Association of associations forms to represent air cargo to regulators

THE International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), and the Global Shippers' Forum (GSF) have signed a letter of intent to form an industry advisory group.

The group, to be facilitated by TIACA, will be tasked with ensuring that the air cargo industry has a "strong, unified voice in dealings with worldwide regulatory authorities and other bodies whose decisions directly impact on air cargo," a joint statement said.

"The agreement commits TIACA, GSF, FIATA and IATA to work together to look at their current positions on issues such as security, customs, e-commerce, and the environment and to try to find common ground to best protect and promote the interests of the air cargo industry, the organisations and customers.

"The review will also look at the associations' respective resources committed to industry affairs and consider how to make the most effective use of the existing and growing relationships TIACA, GSF, FIATA and IATA have with relevant government departments and other regulatory bodies.

The associations will also discuss the involvement of other global industry groups in the air cargo supply chain and seek the support of bodies such as the World Customs Organisation (WCO), it said.

Michael Steen, the vice chairman of TIACA said: "Collectively we represent the most powerful grouping of all parties involved in the air cargo supply chain. We all share a common goal to protect our members against costly and sometimes unnecessary changes in legislation and to have a practical input into any future regulatory challenges before they become mandatory. We also want to have the strongest possible voice when it comes to highlighting to policy makers the vital role air cargo plays in world trade, in employment, in consumer choice and in the growth of developing markets."

Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's director general and CEO, said: "A strong and unified industry voice with the Global Shippers' Forum is a step in the right direction. IATA looks forwards to working with FIATA, GSF and TIACA to make it an effective industry tool.

"But we cannot be successful without an effective regulatory environment. We have been proactive in representing the airline industry and we would have a great deal to offer to a wider group representing the interests of the entire air cargo supply chain and customers."

Representatives of IATA, GSF, FIATA and TIACA will begin meetings after the 25th International Air Cargo Forum & Exposition.
(Source:www.schednet.com)