#INTHEAIREVERYWHERE
Wednesday
March 13,
2024
| |
|
#INTHEAIREVERYWHERE |
|
| Vol. 23 No. 12 | Wednesday
March 13,
2024 |
|
|
||
|
Think Tank IATA WCS |
One of the highlights of any really fine conference aside from networking and sessions, (and if you’re really lucky this week at IATA WCS Hong Kong a bit of local color experience to remember this jewel of a destination) are the ideas and friends; and maybe one or two new ideas that will endure, that you pick up along the way. One cogent observation and there were many (with a final count of 1920 delegates) at this event, came from Tom Owen, Director Cargo, who, noted growth of “e-commerce, represents a special opportunity for Hong Kong given its proximity to the gigantic Pearl River Delta manufacturing hub of southern China.” Tuesday March 12 as IATA World Cargo Symposium got underway at Hong Kong Expo Center attendance was on everyone’s mind. At “The Roundtable” were Willie Walsh, Director General IATA, Michael Steen CEO Atlas Worldwide, Vivien Lau, CEO Jardine Aviation Services, Kirsten de Bruijn EVP CargoJet. Here is some brief takeaway from that session: Michael Steen: Air Cargo needs to get greater engagement with legislators when it comes to sustainability. We need to do more faster. But as an industry we have some challenges coming towards us. As example, out of 650 freighters about 100 are due for retirement. Am concerned that we haven’t done enough to attract young people to our industry. Willie Walsh: While pace of change is slower than we would like, the direction of travel is correct. General observation is that without good digital processes and standards, AI cannot be used effectively. It’s a fantastic industry but we face a challenge attracting new people. Also we need to address gender imbalance. Freighters are critical. Having 1,900 people at this event underlines the industry’s importance. Biggest attendance at any IATA meeting ever!” Vivien Lau: People make the difference. Younger generation have the new ideas. This week here we can all hope to uncover what is the next game changer in this industry. Kirsten de Brujin: Air Cargo needs need more collaboration. Watching this conference continue, we can’t help but think, for this to be happening in an industry that has gone through incredible difficulties over the past few years of the pandemic, in a city that was, and by some still is, frequently being written off as past its best days is a remarkable result. Here are people doing what they do best in real time, in Hong Kong. Almost 2,000 people this week are together underscoring for all, that the spirit of air cargo is alive and well. Bob & Urs |
If
You Missed Any Of The Previous 3 Issues Of FlyingTypers Access complete issue by clicking on issue icon or Access specific articles by clicking on article title |
||
 Vol. 23 No. 9 Why Women Matter To Air Cargo Chuckles for February 22, 2024 Oman Air Cargo Ready |
 Vol. 23 No. 10 March Air Cargo Shows-A-Poppin Chuckles for February 28, 2024 Can't Anybody Here Play This Game? Buffalo Cargo Delivering At Jet Speed |
|
Publisher-Geoffrey Arend • Managing
Editor-Flossie Arend • Editor Emeritus-Richard Malkin |
Send comments and news to geoffrey@aircargonews.com
|
FlyingTypers
reserves the right to edit all submissions for length and content. All
photos and written material submitted to this publication become the
property of FlyingTypers Media.
100%
Green