IATA reveals key themes for the 2025 World Cargo Symposium

Being held in Dubai this April

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has unveiled the key themes for the 2025 World Cargo Symposium (WCS), which will focus on digitalisation, sustainability, and safety/security.

These critical issues are poised to shape the future of the global air cargo industry as it navigates a range of rapidly evolving challenges, including shifting geopolitical landscapes and technological advancements.

The 2025 WCS will be held from April 15 to 17 at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This is the second time the Arabian Gulf city has hosted the event since 2017.

Emirates SkyCargo and dnata will jointly host the event, underscoring Dubai’s key role in the global air cargo sector. Dubai’s strategic location and world-class logistics infrastructure make it an ideal venue for the symposium, which will bring together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders worldwide to discuss the future of the air cargo sector.

The 2025 WCS will feature speakers and participants from across the air cargo sector, including Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo, and Andres Bianchi, CEO of Latam Cargo and Chair of the IATA Cargo Advisory Council.

Other notable figures who will speak at the event include Gabriela Hiitola, Senior Vice President of Finnair Cargo; Ludwig Hausmann, Senior Partner and Leader of the Logistics Sector in Europe at McKinsey & Company; and Tom Owen, Director of Cargo at Cathay Cargo.

The event will include plenary sessions, specialised tracks, workshops, and executive summits, addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the air cargo industry today. Key topics will include the role of digitalisation in driving the future of air cargo, strategies for sustainability, and how the industry can adapt to the risks and challenges posed by geopolitical uncertainty.

Digitalisation track

The event’s digitalisation track will explore how innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming the air cargo sector. With technological advancements advancing at an unprecedented pace, there is a growing focus on how digital tools and platforms can enhance operational efficiency, streamline processes, and improve decision-making across the industry. This track will highlight the increasing role of AI in cargo handling and the potential for automation to reduce costs and improve safety.

Sustainability track

The sustainability track will focus on how the air cargo sector can contribute to the global effort to combat climate change. Discussions will cover strategies for decarbonisation, reducing the environmental impact of operations, and improving environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting across the sector.

In particular, the growing need to reduce single-use plastics and minimise emissions will be central to these conversations, helping air cargo companies make meaningful progress toward meeting their sustainability goals.

Another key focus will be the resilience of the air cargo sector in the face of geopolitical uncertainty. As political tensions and trade disputes continue to impact global supply chains, the symposium will explore how the air cargo industry can navigate these challenges and incorporate resilience into its operations. Regulatory shifts, trade policies, and disruptions to supply chains will be explored in depth, emphasising how businesses can adapt to maintain service continuity.

Future Air Cargo Executives Summit

In addition to the main sessions, the 2025 WCS will feature a series of workshops designed to address specific industry needs. One of the highlights will be the Future Air Cargo Executives Summit (FACES), which will focus on building the next generation of talent for the air cargo industry.

Other workshops will cover topics such as competency-based training, IATA’s CEIV programs (aimed at enhancing safety and compliance in key market segments), and e-commerce, examining how improved collaboration between e-retailers and cargo operators can enhance efficiency.

The event will also feature a forum dedicated to Unit Load Devices (ULDs), focusing on how these essential components of air cargo logistics can be enhanced to support sustainability efforts and facilitate data collection for environmental reporting.

Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, highlighted the extraordinary resilience the air cargo sector demonstrated in recent years. He pointed to the industry’s impressive performance in 2024, when more cargo was transported by air than ever before, despite the ongoing impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, Walsh noted that the pace of change in the industry is accelerating, driven by new technologies, evolving risks, and shifting customer demands.

Walsh said, “Air cargo has demonstrated its resilience in adapting to the post-pandemic world.” In 2024, more cargo was transported by air than ever before. But the world is moving even faster with technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, evolving risks, and changing customer needs.

“At WCS in Dubai, we’ll collectively take stock of what’s next for air cargo, focusing on digitalisation, sustainability, safety/security, and e-commerce. The growing demand for air cargo underscores its critical role.”

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President at Emirates SkyCargo, noted that the UAE’s central location and the strength of its logistics infrastructure will make the 2025 WCS a critical opportunity for the industry to come together and align on future strategies.

“With its strategic location and world-class logistics infrastructure, Dubai is a natural choice for the 2025 IATA World Cargo Symposium,” Abbas said.

“As this year’s host airline, Emirates SkyCargo is set to showcase its expanding capabilities and commitment to driving efficiency, innovation, and connectivity across the air cargo industry. The symposium will be a key platform to shape the future of air cargo and align on the best strategies for growth.”

Clive Sauvé-Hopkins, CEO of dnata’s Airport Operations, echoed Abbas’ sentiments, emphasising the event’s significance in the ongoing transformation in the air cargo sector. He noted that the upcoming event will offer a unique opportunity for stakeholders to explore solutions that would enhance operational efficiency and environmental sustainability, two areas of increasing importance for the industry.

“We are proud to welcome industry leaders to Dubai, home to our first and largest operations, at a time of incredible growth and transformation in the cargo sector,” said Sauvé-Hopkins.

“With safety, innovation and sustainability at the core of our business, the IATA World Cargo Symposium offers an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and explore new solutions. We look forward to connecting with our partners and stakeholders to enhance operational and environmental efficiency and drive meaningful progress across the industry.”

With digitalisation, sustainability, and safety at the forefront of discussions, the 2025 WCS will provide invaluable insights into the path forward for an industry that plays a crucial role in global trade and commerce.

The IATA represents 340 airlines, which comprise over 80% of global air traffic.

Hero image: 2025 WCS will focus on how the air cargo sector can contribute to the global effort to combat climate change. Credit: Ethan Nguyen