The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) is making significant changes in its approach to reach out to all stakeholders in the air cargo value chain in a rapidly evolving and challenging global trade and commerce. It aims to truly represent and unite the air cargo industry. TIACA has the ambition to defend also the interests of members representing small, medium and start-up companies and support them through the challenges of today’s business environment.
As a first step, TIACA is restructuring its membership fee by introducing a separate category for these small, medium and start-up companies allowing them to become a full member at a reduced rate. TIACA is also widening its vision to work on new initiatives with members from sectors which are new and unique but very crucial to the future of our industry. Companies in the development of drones, autonomous vehicles and unmanned aerial systems/vehicles for example are creating new opportunities for the air cargo industry. TIACA intends to facilitate the interest of these companies for greater reach and support them towards authorities and governments.
In another move to increase focus on stakeholders formerly not part of TIACA, an agreement is signed with Neutral Air Partner (NAP), a premier global network of 250 leading air cargo architects and aviation specialists from 150 countries. As part of the deal NAP members will automatically become a full member of TIACA. The partnership allows both TIACA and NAP to work together on programs, conferences, training and communication. Christos Spyrou, CEO of NAP, will as of Jan. 1Â strengthen the board of TIACA.
Commenting on the new initiatives and the partnership with NAP, Steven Polmans, Chairman of TIACA, said: “TIACA wants to bring together all actors and stakeholders, so together we can take up the challenges our industry is facing today and tomorrow. Collaboration and partnerships are and should be part of our DNA, so this deal with NAP is a very good example of a win-win situation for both our organizations. We have not done enough in the past for a big group of companies in our industry, so with this deal and the new membership opportunity for small and medium sized companies, we are reaching out to them to join forces and further build this very interesting and fascinating industry.” And he concludes: “With Christos joining the board, he will be ideally placed to defend the interest of his members and other small and medium sized companies. On top, he brings a wealth of experience in organizing events and engaging members to an organization.”
TIACA under the new board of directors, led by Polmans, who is also the Director of Cargo and Logistics at Brussels Airport Company, is strengthening its position in the industry. Opening TIACA up to all stakeholders in the air cargo logistics value chain and giving them a greater role is crucial both to the association’s development and to ensuring that the air cargo industry’s voice is heard more widely as a result.
“TIACA’s commitment to innovate the industry and to modernize the process of air cargo transportation is impressive. We are confident that working together with partners like these will drive direct value to our global customer base, and our members will acquire extensive knowledge and industry-leading expertise,” says Christos Spyrou, Chief Executive Officer of NAP.    Â
