Keynote Sessions and Industry Insights Await at IATA WCS 2024
IATA’s 2024 World Cargo Symposium (WCS) will once again focus on the three core subjects of digitalisation, safety and sustainability.
Alongside keynote sessions, IATA’s global head of cargo Brendan Sullivan will take a look back at how the cargo industry fared in 2023, and IATA’s senior vice president, while looking ahead, chief economist Marie Owens Thomsen will deliver an economic outlook.
There will also be sessions focusing on air cargo market dynamics and what is influencing the sector, as well as air cargo talent, e-commerce and digital transformation.
To end the day there will be a round-up of the finalists in the “Face Up” air cargo career competition.
On Wednesday March 13, IATA WCS will divide into separate digitalisation, sustainability and safety & security streams.
The digitalisation stream will include several keynotes, including insight on how Cathay Pacific Cargo has integrated digitalisation within its operating structure.
There will also be a panel discussion with industry experts on the adoption of ONE Record, a session on digitalisation’s role in enhancing animal welfare during transport, and a look at how data is enhancing planning and efficiency in the logistics sector.
Additionally, there will be a session on the importance of digital standards and a panel discussion on the impact of Generative AI on the air cargo industry.
Within the sustainability stream, delegates will have the chance to learn about the latest climate adaption strategies for air cargo and the industry’s road to net zero emissions, and listen to a panel discussion on measuring, managing and reducing CO2 emissions in air cargo.
The sustainability stream will also review sustainability practices in operations and how to make ULDs part of the circular economy.
Additional topics will include building talent pipelines and reducing loss in perishable airfreight shipments.
Meanwhile, in the safety & security stream, delegates will be able to learn about applying fire containment characteristics of FRC/FCC in safety risk assessment and risk mitigation strategies, ULD repair, and standards and regulations around safely transporting animals.
There will also be a session on the relationship between safety & security and how this is evolving.
On Monday 11, IATA WCS will also offer the Future Air Carg0 Executive Summit (FACES), the IATA Cargo Solutions Workshop, a Certification workshop, the CBTA Center Conference, and a focus session on Cargo Billing and Settlement Solution (Beyond CASSLink).
Thursday March 14 will encompass an e-commerce forum, ONE Record training and the Closing Plenary of the WCS.
“The WCS 2024 will continue offering plenary sessions, specialized streams, workshops, and executive summits, tackling aspects related to technology, innovation, security, customs, cargo operations, and sustainability,” said IATA.
The 2023 edition brought 1,250 delegates to Istanbul, Türkiye.
