Delegates from 13 of the 16 FAPAA member countries wrapped up two days of meetings from 25 – 26 April in Tokyo, hosted by the JapanAircargo Forwarders Association (JAFA).
For the first time the meeting was delimited by a set of legal guidelines drafted as a result of anti-trust actions currently taking place against forwarders and carriers. Key issues discussed by the 37 delegates included changes to IATA’s Air Waybill conditions of contract, progress on IATA’s E-freight initiative and global CASS initiatives and cooperation with other bodies such as FIATA.
In particular the recent changes to the Air Waybill, known as Resolution 600b were discussed, with the delegates saying it was "disappointing" that the redraft did not contain a definition of "carriage" or clarification of their application.
It has been recommended that forwarders include wording, via a separate statement attached to the air waybill, that specifies that the conditions of contract apply to all carriage and not simply airport- to-airport.
Th e new document came into effect on 17 March 2008 with the FAPAA council advising that despite the fact some carriers continued to use the old waybill – for environmental, cost saving or other reasons – the new waybill is legally binding. Security took pride of place at the meeting with extensive presentations on the latest developments in the global security environment, as well as FAPAA’s various involvement with other organisations, including industry bodies and governmental organisations.
A key issue discussed at length was the two different security regimes being established at either end of the Atlantic – the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) scheme in Europe and the 100 per cent scanning requirement in the US.
FAPAA chairman observed that, "Air Cargo operates in the global space and non-harmonised national programs add considerable and unjustified cost." "Having two different approaches presents signifi cant problems for practitioners in the region. With two thirds of world cargo starting somewhere in the region, it’s clear the scope of the problem," added council member Peter McNamara.
A crucial step forward in promoting the views of FAPAA may lie with some form of cooperation with the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines which has expressed interest in working together with FAPAA on the security issue.
Another crucial step forward is the invitation by APEC for FAPAA to make a presentation at an upcoming meeting. Membership of China was also discussed and it was noted that following the recent election in Taiwan relations between the two parties have improved significantly, fuelling optimism that this will help smooth the entry of China into FAPAA.
Agreement in principle was reached by FAPAA members, including Taiwan, for China to become a full member, following further discussions and unspecified "adjustments".
Council member Walter Nahr said the details will be worked out in the coming weeks and months, adding: "Everybody appreciates the importance of both in terms of air cargo in the region. It is in the interest of FAPAA that both are members of the association."