The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has officially released the conference program for the Air Cargo Forum (ACF) 2025, confirming a robust line-up of sessions, speakers, and networking opportunities at the industry’s premier global gathering. The event is set to take place from November 3–6, 2025, at Yas Island Arena, Abu Dhabi.
This year’s agenda is designed to tackle the most pressing issues shaping the global air cargo industry, ranging from leadership and sustainability to digital transformation, workforce development, and regional infrastructure growth. With participation from senior executives, innovators, and policymakers, ACF 2025 aims to provide practical insights, foster collaboration, and set the direction for the future of logistics.
Program Highlights
- Oasis-Side Chats
- Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer, Etihad Cargo, will share the airline’s vision and Abu Dhabi’s evolution as a global logistics hub.
- Tom Bradley, Director and General Manager, Amazon Air Cargo, will outline the company’s strategic growth plans.
- Industry Leaders Roundtables
- A high-powered dialogue featuring Martin Drew (Atlas Air), Dirk Gooevaerts (Swissport), Wilson Kwong (HACTL), Asok Kumar (Morrison Express), Sanjeev Gadhia (Astral Aviation), and Chris McDermott (CHAMP Cargosystems).
- Digitalization in Air Cargo
- Vitaly Smilianets (Awery Aviation Software), Radhesh Menon (IBS Software), and Antonia Ambrozy (WebCargo by Freightos) will assess technology’s role in driving efficiency and resilience.
- Middle East as a Global Gateway
- Nadia Abdul Aziz (NAFL), Hashim Alshrif (Saudi Cargo), and Steven Polmans (TIACA) will examine regional infrastructure and connectivity.
- Workforce Challenges
- Leaders, including Roos Bakker (ICTS), Moaza Al Falahi (Emirates SkyCargo), and Roland Zistler (Aviation NOW), will discuss strategies to attract and retain talent in a competitive market.
- Aviation Net Zero
- Emma Murray (Meantime Communications), Helene Goury (Air France KLM Cargo), and Noora Al Sharhan (Etihad Cargo), along with other experts, will address the roadmap to achieve net-zero operations by 2050.
- Industry Innovation
- Amar More (Kale Logistics Solutions) and Jessica Panigari (Goods2Load) will explore AI, robotics, automation, and other emerging technologies.
- Industry Trends and Outlook
- Ryan Keyrouse (Rotate) and Marco Bloeman (Aevean) will provide data-driven insights on the future trajectory of the sector.
- E-Commerce
- Sanele Simmons (Mall for Women) and Ed Burek (SmartKargo) will share perspectives on shipper expectations in an increasingly e-commerce-driven supply chain.
Additional sessions and speakers will be announced in the coming weeks, ensuring an evolving program that reflects real-time industry developments.
“This year’s program reflects the breadth and depth of the issues shaping our industry. From digital innovation to workforce development, ACF 2025 will bring the right people into the right conversations at the right time,” said Steven Polmans, TIACA Chair.
The Middle East, and particularly Abu Dhabi, continues to strengthen its position as a strategic logistics hub linking Asia, Europe, and Africa. Its investment in state-of-the-art infrastructure and commitment to innovation make it a fitting backdrop for the 2025 Forum.
“Bringing the Forum to the Middle East offers a unique opportunity to connect global leaders with one of the fastest-growing air cargo ecosystems. We look forward to insightful discussions that will shape the industry’s future,” noted Glyn Hughes, TIACA Director General.
Beyond the Conference: Networking and Experiences
ACF 2025 is also set to feature a range of exclusive experiences designed to foster meaningful connections, including:
- Golf Tournament at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club – A networking opportunity on one of the region’s most scenic championship courses.
- Welcome Reception at Del Mar Beach Club – An evening of seaside networking to open the Forum.
- Connecting Cargo Reception at Ferrari World – A unique opportunity to blend industry dialogue with the thrill of a world-class attraction.
Exhibition and sponsorship opportunities remain open, with premium spaces available for companies looking to showcase their brand, innovation, and expertise to a global audience.
