IATA Introduces AI Initiatives to Support Air Cargo Operations

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is advancing new initiatives that utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize air cargo operations. These programs aim to enhance operational efficiency, promote safety and compliance, and foster collaboration throughout the global air cargo supply chain.

New Tools and Industry Collaboration to Support AI Adoption in Air Cargo

One initiative aims to improve access to industry publications. The organization is introducing an AI Subject Matter Expert (AI SME), a mobile and web application designed to assist operational teams in finding information in cargo and safety publications through natural language queries.

Initially, support will be provided for the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) and the Cargo Handling Manual (ICHM), with plans to add more reference publications later. To promote industry collaboration, the organization is also establishing the Air Cargo AI Excellence Hub, a platform for airlines, ground handlers, freight forwarders, technology providers, and regulators to share experiences and develop approaches related to AI governance, compliance, and implementation in air cargo operations.

In addition, IATA and its strategic partners are exploring how AI can support interline air cargo operations with less cargo. The project will examine the use of AI agents to enable airlines operating on different IT systems to collaborate in real time on bookings, disruptions, and cancellations. This effort is being conducted under the Data & Technology Proof of Concept (PoC) stream within IATA’s Strategic Partnerships Program.

According to Brendan Sullivan, these initiatives will help the industry explore practical applications of AI while supporting coordinated adoption and alignment with aviation standards.