KEY takeaways from IATA World Cargo Symposium in Peru

The International Air Transport Association concluded its World Cargo Symposium in Lima, Peru, its first in South America, under the theme Advancing Air Cargo in a Dynamic World.

Delegates examined how the sector navigates geopolitical shifts, regulatory changes and supply chain pressures. The event marked the first time the symposium took place in South America and drew close to 1,500 participants.

IATA outlined three critical pillars to strengthen the industry amid geopolitical and trade volatility, calling on regulators and governments to:

Prioritise the adoption of ONE Record, which became the industry’s preferred data standard in January 2026. Leaders called for broader implementation by airlines and forwarders, and for governments to accept this digital data in regulatory filings.
Strengthen global standards by: focusing on aligning regulatory requirements and ensuring fair access to airport infrastructure (slot allocation) at major hubs to maintain reliability.
Enhance safety and security by addressing emerging risks, specifically the safe transport of lithium batteries and the standardisation of cargo security declarations.

Discussions covered the impact of evolving trade policies, Middle East hostilities and tariff adjustments that continue to reshape cargo flows. Air cargo demand showed 3.4 percent growth in 2025, influenced by these factors, with similar patterns expected in 2026. Emphasis fell on the need for resilience in controllable areas such as digital processes and regulatory alignment to maintain reliable connectivity.

Sessions addressed digitalisation progress beyond initial concepts into practical application, regulatory updates on customs modernisation and trade compliance, and special cargo topics including sustainability, perishables and lithium battery handling. Spotlight sessions explored pathways to improve sustainability practices, adopt new technologies and boost operational efficiency.

The symposium wrapped up with summaries of outcomes and forward-looking priorities. IATA confirmed that its World Data Symposium, focused on data, technology and cybersecurity in aviation, will take place in Singapore from 8 to 9 April 2026. That separate event will feature themes around data-driven efficiency, cybersecurity resilience and AI automation.

Industry representatives stressed collaboration among airlines, airports, technology providers and regulators to support economic growth through efficient global market connections.

At the event’s conclusion, IATA announced that the 2027 World Cargo Symposium will be held in Calgary, Canada

Key Takeaways

South American Market Growth: The symposium underscored South America’s vital role in connecting local producers (e.g., Peruvian blueberries) to global markets. Discussions focused on cold chain integrity for pharmaceuticals and perishables.
Economic Resilience: Despite a projected slowdown in global trade growth to less than 1%, air cargo demand is expected to remain robust, with a 2.6% growth forecast for 2026.
AI and Technology Adoption: IATA announced the launch of the Air Cargo AI Excellence Hub and AI SME, a tool to help teams easily access safety and cargo standards through a mobile application.
Sustainability Accountability: Shifting from long-term ambition to “near-term accountability,” sessions explored practical ways to track emissions using tools like IATA CO2 Connect for Cargo.
Lithium Battery Forum: An inaugural forum dedicated to one of the industry’s most pressing safety challenges.
LAR Verify: A new automated compliance solution previewed to streamline the safe transport of live animals.