The global representative body for the airline industry, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), announced on Monday that its counterpart for the freight forwarding sector, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) had endorsed the IATA Cargo Handling Manual (ICHM).

The manual sets out standardised procedures for use by airlines, ground handling agents (GHAs) and freight forwarders.

Standardised procedures allow airlines, GHAs and freight forwarders to improve the alignment of their operations, through the exploitation of the expertise of all three sectors. This improves efficiency along the entire supply chain.

“FIATA’s endorsement of the ICHM supports IATA’s goal of creating a safer, more efficient air cargo industry,” pointed out IATA global head of cargo Brendan Sullivan. “Standardisation of procedures reduces risks, enhances operational performance, and improves efficiency. Importantly, this brings enormous benefits to the global supply chain and the millions of businesses and people that depend upon it.”

The endorsement of the ICHM by FIATA brings all the major sectors in the handling of air cargo under a single global consistent standards framework. It marks a new phase in cooperation between airlines and freight forwarders, reinforced by their common commitment to operational excellence, notes IATA.

“FIATA has worked closely with IATA in reviewing the ICHM, providing valuable input to ensure that it addresses the specific needs of freight forwarders of all sizes around the world, including the [small and medium-sized enterprises]. The result is a set of standardised procedures that will enable faster, more efficient processes, while also improving service to shippers. Crucially, FIATA prioritises safety and security, and this collaboration ensures that these key aspects are embedded throughout the handling procedures. This strengthens mutual recognition across stakeholders, driving operational efficiency, safety, and cost savings throughout the supply chain.”

IATA’s membership is some 330 airlines, representing more than 80% of global air traffic. FIATA has 113 member associations and more than 6 000 individual members, altogether representing some 40 000 freight forwarding and logistics companies around the world. Both IATA and FIATA are based in Geneva, Switzerland.