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Air cargo experts sought to elevate safety and compliance across Philippine air cargo operations during the 2nd Philippines Air Cargo Day 2025
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They took a deep dive into the rationale, requirements, and real-world applications of the International Air Transport Association’s air cargo safety standards
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Andre Majeres, IATA’s head of E-commerce and Cargo Operations, spotlighted the IATA Live Animals Regulations, describing air cargo as a “high-touch, high-responsibility process”
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Glory Mae Irabagon, Cebu Pacific’s Standards and Compliance director, called for stronger stakeholder cooperation as she outlined common challenges in transporting dangerous goods, including mis-declared cargo, inadequate screening, and limited awareness among shippers and forwarders
Air cargo experts sought to elevate safety and compliance in the Philippines as they took a deep dive into the rationale and real-world applications of International Air Transport Association (IATA) air cargo safety standards at the Philippines Air Cargo Day on November 13–14 at the Manila Marriott Hotel, Newport.
A joint undertaking between IATA, the Philippine Multimodal Transport and Logistics Association, Inc and PortCalls, the conference and exhibit focused on strengthening Filipino safety culture amid the rising demand for animal-friendly logistics and secure handling of dangerous goods.
Humane and compliant: from first crate to final clearance
Andre Majeres, IATA’s head of E-commerce and Cargo Operations, spotlighted the IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR), describing air cargo as a “high-touch, high-responsibility process” where every step — from shipment prep to customs clearance —must reflect care, precision, and accountability.
He cited the Philippines as one of 46 countries that have formally adopted the IATA LAR provisions, reinforcing its role as a responsible and forward-looking air cargo hub.
The LAR covers over 4,000 species – including cats and dogs to bees and crocodiles – and is updated annually with input from global experts and regulatory authorities. Key provisions include:
- Container Requirement 1: Ensures animals can sit, stand, turn, and lie naturally in secure, ventilated enclosures.
- Dual Checklists: LAR 7.6.1 for cargo hold (AVIH) and LAR 7.6.2 for in-cabin (PETC) travel—for both domestic and international flights.
- Mandatory Training: Personnel must be certified in animal welfare, container compliance, and stress recognition, with formal testing and documentation.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Technologies now enable live updates on animal status during transit.
- Global Partnerships: IATA collaborates with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES ), World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), Animal Transportation Association (ATA), and World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) to combat illegal wildlife trade and promote species conservation.
READ: PCC, ARTA seek to streamline livestock, poultry import rules
Cooperation in air cargo safety
Cebu Pacific’s Standards and Compliance director Glory Mae Irabagon called for stronger stakeholder cooperation to build a resilient safety culture rooted in compliance, control, competency, and communication.
She outlined common challenges in transporting dangerous goods (DG), including mis-declared cargo, inadequate screening, and limited awareness among shippers and forwarders.
Her proposed solutions included standardizing domestic DG carriage, strengthening oversight through audits and penalties, launching regular awareness programs, and promoting transparent reporting.
READ: Fate of radioactive zinc cargo afloat Manila port lies with DILG, PNRI
A unified approach to humane and compliant air cargo yields tangible benefits: enhanced operational efficiency, improved regulatory compliance, reduced risk of mishandling and delays, and optimized workflows across carriers and handlers.
As the industry moves forward, collaboration remains key to building a safer, more compassionate cargo ecosystem.
