The International Air Cargo Association (Tiaca) has called for action to address critical challenges being faced by the air cargo industry.“The Covid pandemic changed many aspects of society and exposed many areas of businesses which were not sufficiently shockproofed. The air cargo industry was also exposed in many areas. Our reliance on paper transactions caused delays and created a health concern when passed from person to person. The increased amount of sensitive cargo, whether that was pharmaceuticals or vaccines, required faster and more reliable and efficient data to clear customs quicker,” said Glyn Hughes, Tiaca Director General. “From an African perspective these challenges were even more acute as the level of digitalisation lags behind other parts of the global network. Sadly, infrastructure in Africa was also a challenge as cold storage facilities capable of handling and storing the ultra-cold-chain products are found in only a few key gateways. And from a sustainability perspective the African continent has a major obstacle ahead.”Despite the numerous challenges, the industry has also demonstrated over the past 12 months how effective it could be when all the supply chain partners united around a common objective.“Our industry came together initially by transporting personal protective gear (PPE) and other life essentials and then mobilised to provide the only effective transport mode to support global vaccine distribution.”Hughes told Freight News that the global economy now, more than ever, required connectivity. “Historically African connectivity has relied on the bellies of passenger aircraft to move air cargo. However, with international passenger numbers not expected to return to pre-Covid levels for several years, we can expect the cargo networks to be equally challenged. Africa needs rapid acceleration of the single African air transport market (SA ATM) as it will enhance air connectivity, and the accelerated implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will bring huge economic benefits to the continent. Healthy domestic trade and healthy regional trade will lead to healthy global trade.” According to Hughes, five key industry priorities have been identified and will need to be embraced by the entire supply chain in order to modernise and continue to provide enhanced solutions addressing shipper and other customer demands.Digitalisation: Efficient and effective solutions require harnessing the power of data to modernise processes and provide transparent quality services.Sustainability: The air cargo industry must ref lect the global society which it serves. In order to f lourish in the years to come, it must create equal opportunities for all, embrace technology and innovation, and ensure it implements environmentally responsible solutions.Safety and security: The protection of the supply chain and its employees as well as regulatory compliance are critical components of future industry success. Liberalisation: Fair and liberal trade policies will ensure the continued growth of the global economy which relies heavily on effective global air cargo networks. Partnerships and collaboration: Success can only be achieved through effective collaboration between supply chain partners, supply chain customers and those who regulate the industry.Africa needs rapid acceleration of the single African air transport market to enhance connectivity and accelerate implementation of the AfCFTA.– Glyn Hughes – Tiaca DG