Quantcast

Efforts aim to standardize air transport for human remains

Emirates operates with SAF at London Heathrow Airport
British Airways Introduces Brunch Service on Long-Haul Flights
AirAsia FREE SEATS is BACK! - Book Cheap Flight now!
FAA Investigating After JetBlue Plane Skids Off Runway
Virgin Atlantic Offers Family-Friendly Holiday Packages
The Billion-Dollar Outlier That's Rescuing San Francisco Tourism
Alaska Airlines Adding More Boeing 787 to Boost Seattle Hub
Ryanair cancels 170 flights, disrupts over 30,000 passengers on French ATC strike
What to Know About Travel to Europe During This Record-Breaking Heatwave
Airport Workers Save the Day After Woman Loses Diamond from Her Engagement Ring in Baggage Carousel
I never talk to strangers on the plane. After my dad died, a passenger helped me talk about my grief.
American Airlines reveals new summer route: Miami → Rome
Budget UK airline launches huge sale with £29 flights to 475 holiday hotspots – but you’ll have to be quick
Delta Passengers Can Book a ‘Last Mile’ Private Jet Charter to Europe This Summer
Honeywell Runway Safety Technology Selected by Southwest Airlines for Fleetwide Installation
Southwest Airlines Adds Cockpit Alerts to Boost Runway Safety
This Airline Is Going to Start Handing Out $675 Fines to 'Unruly' Passengers: 'It Is Unacceptable'
Summer of savings? New analysis shows airfare has dropped significantly - The Points Guy
Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Pigeons Cause Chaos on Delta Flight
United Airlines’ Uniforms Get A Facelift—And A Political Filter
United Continues to Face Catering Chaos at San Francisco
Passenger tries opening plane door mid-flight, gets zip-tied by veterans
Passenger Stows Away on Delta Flight from New York to Paris
Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Efforts aim to standardize air transport for human remains
Webp qj5munmfs624bdp2bm4w8syr8zw8
Joe Petrie Editor & Chief | AviationPros

An international effort is underway to improve the air transportation of human remains. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Fédération Internationale des Associations de Thanatologues (FIAT-IFTA), a global funeral operators' federation, are collaborating on this initiative.

IATA represents 336 airlines, accounting for over 80% of global air traffic. Through its online hub, it offers an on-demand webinar with insights from both IATA and FIAT-IFTA leaders. This collaboration aims to ensure dignified and safe transport for deceased individuals.

Marek Cichewicz, president of FIAT-IFTA, emphasized the importance of repatriation: "At the moment, this body, this deceased, is more important than gold or diamonds." He added that they are seeking solutions to improve these processes.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The Compassionate Transportation Manual (CTM), now in its fourth edition, is a key tool developed by IATA to guide stakeholders like funeral home operators and airlines in handling human remains. Lucy Exell from IATA highlighted that the manual emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic's impact: “There was no single source document available...that could provide harmonized guidance.”

To develop CTM, IATA worked with WHO and ICAO for guidance on transporting COVID-19-related human remains. They also collaborated with entities such as MacKinnon and Bowes Ltd., Hygeco, FSAC, and Albin International Repatriation.

Andre Majeres of IATA stressed the importance of standardization: “We strive to establish the best standards...available for all.” He explained that consistent processes prevent surprises in cargo handling.

Since its inception, CTM has expanded to cover sustainable practices and electronic data exchange among other topics. Recently launched is IATA’s Compassionate Transportation LIVE virtual course aimed at industry stakeholders.

Rebecca Kanable joined Endeavor Business Media's aviation group in 2021 and serves as Assistant Editor at Ground Support Worldwide.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Eurowings has been recognized as one of the top airlines in Europe, according to a study by the consumer portal Flightright.

Jul 25, 2025

Martha Arauz is the Human Resources Manager at LAV, where she is dedicated to promoting a positive work environment.

Jul 25, 2025

Content creators Adriana and Dylan, known as 2passports1dream, have highlighted Singapore Airlines' business class offerings on TikTok, specifically praising the airline's 'Book the Cook' program.

Jul 24, 2025

Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan has been recognized as the "Best Airline Rewards Program" by U.S. News & World Report for the 11th consecutive year.

Jul 24, 2025

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are set to introduce a significant change on their Seattle-Tokyo route.

Jul 24, 2025

If you're a Verizon customer, there is a new credit card offer that may be worth considering.

Jul 24, 2025