E-Freight & Digital Cargo

Transporting cargo by air is information intensive. Large quantities of information are
exchanged between many actors of a complex supply chain. The industry still relies largely
on paper to transport that information and where electronic processes are already in place,
they suffer from many limitations, including poor data quality, incomplete coverage, lack of
common data standards, use of legacy technology and standards. IATA’s vision is to
achieve a fully digitally connected and integrated air cargo supply chain built on innovative
technology, high quality and available data, streamlined processes, and global standards. 

To achieve it, IATA works with the Cargo Operations & Technology Board (COTB) and its
sub-groups to modernize air cargo standards, drive change with industry projects and
explore new technologies to assess their potential impacts on and use within the air cargo
supply chain.