Air cargo leaders chart digital, sustainable future at IATA WCS 2025

Against the backdrop of rapid change and rising expectations, the global air cargo industry gathered at the Dubai World Trade Centre from April 15–17 for the IATA World Cargo Symposium (WCS) 2025, one of the sector’s most critical annual summits. With more than 1,900 delegates in attendance, this year’s edition drilled into the industry's top priorities: digital transformation, sustainability, and resilience.

From geopolitical disruptions to supply chain pressure and green targets, the air cargo sector is being reshaped—and WCS Dubai served as a platform to align ambition with action.

Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo, set a serious tone, emphasising that “civil aviation must never be used as a pawn in geopolitical disputes,” while underlining the need for compliance and accountability in handling dangerous goods like lithium batteries. Safety, he stressed, cannot be compromised.

UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, welcoming delegates to Dubai, pointed to the aviation sector's central role in the country’s economic growth, contributing 13% to the national GDP, and highlighted the UAE’s bold push for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other clean energy solutions.

There was no shortage of ambition on display. Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, called data the most transformative force in air cargo today. “Because of digitalisation, we’re able to secure critical shipments and push the industry toward full automation,” he said. Still, he voiced concern over the high costs of e-SAF and the challenges ahead for net-zero goals.

Executives from dnata, Emirates SkyCargo, Cathay Cargo, and Kuehne+Nagel shared a candid look at how the industry is navigating its digital shift. Badr Abbas, Emirates’ new Divisional SVP for Cargo, and Clive Sauvé-Hopkins, CEO Airport Operations at dnata, emphasised Dubai’s growing influence as a logistics hub—powered by advanced cargo infrastructure and investments in sustainability.

From predictive AI in inventory management to the adoption of IATA ONE Record, digitalisation took centre stage. Speakers urged that tech-led transformation needs to extend beyond airlines and reach every node in the cargo chain—from ground handlers to freight forwarders.

Alina Fetisova, from the International Trade Centre, raised an important warning: “40% of young professionals are leaving the industry because of outdated systems.” Attracting and retaining talent, she noted, must be part of any digital strategy.

On the economic front, Maja Marciniak, Senior Economist at IATA, forecast a 6% growth in cargo demand for 2025. While yields remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, she cautioned that the net-zero transition is straining financial performance, and called for greater support from regulators and the value chain.

As the symposium concluded, one thing was clear: air cargo is no longer just about moving goods. It’s about moving faster, smarter, and greener. With global trade dynamics shifting and pressure for transparency growing, the industry is preparing for the future—with innovation at its core.

Looking ahead, IATA announced that WCS 2026 will take place in Lima, Peru, marking the event’s first appearance in South America—a nod to the growing global footprint of air cargo.