The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on governments to further support the safe carriage of lithium batteries by developing and implementing global standards for screening, fire-testing, and incident information sharing. As with many products shipped by air, effective standards, globally implemented, are needed to ensure safety. The challenge is the rapid increase in global demand for lithium batteries (the market is growing 30 percent annually) bringing many new shippers … [Read more...] about IATA urges more attention on lithium battery shipments
Regulators
IATA’s new North Asia head returns to Beijing
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has elected Dr. Xie Xingquan as its Regional Vice President for North Asia effective 15 June. Xingquan, who has been with IATA since 2011, was most recently the association’s Assistant Director, Legal, based in Montreal. He will now relocate to the regional office in Beijing to oversee the group's activities across North Asia, where it has 40 member airlines. Dr. Xie has held various appointments in China, Canada and Singapore throughout … [Read more...] about IATA’s new North Asia head returns to Beijing
Dronamics gears up for commercial with operational license
Cargo drone developer and operator DRONAMICS last week obtained the EU’s Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC), becoming the first cargo drone company to achieve such a feat. The license, granted by the Transport Malta Civil Aviation Directorate (TM-CAD), the country’s Civil Aviation Authority, is recognised in all EU member states and allows operations in accordance with European Regulation (EU). Dronamics said the LUC is the highest authorisation currently achievable under European drone … [Read more...] about Dronamics gears up for commercial with operational license
EU to halt cargo-in-cabin flights from August
Cargo-in-cabin flights beyond 31 July are set to cease across the Europe Union, according to a recent announcement from the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The agency has determined that the exemptions delivered in this context will not be extended from August of this year. The same applies for existing approvals that have been granted based on the use of the deviation on transportation of cargo in passengers compartments. These new rules also apply to ‘any certification projects for which … [Read more...] about EU to halt cargo-in-cabin flights from August
China Eastern to host IATA’s AGM in Shanghai next year
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that China Eastern Airlines will host the 78th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, on 19-21 June 2022. This will be the third time China will host the global gathering of aviation's top leaders. The AGM was previously held in Beijing in 2012 and in Shanghai in 2002. “We look forward to gathering the aviation industry in Shanghai for the 78th IATA AGM. China is … [Read more...] about China Eastern to host IATA’s AGM in Shanghai next year
Real talk with TIACA’s Steven Polmans
For an air cargo professional like Steven Polmans, there’s no such thing as a typical day. Between juggling his customer chief job at Nallian and his commitments as chairman of industry group The International Air Cargo Association or TIACA, Steven thrives in having different roles and responsibilities, one that he has learned to manage through years of experience. In a brief interview, Steven shares his view on new technologies, where the industry is headed, and the role TIACA is looking to … [Read more...] about Real talk with TIACA’s Steven Polmans