Unmanned Cargo Aircraft Heads Agenda at TIACA Freight and Logistics Summit

US – WORLDWIDE – One of the most exciting, and to some worrying, subjects occupying those in the logistics supply chain is autonomous transport, and air freight carried in dedicated, unmanned cargo aircraft certainly presents one of the most controversial examples. In October this very subject will be a key talking point at The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) 2017 Executive Summit 'Future Proofing Air Cargo', in Miami, Florida between October 18 - 20.

Many people are ignorant of the fact that many aircraft movements, including take offs and landings are already computer controlled to a greater or lesser extent. The key factor is of course always that there is considered to be a responsible human crew in place in the cockpit. Tragically it is often this very factor that leads to disaster. The discussions in Florida will include comments from such as Dr Hans Heerkens, Chairman, Platform Unmanned Cargo Aircraft (PUCA).

This of course will be only one subject considered, with digitisation of the industry, the potential of e-commerce across the sector and Latin America particularly also high on the agenda. For the first time, the Executive Summit will welcome the voice of the maritime industry, with Troels Støvring, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of start-up freight platform Twill Logistics, a part of Damco International, sharing his experiences from the sector, plus the voices of Zvi Schreiber, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Freightos, and Tim Strauss, the new Vice President, Cargo, for Air Canada, leading the debate on innovation. Vladimir Zubkov, Secretary General, TIACA comments:

“TIACA is the only organization to represent all segments of the global air cargo supply chain and our Executive Summit provides a platform for air freight leaders to explore the topics affecting us all and find new ways to run slicker businesses. This year’s event will see us welcome innovators from across our industry, and beyond, to give their insight on how we can make the most of the exciting opportunities available and overcome the challenges we face. TIACA will also explore new ways of supporting the industry, including with consultancy services.”

Regulators involved in the development of new security legislation, including Asha Menon, World Customs Organization (WCO), Sylvain Lefoyer, from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and Justin Jedlinski, Transport Canada, will bring delegates up-to-date on the latest regulations and give the industry an opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns. The value that Airport Communities can bring to all stakeholders in the supply chain will be discussed in a panel chaired by Steven Polmans, Head of Cargo and Logistics, Brussels Airport Company whilst the Executive Summit will also provide a platform for the announcement of ground-breaking initiatives developed this year by the Air Cargo Community.

A new initiative to launch shipper quality Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), developed by Cargo iQ and the Global Shippers’ Forum (GSF), working with TIACA’s Shippers’ Advisory Council, will also be announced at the summit and other topics to be covered in the workshop and seminar program include innovation and trends in Pharma air cargo, updates on lithium battery regulations, and challenges and opportunities across the Latin American market.

Sanjiv Edward, TIACA Chairman and Head of Cargo Business, Delhi International Airport, will chair a session launching a TIACA initiative to create a Cargo Service Quality tool that will initially measure service levels at Airports and Cargo terminals commenting:

“Airports and Cargo terminals form a vital link in the supply chain and these initiatives will help bring efficiency to the supply chain as well as empowering the shipper community,”

Registration is now open for the three-day Summit, which brings together air cargo supply chain decision makers to network and learn from the experts offering attendees opportunities to network, grow new business, and learn from the experts during a series of panel discussions and workshops, at the Turnberry Isle Resort & Golf Club.

TIACA is teaming up with the Supply Chain Americas (SCA) conference for the Executive Summit week. SCA is attended by a range of Shippers including the likes of Black+Decker, Walmart, and Yahoo and sponsorship opportunities are still available for the Executive Summit as well as the Hall of Fame, taking place on 18 October.

To register for the event, visit tiacasummit.org or for more information on attending or sponsoring, contact Warren Jones, TIACA Executive Director, at wjones@tiaca.org, or call +1 (786) 265 7011.

Photo: A scene from last year’s event.