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Industry stakeholders who convened during the 2nd Philippines Air Cargo Day confronted long-standing challenges that have hindered the country’s rise as a regional logistics powerhouse — one defined by efficiency, reliability, and global competitiveness
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Experts from the International Air Transport Association and the Philippine Multimodal Transport and Logistics Association Inc. presented a transformative vision: a unified, intelligent cargo ecosystem
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The envisioned integrated system would be powered by real-time data exchange, Application Programming Interface-based platforms, and a single source of verified shipment records
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This approach is seen to eliminate duplication, streamline workflows, and empower stakeholders with end-to-end visibility
Industry stakeholders who convened during the 2nd Philippines Air Cargo Day confronted long-standing challenges that have hindered the country’s rise as a regional logistics powerhouse —one defined by efficiency, reliability, and global competitiveness.
At the event held November 13–14, 2025 at the Manila Marriott Hotel, experts from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Philippine Multimodal Transport and Logistics Association Inc. (PMTLAI) presented a transformative vision: a unified, intelligent cargo ecosystem.
A joint undertaking between IATA, PMTLAI, and PortCalls, the gathering proved to be a venue where the air cargo community were able to discuss and explore possibilities for deeper cooperation.
The envisioned integrated system would be powered by real-time data exchange, Application Programming Interface-based platforms, and a single source of verified shipment records.
This approach is seen to eliminate duplication, streamline workflows, and empower stakeholders with end-to-end visibility.
For decades, fragmented systems have slowed progress. Airlines, forwarders, ground handling agents, and customs have operated in silos — each maintaining separate records of the same shipment. The result? Delays, limited visibility, costly errors, and a supply chain riddled with inefficiencies.
David Wee, IATA’s Asia-Pacific regional manager for Operations, Safety and Security (Cargo), urged participants to embrace the trends reshaping global logistics: tech-driven work environments; compliance to environmental, social, and governance standards; climate resilience; and the explosive growth of e-commerce.
READ: Air cargo demand remains strong fueled by e-commerce
He described the cargo facility of the future as safe, secure, sustainable, automated, connected, and smart — powered by six transformative technologies: artificial intelligence, digital processes, sustainable operations, robotics, wearables, and real-time visibility.
At the heart of this transformation is a model platform where every shipment is tracked through a single digital record.
Built on a standardized data model and secured by OAuth2 protocols, the system ensures that all authorized parties — from forwarders and airlines to customs and insurers — can access the same up-to-date information. This enables:
- Operational Efficiency: Automated status updates reduce manual checks, emails, and calls;
- Proactive Management: Instant alerts on delays or issues allow swift corrective action;
- Enhanced Customer Experience: Accurate, timely updates reduce queries and build trust;
- Smarter Commercial Decisions: Forwarders can compare live airline rates, generate quotes instantly, and optimize routes and costs; and
- Insurance Innovation: Real-time data supports dynamic risk assessment, faster premium issuance, and streamlined claims processing.
Sustainability Meets Automation
The cargo facility of the future is not just digital — it’s green. It integrates zero-emission vehicles, bio-based materials, energy-efficient infrastructure, and advanced packaging solutions. Robotics and wearables enhance safety and productivity, while AI-driven analytics optimize operations and empower the workforce.
The rise of a smart, flexible, unified cargo system spells seamless data exchange, instant cargo dimensioning, and real-time capacity optimization for the Philippine air cargo sector — whether you’re a small forwarder or a multinational airline.
This shift is more than a technical upgrade; it’s a cultural transformation.
By linking key stakeholders on a common platform, the industry increases data integrity, reduces redundancy, and unlocks new possibilities for growth, transparency, and resilience.
READ: First half 2025 international air cargo, mail up 7.2% in PH
