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The International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) has called for a formal review of proposed changes to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Direct Air Waybill (DAWB) framework, warning that the revisions could significantly alter liability structures and disrupt long-standing commercial practices in the global air cargo industry.
The debate centres on amendments being introduced under IATA’s Modernisation of the Global Air Cargo Programme. According to FIATA, the proposed framework changes may shift operational and legal responsibilities disproportionately onto freight forwarders while favouring larger market participants. The organisation argues that such changes could create uncertainty across the air cargo ecosystem at a time when supply chains are already facing geopolitical disruptions, cost pressures, and growing compliance demands.
FIATA stated that the current proposals require broader consultation and deeper analysis before implementation. The association emphasised that freight forwarders, airlines, insurers, and regulators must collectively evaluate the legal, operational, and insurance implications of the revised Direct Air Waybill structure.
The Direct Air Waybill is a critical document used in international air freight shipments where cargo moves directly between the shipper and airline without a traditional house air waybill issued by a freight forwarder. Industry experts note that any changes to the framework could affect liability allocation, cargo claims processes, and contractual obligations across the supply chain.
FIATA Director General Dr Stéphane Graber highlighted the importance of ensuring that industry modernisation efforts remain balanced and collaborative. The organisation has consistently supported digitalisation and efficiency improvements in air cargo but maintains that reforms should reflect real-world market practices and protect all stakeholders equally.
Industry concerns intensified following discussions at recent air cargo forums, where freight forwarders expressed apprehension over the pace and scope of the proposed revisions. Several stakeholders fear that the updated framework could increase legal exposure for intermediaries while reducing operational flexibility for smaller logistics providers.
According to FIATA, modernisation initiatives should enhance trust, interoperability, and resilience across the air cargo sector rather than create additional friction. The organisation also cautioned that introducing major changes without comprehensive legal and technical assessment could lead to increased disputes and market instability.
The issue arrives at a pivotal moment for the global air cargo industry, which is accelerating digital transformation initiatives, including electronic documentation and data-sharing systems. As airlines and logistics providers push for greater efficiency, industry bodies are under pressure to ensure that regulatory and procedural reforms do not undermine commercial balance.
FIATA has urged IATA and industry stakeholders to engage in further dialogue before finalising the Direct AWB framework changes. The association reiterated that collaborative governance and transparent consultation will be essential to maintaining confidence and stability in global air freight operations.
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Air cargo demand increased by 4% in April 2026 compared to last year, as trade by air kept supply chains moving amid disruptions. Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 4.0% compared to April 2025 levels for international operations. However, capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), fell by 0.4% compared to April 2025 and by 0.9% for international operations. “Air cargo demand grew 4% year-on-year in April, driven by strong Asia-linked trade flows. But this positive news masks a more complex operating environment. Severe disruption at major Gulf hubs due to the war in the Middle East continued to reshape trade routes and constrain capacity on key corridors. With dedicated freighters carrying much of the growth, air cargo is once again keeping supply chains moving amid trade disruptions. The coming months will test how well the sector can absorb continued geopolitical uncertainty and elevated operating costs,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. He added that dedicated freighters are carrying much of the growth, helping air cargo keep supply chains moving amid trade disruptions. "The coming months will test how well the sector can absorb ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and high operating costs," he noted. Global trade fell by 2.1% month-on-month in March, following four consecutive months of growth, showing the vulnerability of trade to geopolitical shocks. Jet fuel prices spiked in April, rising 121.1% year-on-year, alongside a 77.7% increase in crude oil prices. Regionally, Asia-Pacific airlines experienced a 10.5% year-on-year growth in air cargo demand in April, the highest rise among all regions. Capacity increased by 5.3% year-on-year. Middle Eastern carriers were the hardest hit, facing an 18.2% year-on-year drop in air cargo demand in April, the weakest performance among all regions. Capacity declined by 22.9% year-on-year. For more such news and updates, visit CARGOCONNECT.
The global air cargo market is showing renewed resilience, with Asia-Pacific emerging as the key driver behind a rebound in worldwide freight tonnages after months of volatility and holiday-led slowdowns. According to recent data from WorldACD Market Data, cargo volumes from the region surged sharply in mid-May, helping lift global air freight demand despite persistent geopolitical and economic uncertainties. The recovery follows a seasonal dip caused by the “Golden Week” holidays in China and Japan, along with Children’s Day celebrations in South Korea. During week 20 of the year, chargeable weight from Asia-Pacific origins rose by 11 percent week-on-week, restoring shipment levels to those seen before the holiday lull. China and Hong Kong recorded notable gains, while Japan and South Korea posted particularly strong recoveries as manufacturing and export activity resumed. The resurgence in Asia-Pacific volumes played a decisive role in pushing worldwide air cargo tonnages up by around 3 percent week-on-week. Industry analysts noted that without the rebound from Asia-Pacific, global freight growth would have remained largely subdued. At the same time, cargo flows from Europe and the Americas weakened due to seasonal disruptions and softer demand conditions. Despite the increase in shipments, global spot rates remained relatively stable, signalling a more balanced market compared with the sharp pricing fluctuations witnessed earlier this year. Average worldwide spot rates hovered around US$3.67 per kilogram, while contract rates edged slightly higher due to improved demand from North America. Capacity trends also reflected cautious optimism. Worldwide air cargo capacity increased marginally, supported mainly by Asia-Pacific and Middle East-South Asia routes. However, overall global capacity still remains below pre-conflict levels due to disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region. Airlines continue to face operational challenges as security concerns and rerouted services affect network planning and aircraft utilisation. Another positive development for carriers has been the moderation in jet fuel prices. Lower fuel costs have helped ease pressure on operating margins and reduced the likelihood of significant freight rate spikes in the near term. Even so, fuel prices remain elevated compared to last year, keeping cost management high on the agenda for airlines and freight operators. Industry observers believe the latest rebound highlights the central role of Asia-Pacific in global supply chains, particularly as manufacturers and retailers continue to rely on air freight for time-sensitive shipments, e-commerce flows and high-value goods. However, market sentiment remains cautious amid ongoing trade policy shifts and changing cargo patterns between Asia and North America. As global supply chains continue to stabilise, the coming months will be closely watched for signs of sustained demand growth, especially from Asia-Pacific export markets that remain critical to the health of the international air cargo industry. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 https://cargoconnect.co.in/ 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!Top of Form
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) continued its steady cargo recovery trajectory in April 2026, handling 423,000 tonnes of cargo, a 4.9 percent increase compared to the same month last year. The growth reinforces HKIA’s position as one of the world’s leading air cargo gateways and highlights the resilience of Asia-Pacific supply chains despite ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties. According to figures released by Airport Authority Hong Kong, the rise in cargo throughput was largely driven by strong transshipment activity, which surged 20.2 percent year on year during the month. Import cargo volumes also posted healthy growth of 6.5 percent, while the decline in exports narrowed significantly to just 0.3 percent, signalling improving global trade demand. Cargo flight movements at HKIA increased 4.3 percent to 6,605 flights in April, underlining continued demand for air freight services across regional and long-haul markets. Europe and Southeast Asia emerged as key growth drivers, offsetting weaker demand from North America and the Middle East, where ongoing geopolitical tensions continue to impact trade and logistics flows. For the first four months of 2026, HKIA processed 1.63 million tonnes of cargo, representing year-on-year growth of 3.7 percent. Total flight movements during the same period rose 5.1 percent to 135,090. On a rolling 12-month basis, the airport handled 5.12 million tonnes of cargo, up 2.9 percent compared with the previous year. Industry analysts note that Hong Kong’s cargo sector continues to benefit from robust cross-border e-commerce flows, high-value electronics shipments, and expanding transshipment operations connecting mainland China with global markets. The airport’s extensive connectivity and cargo handling infrastructure remain central to its competitive advantage in the global logistics landscape. HKIA’s performance also aligns with broader momentum across Hong Kong’s aviation sector. The airport retained its title as the world’s busiest cargo airport in 2025, marking the 15th time it has achieved the distinction since 2010. Airport Authority Hong Kong has continued investing in cargo capacity expansion, digitalisation initiatives, and specialised handling capabilities for pharmaceuticals, perishables, and e-commerce shipments. Meanwhile, Cathay Cargo also reported improved freight volumes in April, reflecting sustained demand on routes connecting Asia with the Americas and Europe. The airline cited growth in semiconductor, technology, and pharmaceutical shipments as important contributors to cargo performance. Despite ongoing concerns around geopolitical instability and shifting trade patterns, HKIA’s latest cargo figures indicate that the airport remains a critical node in global supply chains. As international trade volumes gradually stabilise and e-commerce continues to drive air freight demand, Hong Kong appears well positioned to maintain its leadership role in the global air cargo industry. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 https://cargoconnect.co.in/ 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬
