IATA World Cargo Symposium returns to Dubai in April

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IATA World Cargo Symposium returns to Dubai in April

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Frédéric Léger Senior Vice President Commercial Products & Services | International Air Transport Association - IATA

By Sky Industry News

Mar 5, 2025

The IATA World Cargo Symposium (WCS) 2025 is set to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from April 15 to 17. Hosted by Emirates SkyCargo and dnata, this marks the second time the WCS is being held in the UAE, with the first occurrence in 2017.

"With its strategic location and world-class logistics infrastructure, Dubai is a natural choice for the 2025 IATA World Cargo Symposium. As this year’s host airline, Emirates SkyCargo is set to showcase its expanding capabilities and commitment to driving efficiency, innovation, and connectivity across the air cargo industry. The symposium will be a key platform to shape the future of air cargo and align on the best strategies for growth," said Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo.

"We’re proud to welcome industry leaders to Dubai, home to our first and largest operations, at a time of incredible growth and transformation in the cargo sector. With safety, innovation and sustainability at the core of our business, the IATA World Cargo Symposium offers an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and explore new solutions. We look forward to connecting with our partners and stakeholders to enhance both operational and environmental efficiency, driving meaningful progress across the industry," said Clive Sauvé- Hopkins, CEO - Airport Operations at dnata.

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Speakers at the event include:

- Badr Abbas, Division Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo

- Clive Sauve-Hopkins, CEO - Airport Operations at dnata

- Andres Bianchi, Chief Executive Officer of LATAM Cargo and IATA Cargo Advisory Council Chair

- Gabriela Hiitola, SVP of Finnair Cargo

- Ludwig Hausmann, Senior Partner and Leader of Logistics Sector in Europe at McKinsey & Company

- Tom Owen Head of Cathay Cargo

The symposium will feature plenary sessions along with specialized tracks workshops executive summits addressing various topics including:

- Digitalization: The role AI automation future air cargo

- Sustainability: Strategies decarbonization reducing single-use plastics ESG reporting

- Risk Resilience: Navigating geopolitical uncertainty regulatory shifts supply chain disruptions

Workshops complementing WCS program include:

- Building next generation talent Future Air Cargo Executives Summit (FACES)

- Benefits competency-based training through IATA’s Competency-Based Training Assessment Center (CBTA Center) improving workplace safety performance

- Improving performance key market segments using IATA Center Excellence Independent Validators CEIV programs (CEIV Pharma Live Animals Lithium Batteries Fresh)

- How IATA’s Solutions assisting industry decision making compliance towards improving safety efficiency

- E-Commerce Forum identifying visibility between e-retailers operators improving efficiency

- ULD Forum focusing Design opportunities AI collecting reporting sustainability-related data

The event is open accredited members press