Freight forwarder association FIATA has given its backing to IATA’s Cargo Handling Manual in a move they hope will create efficiencies in airport operations through the use of a consistent set of global standards.
The two groups said that the endorsement of the manual comes after one year of process of discussions, review and collaboration.
By adopting these standards, freight forwarders, airlines and ground handlers will “better align their operations, by leveraging their respective expertise in order to improve efficiency across the supply chain”, IATA and FIATA said.
The ICHM provides standardised procedures for airlines, ground handling agents (GHAs), and freight forwarders.
At the start of the year, IATA updated its industry manuals for cargo and ground-handling operations, with more than 300 updates made.
Some of the major changes in terms of cargo include those made to regulations related to live animals, perishable cargo, temperature-controlled cargo, operational risk assessment, and ground handling training and procedures.
