, PR, Anchor, and Advertising specialist, he is now expertly navigating the world of social media. A widely traveled professional internationally, Devender has a deep understanding of the Air Cargo, Cargo Business, Cargo Airports, Freighters and Cargo Industry at large.