AIR FREIGHT INDUSTRY TOO COMES INTO FOCUS WITH CARGO CONNECT

Cargo Connect returns for the third time in the airshow to bring the cargo and logistics supply chain sector together and pave the way for the cargo industry’s future

To take note of the current status of the cargo industry in this evergrowing digital and connected world and provide a platform to every voice from freight forwarders and airlines, to airports and OEMs, Cargo Connect brings together every aspect and stakeholder in the supply chain that has a part of the development of this industry. As the essential meeting place for the global cargo community, it also facilitates to display international developments in the next generation freight, automation, and digital cargo.

With on the air freight industry, Cargo Connects allowed the cargo industry to discuss global trends, regional challenges and the future of the cargo industry with a key focus on data sharing across both geographical as well as business boundaries. It placed the airlines, airport authorities, port authorities, police, customs, freight forwarders, cargo operators and carriers closely to talk about the important matters surrounding the industry, also giving them an opportunity for a wide range of networking and understanding through many leadership programmes during the event.

Some of the key points in the limelight at this year’s Cargo Connect conference included the effect of automation, artificial intelligence and digitalisation. Speakers like Dennis Lister, Vice President, Cargo Commercial Development, Emirates SkyCargo, were present to deliberate upon the impact of the aforementioned key topics on the future of cargo and freight.

However, there has not been much of news coming out of the show with respect to cargo, contrary to the Paris Air Show held in June where a large amount of activity was witnessed around freighters, particularly the 737-800BCF.

One highlighted announcement was a partnership between Etihad and online cargo booking platform Cargo One, made by Abdulla Mohammed Shadid, Managing Director, Cargo and Logistics, Etihad.