Swiss WorldCargo partners with IATA to further improve service and industry leadership

Swiss WorldCargo partners with IATA to further improve

service and industry leadership

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Swiss WorldCargo is the first airline to partner with IATA's new initiative to deploy key managers to airline headquarters in order to align more with their members and understand their challenges and priorities.

IATA (International Air Transport Association) has launched a new initiative to develop key managers in their cargo team. The organization will be seconding staff to Swiss WorldCargo in a development program to enhance IATA's capabilities in the cargo field and ensure even closer alignment on the key issues facing global cargo. During the placement period, the secondee will be exposed to key management functions including revenue management, tracking and tracing, e-commerce activities, operations, security and network management.

The initiative aims to build on the past success of the association by facilitating dialogue and progress on agreed industry issues and priorities, and to further global cargo agenda items such as e-Freight and Secure Freight. The first secondment took place at Swiss WorldCargo, in Zurich in September 2011.

Oliver Evans, Chief Cargo Officer of Swiss International Air Lines Ltd., said: "We are very supportive of this initiative and honoured to be the first airline to receive one of IATA's cargo managers. An association can only be as good as its members and by welcoming the effort that they put into the dialogue and the preparation of issues. IATA have a very experienced and talented team, and in order for them to achieve the utmost in concert with other industry stakeholders like FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations), GSF (Global Suppliers Forum) or TIACA (The International Air Cargo Association), it is essential that they stay as close to their members as possible.

The timing of the initiative could not be better, as these various associations have come together in the formation of the Global Air Cargo Advisory Group (GACAG), and we collectively have a fantastic window of opportunity to prioritize key issues, give voice to our interests with regulatory authorities, and to truly accelerate progress on a wide front from e-commerce to environment and security.

"This initiative is an important part of IATA's efforts to develop its key talent," said Des Vertannes, IATA Head of Global Cargo. "Our goal is a more reliable, secure, efficient and profitable supply chain through the implementation of industry change programs like e-freight, standard quality performance measures, and relevant standards that support global operations. Better understanding the environment of our members, and the broader supply chain, through first hand experience, is critical to being able to do that effectively," added Vertannes. "We are very pleased to partner with Swiss WorldCargo, a leading cargo carrier, in this first instance. The program will allow both parties to benefit from an exchange of knowledge and perspectives."

About IATA

IATA, the International Air Transport Association, was founded in Havana, Cuba, in April 1945. For over 60 years, IATA has developed the commercial standards that have built a global industry. Today, it represents around 230 airlines comprising 93% of scheduled international air traffic. IATA's mission is to represent, lead and serve the airline industry.