In 2023 the air cargo industry will deliver 58 millions tonnes of cargo, which is equivalent to 35 percent of global trade value.
The World Cargo Symposium, held in Singapore, brought together industry representatives to discuss safety issues. The International Air Transport Association will be holding a conference in Hong Kong, in the month of February 2024.
Brendan Sullivan is the Head of Cargo at IATA. He stressed that air cargo success depends on safety. Last year, the safety record of the aviation industry reached new levels. In 2023, there will be 38 million flights. Only one fatal accident is expected. Every day, a good record of safety is achieved. “For air cargo, this means that we must continue to place special focus on handling dangerous goods and lithium batteries in particular,” said Sullivan.
In terms of the transport safety of lithium batteries, four areas have been identified:
A test standard to determine the fire resistance of shipping containers has been approved.
The IATA Global Aviation Data Management Programme (GADM), which is a programme of the IATA, allows over 90 airlines to share data on dangerous goods incidents.
The guidance was designed to help operators identify and minimize the risk of inexperienced shippers who use the postal service for ecommerce.
A new update of Annex 18 to the Chicago Convention, clarifying the responsibilities of handling dangerous goods as well as their effective regulation has been ready for adoption worldwide by the states.
By 2027, the proportion of e-commerce in total air cargo could reach 30 percent. According to Andre Majeres’ presentation, IATA Hong Kong Head of e-commerce operations (cargo and mail), Andre Majeres said:. More than 2.6 billion shoppers will be shopping online in 2023. 34 percent of them shop online every week, while 79 percent do so once per month. For 26 percent of shoppers the priority is delivery speed.
In the United States, 516 incidents involving air/airports were reported in 2009. Federal Aviation Administration database (FAA), from March 3, 2006. to March 13, 2020 Lithium batteries are involved in a number of incidents. Batteries/Batteries topped the list of incident categories (213), followed by cell phones, laptops and e-cigarettes.
Qatar Cargo highlighted during its WCS presentation that it has a fleet of over 13,000 fire-resistant containers.
Fire containment (pallets) – Risk-based Cargo Shipments
The lithium battery dog is used for secondary cargo screening.
Screening Solutions – X ray Machine (100×100), iCMORE Patch and CT Scan – Build up Pallets
Qatar Cargo will gradually transition to the use of fire-resistant containers. Solutions for fire suppression on bulk holds and main decks are expected to be in place by 2024-2027.
Paul Cheng (Executive Director, Operations of Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals, Hactl) spoke at the WCS about 3S philosophy – Safety Quality, Security and Service. The Bulk Utilization Program (BUP) has been enhanced with break-screen construction, risk verification rules, and a technical detection dog.
Thomas Schurmann is the Head of Cargo Operations & Delivery at Etihad Cargo. He says, “The security measures in air cargo have evolved significantly over recent years to respond to evolving threats. In 2019, the World Customs Organisation and International Civil Aviation Organisation introduced an extra layer of security to manage air cargo risk better.
Etihad Cargo fully supports this initiative which led to new security protocols being enforced by aviation and customs authorities around the world. These focus on the identification and mitigation of the risk associated with a “bomb in a box” scenario, before the shipments have even been loaded onto the aircraft. Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information, or PLACI for short, is a new security measure that represents an important advancement in the security of air cargo. PLACI demands that regulatory authorities receive shipment information for an in-depth risk assessment before the cargo is lifted. This ensures no cargo will be transported without the approval of the regulatory authority. It significantly improves the security and safety of air cargo operations.
“PLACI is a preemptive risk assessment approach that builds upon existing security measures that are based on the pre-arrival cargo information requirements (ACI). One of the biggest challenges with PLACI implementation is that the industry must comply with several PLACI initiatives in different countries while maintaining cargo speed and efficiency. PLACI adoption has been expanding since its inception. The US Customs Border Protection implemented the Air Cargo Advance Screening programme (ACAS) in 2019 and the European Union adopted the Import Control System 2 in 2023.
SecureTech was launched in response to feedback from partners and customers, as well as a noticeable surge in demand for safe transportation solutions for consumer electronic devices. Etihad Cargo saw a 51% increase in the electronic cargo shipment in 2024, as compared with the same time last year. This shows the need for specialised services.
-Thomas Schurmann is the Head of Cargo Operations & Delivery.
Etihad Cargo In 2024, “following these initiatives, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Canada (Pre-load Air Cargo Targeting, PACT) and the United Kingdom (Pre-Departure information for Cargo Targeting, Pre-DICT), have each introduced their PLACI initiatives. Etihad Cargo is one of the UAE PLACI pilot carriers and works closely with its partners and customers to help them navigate new requirements, and take better, more informed decisions. PLACI is also being implemented in other countries, which shows a global trend towards enhancing the safety of air cargo against ever-changing threats.
To streamline and improve efficiency, IATA is pushing the WCO to standardize the PLACI requirements. It is the goal to have only one filing, no matter how many countries that require PLACI. This standardisation will not only streamline procedures, but it will also boost security without affecting the flow of goods.
Tom Owen, director, Cargo at Cathay Cargo says that security risks and vulnerabilities continue to change, especially those related to trusted insiders. The ICAO Annex 17 mandate to screen 100 percent of cargo from July 20, 2021 is a crucial piece of legislation in order to reduce some of these risks.
“Cathay complies fully with the different regulatory requirements issued to it by all the relevant authorities on all the markets in which they operate (including the TSA and FAA of various countries) and the top priority for us is maintaining the highest security standard.
The PLACI program is another example of how security measures have been enhanced in recent years. Different places and countries have used a variety of risk management methods to evaluate the risks. This includes collecting data on shipments in advance and tracking incoming shipments. “We fully comply with such regulations.”
Security issues
Schurmann says that Etihad Cargo takes care of the security of the cargo from the moment it is accepted, through loading and unloading at departure, to delivery to the consignor. The measures we’ve put into place are: ensuring that the chain of custody and records of the cargo is in line with local security regulations; screening the entire shipment and providing proof for screening; protecting the consignment through different security monitoring systems, including 24/7 CCTV surveillance; and conducting random checks to make sure compliance with established procedures.
Cathay established and maintains a special scheme called the Cargo agents Operational Program, which identifies and assigns screening facilities to capable, compliant cargo handlers and their US bound cargo. Owen continues: “This will ensure that the best security measures and additional training are provided for freight forwarders.
Cathay participates actively in various cargo security working group to share intelligence about potential threats and security enhancement measures, as well as new technologies to improve air cargo security.
“Cathay Cargo Security has a comprehensive quality assurance and audit programme to make sure all ports receive sufficient monitoring, supervision and surveillance at the headquarters. It is important to have regular checks on compliance and make improvements in the areas that need special attention.
Cathay Cargo Security is prepared to assess the security of new service providers if they are hired. Cathay Cargo, thanks to the technological advances of recent years, is also considering adopting AI-based models to screen additional cargo shipments in order to improve our performance and mitigate risk.
Why sectoral analysis is important
Owen, of Cathay Cargo, says that e-commerce and cargo bound for the US attracts a great deal of attention in terms of security. The ecommerce market is a growing industry, especially in China. E-commerce, unlike traditional freight which is used by forwarders to tender similar but large commodities in the same shipment and provide real-time freight information, allows anyone to ship anything they have purchased online. The carriers may not have an accurate record of the shipment and must now spend more time on cargo screening in order to prevent unauthorised or prohibited items from entering.
Schurmann agrees that the security of high-value electronic devices, especially those with lithium batteries, such as laptops, mobile phones and tablets is being scrutinized more. Etihad Cargo launched SecureTech in response to the increased demand for safe and secure transport of such items. The product has been designed to guarantee the security and safety of consumer electronics during their entire journey. This cargo is a priority due in part to the safety risks that lithium batteries may pose when not handled according to stringent transportation regulations.
Etihad Cargo has achieved IATA CEIV certification for lithium batteries, which is a testament to its commitment to using advanced safety management systems as well as specialised equipment in order transport these shipments safely.
SecureTech was launched in response to feedback from partners and customers, as well as a noticeable surge in demand for safe transportation solutions for consumer electronic devices. Etihad Cargo saw a 51% increase in the electronic cargo shipment in 2024, as compared with the same time last year. This shows the need for more specialized services. With its extensive experience in handling specialised products, including high-value, fragile and temperature-sensitive goods, Etihad Cargo is adept at meeting the unique challenges presented by lithium battery-powered devices.”
Reporting and security culture
Etihad’s top priority is safety and security. “We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of security across all our operations,” says Schurmann. Etihad Cargo is committed to a proactive approach in security, which includes training and awareness programs. All employees receive security training to equip them with knowledge and skills to recognize and react to threats. Everyone, from frontline staff up to the management team, is taught security protocol and procedure.
Etihad Cargo, in addition to providing training, places a high priority on cultivating a culture that encourages the reporting of incidents. We have a notification process that allows employees to quickly report incidents without being afraid of reprisals. A culture of non-punitive communication and clear reporting channels empowers employees to identify security issues, mitigate them before they become a problem, and prevent potential risk from escalating.
Etihad Cargo continually evaluates and improves its security protocols in response to new threats and regulatory changes. “Regular risk assessments and audits are conducted to ensure security measures remain effective.”
Cathay encourages and promotes a culture of “just reporting” when incidents are reported that affect safety, asset protection or the reputation or revenue of Cathay. A systematic approach to security reviews and regular communication within the Group helps promote the importance of aviation security.
Tom Owen, Director of Cargo at Cathay Cargo
Cargo Security Awareness Training is required for all personnel who accept and handle air cargo, such as many key freight forwarders handling cargo bound to the US, particularly Cathay Cargo.
Owen said: “Cathay Cargo also launched several cargo safety campaigns to remind our cargo workers around the globe to observe high security levels in their ports and to highlight recent hot topics regarding cargo security.
The most recent campaign centered on:
Access Control for warehouses and aircraft
Security of warehouses and cargo supply chains
Training, Documentation and Validity
Quality control is a must.
*Trusted Insider
Cathay Cargo and Group Safety & Operational Risk Management Security (GSORM Security) take the initiative regularly to promote best industry practices and increase security awareness. We do this by encouraging the reporting of incidents and providing training to Cathay staff.
We encourage and promote “just” reporting cultures when incidents are deemed serious enough to impact the safety, security or revenue of Cathay. A systematic security review process and regular communication within the Group help to promote the importance of aviation security.
These regular items include:
The *Airline Safety Review Committee is a monthly, high-level committee that includes our CEO and senior management. The committee will be holding a number of sessions focusing on security to encourage a culture of security amongst all its members.
Security Action Group (SECAG), a subcommittee that meets bi-monthly, reviews security incidents with potential safety or security implications. It also examines departmental operations and IT security risks.
While the industry did not take a break during Covid-19 to enforce security, it is still important to keep promoting specific security training for cargo handling staff across our network to increase awareness about air cargo security. Cathay Cargo’s security team visited all cargo outstations again in 2023-2024, to assess the local operating environment and provide necessary guidance for local teams. In order to assess the level of security at outstations using a risk-based assessment, some additional security measures have been adopted to reduce specific risks identified during these audits and visits.
The Cathay Cargo Security team meets regularly with outstation managers in areas that have higher risks to discuss local security procedures, and implement new measures. The goal is to make sure that there are still sufficient measures and oversight to protect the operation.
Next steps in security
Schurmann is a keen observer of the growing use artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation in air cargo security. The exponential increase in online commerce has resulted in an explosion in air cargo. In order to cope with the increased volume, new screening technologies are being developed. The goal is to maintain security standards while minimizing delays.
The days of risk assessment based on checking names and addresses against databases are over. AI integration and improved information sharing allow for better risk assessment. This allows a more secure and efficient air cargo transportation process.
Owen said that the industry is now seeing AI used for cargo screening and canines being trained to detect IEDs, or lithium batteries.