FIATA’s Strategic Engagements, Industry Milestones, and Global Collaborations
The IATA-FIATA Consultative Council Elects New Chair
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) are pleased to announce the election of the new Chair of the IATA-FIATA Consultative Council (IFCC) on 17 October 2024. The newly elected Chair, Mr Richard Gluck, will be the first Chair originating from the freight forwarder constituency, marking a landmark moment for the IFCC and demonstrating the positive developments in the collaboration between airlines and forwarders, and IATA and FIATA as their respective representative organisations.
Mr Gluck is a transportation attorney in the Washington, DC office of Foster Garvey, with more than forty years of experience in all modes of transport. For more than twenty-five years, Mr Gluck was general counsel to the Transportation Intermediaries Association in the United States. Mr. Gluck was Chair of the FIATA Advisory Body Legal Matters (ABLM) for ten years and a U.S. delegate to FIATA’s Working Group on Sea Transport. He was elected as a Vice President of FIATA in 2019. During his tenure as ABLM Chair Mr. Gluck helped to negotiate the IATA-FIATA Cooperation Agreement creating the IATA-FIATA Air Cargo Program (IFACP), and participated as an advisor in the meetings of the governing board of that program. After the IFACP was terminated in 2019 he was appointed by FIATA as a forwarder representative of the IFCC.
Mr Gluck is committed to encouraging collaboration between airlines and forwarders and finding mutually beneficial solutions, noting the many common interests between airlines as service providers and forwarders as users of air transportation services.
In line with Resolution 801c, para. 3.2, Mr Gluck is elected for a two-year term. He will therefore step down from his previous role as an IFCC forwarder voting representative to assume his new Chair position. His predecessor, Mr Stefan Amann, will act in a consultative Vice-Chair capacity to support Mr Gluck, however, will resume his IFCC voting rights. This arrangement was agreed within the IFCC as an exceptional arrangement with a view to continuing to improve collaboration and foster efficient decision-marking processes, and does not necessarily create a precedent for future elections.
IATA and FIATA take this opportunity to congratulate Mr Gluck in his new position, which will be instrumental as both organisations continue their work towards a modernised global air cargo programme that reflects the new commercial realities in the air cargo context, noting the significant evolutions in supply chains today.
FIATA Highlights Digitalisation Milestones at UNECE TIR Administrative Committee 84th Session
FIATA participated in the 84th session of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) TIR Administrative Committee last month, highlighting the vital role of digitalisation in fostering efficient, sustainable, and resilient supply chains. Dr Stéphane Graber, FIATA’s Director General, underscored the importance of adopting digital transport documentation as an essential step in modernising logistics and facilitating global trade.
As the global voice for freight forwarders across all modes of transport, FIATA remains at the forefront of advancing digital solutions for the industry. One notable achievement is the digital FIATA Multimodal Bill of Lading (eFBL)—the only multimodal, negotiable transport document that also serves as a title of goods. The eFBL complies with the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) reference data model and is endorsed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), with mapping to World Customs Organization (WCO) data standards. Freight forwarders globally rely on the FBL, in both digital and paper formats, to ensure seamless door-to-door goods movement across all transport modes, while adhering strictly to its terms and conditions.
Designed for interoperability, the eFBL complements other transport documents, such as those issued by carriers, by sharing common data points. This approach reduces duplication and inconsistencies, enhances authenticity, and strengthens data security against fraud. However, advancing supply chain digitalisation requires addressing two critical challenges:
- Transferability: Ensuring the legal recognition of digital documents, like the FIATA Multimodal BL, through initiatives such as the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) and the ratification of the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) by states.
- Interoperability: Facilitating data exchange and system interconnectivity among stakeholders, a key focus of the UNECE-FIATA collaboration.
Through its partnership with UNECE, FIATA continues to champion the digitalisation of core freight forwarding, customs, and inland transport documents, paving the way for enhanced efficiency and resilience in global logistics.
Looking ahead, the eFBL and UNECE-FIATA collaboration will remain on the agenda at the next UNECE TIR Administrative Committee meeting in February 2025. Stay tuned for updates as FIATA drives innovation in supply chain digitalisation!
Survey on Freight Forwarders' Challenges with TSA Emergency Measures and ACAS Data Requirements
In response to the recent emergency measures implemented by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the corresponding enhancements to the Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) programme, FIATA is conducting a survey to understand the challenges freight forwarders are encountering.
Air carriers and freight forwarders are now required to submit additional data to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) prior to loading shipments (destined for or transiting through the USA) onto an aircraft. Your reply will help FIATA address industry concerns and facilitate smoother compliance with these new requirements.
Please take a few minutes to complete this survey by 19 November 2024, COB.
Questions? Email us at legal@fiata.org
FIATA Contributes to High-Level Discussions on Middle Corridor Challenges at Organization of Turkic States Conference
In light of the growing concerns surrounding the Middle Corridor of the Belt and Road Initiative, which has been significantly impacted not only by disruptions in the Red Sea but also by the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine, a high-level conference of Turkic states was held in Budapest on 28 October 2024. The conference, hosted by the Organization of Turkic States, brought together the highest diplomatic representatives from key member countries, including the ambassadors of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye and Uzbekistan.
FIATA was honoured to be invited to attend this important event. Representing FIATA at the conference was Dr Petr Rožek, Chair of Working Group Road, who was able to contribute FIATA's perspective on the evolving situation. This forum provided a valuable opportunity to discuss the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor and explore potential solutions to the challenges posed by current geopolitical tensions.
FIATA Plays Key Role as Jury Member in TIACA Sustainability Awards 2024
The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has announced the winners of the sixth Air Cargo Sustainability Awards, recognising outstanding industry efforts toward sustainability. Sponsored by CHAMP Cargosystems, the Awards highlight innovative projects driving eco-conscious progress in air cargo. Two Awards were presented, one for Start-Up/Small Business and the other for Corporate and established businesses. with FIATA playing a prominent role in the jury. Andrea Tang, FIATA Legal Services Director, joined four other industry leaders – Chris McDermott (CHAMP Cargosystems), Liana Coyne (Coyne Airways), Patricia Varela (IATA), and Ariaen Zimmerman – in evaluating submissions.
Corporate Winner: Asia Airfreight Terminal (AAT) earned the Corporate Award for its deployment of autonomous electric tractors in terminal operations, showcasing its commitment to reducing emissions and energy costs.
Start-Up/Small Business Winner: Alpha Augmented Services secured the start-up award, celebrated for its initiatives that cut costs, waste, and CO₂ emissions, receiving a USD 10,000 prize. CargoClub and ReverseMi were also recognised as runners-up, earning USD 2,500 each.
The awards ceremony took place at the Air Cargo Forum in Miami, where industry leaders gathered to support sustainable advancements.
For more information, visit TIACA’s Sustainability Awards page.
Do not miss the 7th issue of FIATA's Quarterly Legal Newsletter, FIATA Focus
The seventh edition of FIATA's Quarterly Legal Newsletter, FIATA Focus, is now available! This edition offers essential insights into how freight forwarders can navigate the increasingly complex landscape of global supply chains.
As the logistics industry strives to meet ambitious climate targets, freight forwarders play a pivotal role in ensuring sustainable and efficient transport solutions across multiple modes of transport. This issue dives deep into the latest updates from the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82), which discussed key measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, it highlights the implications of the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which introduces new reporting requirements impacting companies worldwide.
Beyond environmental compliance, this edition addresses the growing legal and operational challenges posed by increasing government demands for pre-arrival import data. It also emphasises the importance of freight forwarders adopting robust risk management practices, focusing on effective contractual language, insurance coverage, and proactive compliance measures to protect their business interests. However, within these challenges lie new opportunities. As architects of transport, freight forwarders have consistently demonstrated their ability to innovate and adapt, offering cost-effective, sustainable logistics solutions. This edition explores how embracing green logistics and aligning with evolving customer expectations can enhance competitiveness and drive long-term success.
For more information, or if you are interested in contributing to future editions, please contact us at legal@fiata.org.
Access the FIATA Quarterly Legal Newsletter here: FIATA Focus: Quarterly Legal Newsletter