Air Forwarders Association signs MOU with TIACA to create new alliance

As the outlook for the global air cargo industry continues to brighten, another significant developed this week when the Airforwarders Association (AfA) announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA).

“We are looking forward to the future opportunities that will come from this MOU,” says AfA Executive Director Brandon Fried, who adds that the first stage of an alliance enabling them to strengthen cooperation on aviation.

The AfA represents the interests of companies and individuals that are operating within the United States and engaged in the business of air freight.

The AfA’s membership includes domestic and foreign freight forwarders, direct air carriers, ground carriers and affiliated businesses throughout the global transportation community; its member companies take responsibility for moving cargo in the timeliest and most cost-efficient manner both domestically and internationally.

Fried is one of the longest-serving association executives in the industry, and a frequent contributor to Logistics Management.

TIACA is a global non-profit trade association that represents all major segments of the air cargo and air logistics industry. It engages in activities that will improve industry cooperation, enable the sharing of knowledge, enhance quality and efficiency, and promote education. It aims to inform the public about developments and trends in the air cargo industry.

Vladimir Zubkov, TIACA Secretary General, will attend the AfA Board meeting held during AirCargo 2018 in Austin, Texas. The AfA Board will in turn attend TIACA's Air Cargo Forum, held in Toronto this coming October.

The MoU signed between the AfA and TIACA is the first stage of an alliance between both organizations, enabling them to strengthen cooperation on aviation matters by:

Shared participation in each other’s events
Mutual promotion through social media
Continuous consultation, conferring and cooperation
Exchange of information on projected activities and relevant events of both associations
Invitations for representation by each participant in the alliance at global and regional conferences
Organization of joint events
Conduction of capacity building assistance and activities.

“The alliance between these two organizations will benefit the many members and associates of both of our associations,” says AfA Chairman Chris Connell.

The timing for such an announcement could not be better, says Charles W. (Chuck) Clowdis, Jr. Managing Director, Trans-Logistics Group, Inc.

“Optimism abounds,” he says. “If the growth of air cargo continues on its present course, my prediction is that total market can exceed 64 million metric tons in 2018.

More of his observations on this vibrant sector are contained in his 2018 Rate Forecast, available now on demand.