Forming the future of air cargo in Dubai
The ability to adapt and the elasticity of Air Cargo at the IATA World Cargo Symposium 2025 press conference in Dubai, where industrial leaders dealt with uncertainty in trade, sustainability and investment in infrastructure.
The goods are still strong despite the global turmoil
Walsh Walsh, IATA General Manager, opened with cautious optimism: “Goods are in good condition. Industry in general, I think, in good condition.” He pointed to the performance of the year 2024, noting that the kilometers (CTKS) increased by 11.3 %, with an increase in growth for 2025.
Although geopolitical uncertainty, including continuous tariff discussions, Walsh said: “Our industry is very good in adapting with uncertainty. There is no doubt that the industry will respond, you will have the place of demand.”
Brendan Sullivan, the global chairman of IATA, called for the acceleration of digitization and coordinated organizational support, especially in light of the growing lithium battery sizes. “We must exchange data,” he said, with a highlight of the IATA payment to adopt one record by January 2026.
He added: “The fragmented national responses are not simply enough in this connected global supply chain.” “Dirt is the car. One record is the road.”
Sullivan also strengthened the need for joint environmental responsibility: “Our commitment [to sustainability] Obvious, but we need support from governments, fuel suppliers and manufacturers. Airlines cannot do this alone. “
Seeing bold goods in Dubai
“Dubai is the place where the future occurs,” said Badr Abbas, deputy head of the department in the Emirati Skycargo. An ambitious road map revealed to double the capacity of the carrier’s shipment by 2026 and expand its network with 20 new shipping destinations.
“In 2025, we started an increase of 15 % in the capacity … and we have plans to expand this in the coming months,” Abbas said. “We are not just meeting the demand, we are the future.”
He also talked about the planned expansion in Dubai at Al Maktoum International Airport, which aims to become the largest shipping center in the world, capable of dealing with 12 million tons annually. “It will be the game change,” he said.
Clav, Sofe Hopkins, CEO of the airport operations at DNATA, has strengthened the driving of the area in the shipping infrastructure. He said: “In the past 12 months, DNATA has handed over more than a million tons of goods in Dubai,” where 300,000 tons have been dealt with at DWC expanding station.
He announced that DNata will open three modern shipping facilities in 2025, investing more than $ 110 million in Amsterdam, Erbil and Dubai South. “What distinguishes Dubai is our integrated ecosystem,” he said. “Smart infrastructure, correct talent and innovative technology – all are linked.”
Regarding the topic of SAF (sustainable aviation fuel), Walsh emphasized its importance and explained its broader role: “It is sustainable fuel, not only to fly. But it needs correct raw materials and support at the level of industry.”
