Forum on air cargo industry and its developments

 From left: Chaminda Perera – Emirates, Chamara Ranasinghe – SriLankan, Rohan Masakorala – SAC, Roshan Silva – SLLFA, Sean Van Dort – GSF

• Transformation of consumer behaviour and the development of e-commerce
• Sri Lanka’s role as an aviation centre in South Asia
• Understanding the operational aspects of air cargo, air freight and perishables

The Shippers Academy Colombo SAC, in its series of training events, has organised a focused short forum to educate local industry players on new developments of the international air cargo industry, operational and planning aspects of air cargo shipments, understanding the calculations of air freight and the dos and do-nots of using this mode of transportation in international trade.

Experts from the industry will make presentations, followed by a discussion regarding the air cargo industry which will include the subject of Sri Lanka’s geo-location relevance in promoting and enhancing air logistics to the region. The event will be held on 24 February from 2.30 p.m at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

Air cargo is a trade facilitator that contributes to global economic development and creates millions of jobs. The global economy depends on the ability to deliver high-quality products at competitive prices to consumers worldwide. Air cargo transports over $6.8 trillion worth of goods, accounting for approximately 35% of world trade by value.

Vaccines save 2.5 million lives every year and 7.4 billion parcels are sent every year by air. According to IATA, because of air logistics supply chain solutions, vaccines can reach their destination in time to be effective. The World Health Organisation estimates that immunisation programs prevent up to three million child deaths per year. Air cargo is critical in flying these temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals in the best conditions, using cutting-edge technologies and procedures.

Every year, 328 billion letters and 7.4 billion postal parcels are sent and airmail plays an essential role in their delivery. While the emergence of electronic communications caused a dramatic decrease in the number of letters sent, more and more parcels are delivered daily thanks to e-commerce.

The high-value fast-moving global products need best and quick solutions to reach markets and consumers. Air cargo logistics is the fastest mode of transportation but can be very expensive if not managed efficiently and effectively by exporters, importers and freight forwarders. The global consumer markets, from clothing to all types of electronic products and semi-finished high value cargo for supply chains, are connected via the aviation logistics industry. This is a growing phenomenon as the internet-based online shopping is making the air cargo industry more relevant than ever before and developing into a specialised trade of business known as e-commerce. Other exports shipped by air includes cut flowers, spare parts, fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Exporters, importers and service providers can contact the Shippers’ Academy Colombo on+94 773820703, +94 11 3560844 [email protected] or visit www.shippersacademy.lk for online registration information.