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PHOTO: AirFrance KLM

of governments are looking into setting safety record, as we all know, is earned
up such reporting standards to enhance every day. And for air cargo, we must
cargo security." continue to put special emphasis on the
A key feature of air cargo security is handling of dangerous goods, and in
the Preloading Advance Cargo Informa- particular lithium batteries."
tion (PLACI) platform, which ensures This emphasis on safety is crucial,
authorities can respond before goods are especially in light of recent data. Ac-
handed over to carriers. This triggers a cording to the European Aviation Safety
risk analysis process focused on detecting Agency (EASA), there were 350 reported
immediate risks to aviation security. dangerous goods incidents in 2023, a
The Lufthansa Cargo spokesperson 15% increase from the previous year.
emphasises the potential of technology The customer sends This statistic underscores the ongoing
in simplifying DG handling: "Technology importance of stringent regulations and
and digitisation have the potential to the electronic air waybill the need for continuous improvement in
significantly simplify the handling of DG information (FWB) handling procedures.
for air transport, addressing many of the As the industry continues to adapt to
challenges associated with the current containing all relevant new regulations and technologies, col-
paper-based process. The transition to laboration between regulators, airlines,
an electronic shipper's declaration for shipment data required freight forwarders, and technology
dangerous goods (eDGD) can streamline in accordance with the providers will be key to creating a more
the documentation process, reducing efficient, safe, and compliant dangerous
errors and improving efficiency. Digital IATA DGR manual. The goods transportation ecosystem in Eu-
declarations can be updated faster by challenge is to ensure rope. While the challenges are significant,
the shipper, reduce manual data capture they also drive innovation and improve-
for transfer data to our handling system that complete, accurate ments in safety standards, ultimately
and allow sharing data across the supply benefiting the entire air cargo industry
chain in real-time. Furthermore, electronic and timely shipment and the broader public it serves.
systems can include built-in checks to data is transmitted to The transportation of dangerous
ensure that all necessary information is goods by air remains a complex and
correctly entered and that all regulatory the airline. evolving field, requiring constant
requirements are met. This reduces the vigilance, adaptation, and cooperation
risk of human error and enhances safety Johannes Bruijs among all stakeholders. As technology
and compliance." Cargolux Airlines advances and regulations evolve, the in-
Looking ahead, the future of DG trans- dustry must continue to prioritise safety
portation in Europe is likely to be shaped tainability concerns, and a shift towards while also seeking ways to improve
by several key trends. These include more risk-based regulatory approaches. efficiency. By doing so, it can ensure that
increased harmonisation of regulations Brendan Sullivan, Global Head-Cargo, the vital flow of goods continues safely
across different transport modes and IATA, underscores the importance of and securely, supporting global trade
countries, enhanced focus on compre- ongoing vigilance: "Among the 38 million and economic growth while protecting
hensive training programmes, accelerated flights in 2023 there were 30 accidents the safety of workers, passengers, and
technological integration, growing sus- and just one of which was fatal. A good the general public. 

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