What Does It Take To Launch A Successful Airline? Also: It's Time To Talk Cargo

Welcome back! This week we wrap #IATAWDS, preview #IATAWCS (as well as the upcoming CargoIS Forum), welcome a new member airline, and highlight a career opportunity in Corporate Services. Let's get to it.

Unlock Growth In Your Cargo Operations At The IATA CargoIS Forum 2025

Are you looking to elevate your cargo operations and stay ahead in the ever-evolving air cargo industry? The IATA CargoIS Forum 2025 is your perfect opportunity to do just that.

Held just before the IATA World Cargo Symposium, the event is set to bring together top industry leaders to dive into how air cargo market intelligence can help drive growth and stay competitive.?

Why you can't miss this event:?

1. Learn from industry leaders

Get ready to hear from some of the biggest names in air cargo. Leaders from Emirates SkyCargo, NX (Nippon Express Holdings, Inc.), and Lufthansa Cargo will be sharing their insights on how they are harnessing market intelligence to transform their strategies and stay ahead of the curve.?

2. Stay ahead of market trends??

Get the latest Global Airfreight Outlook?from IATA Economics.??

3. Explore new tools

See the latest?CargoIS Horizon Project?updates, including a demo of the new?supply benchmarking view.??

4. Networking opportunities?

In addition to insightful presentations, the CargoIS Forum offers invaluable networking opportunities. Engage with peers, thought leaders, and key decision-makers within the air cargo sector. Exchange ideas, make connections, and collaborate to drive industry-wide innovation.?

This is your opportunity to gain the insights, strategies, and connections needed to push your organization toward success.

The CargoIS Forum will take place on 14 April at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai (UAE).

Take a moment to view the agenda and then secure your spot.

While you're at it, take a moment to learn more about the?2025 World Cargo Symposium (WCS), which will focus on digitalization, sustainability and safety/security as the key issues in helping the global air cargo industry as it adapts to unfolding geopolitical shifts.

Please note that if you're planning to attend both the WCS 2025 and the CargoIS Forum, a special rate is available.

Aviation Students Given Opportunity To Launch Their Own Airline

What does it take to launch a successful airline?

That is what 120 students from across 17 top aviation universities around the world will find out when they undertake the IATA Airline Management Challenge.

The challenge—which launches 8 April and ends in early May—is simple.

Using IATA’s Air Mercury software, students simulate the creation of a new airline. Using real-world data, they are able to select their business model, fleet, routes and strategy. Then over a series of simulation rounds they will be able to tweak their business model around elements such as network design, schedule, pricing and fuel management, each impacting the overall profitability of their fledging airline. ?

The winner is the team managing the most profitable airline. But the real victory is the skills the students gain along the way. ?

Tanja Schmidt, Director of IATA Training:

"The challenge aims to deliver practical skills and bridge the divide between theoretical knowledge and real-world experience. Participants gain invaluable insights on what to expect prior to starting their careers."

Find out more about the?2025 IATA Airline Management Challenge.

News In Brief

?? Inaugural WDS brought industry together to explore data, technology and cybersecurity

?? Qatar Airways Cargo renews IATA CEIV Live Animals certification

?? What you need to know about digital identity & biometrics

?? Chart of the week: US federal worker layoffs and their potential impacts

Career Opportunity Of The Week: Finance Transformation Lead

Join our Corporate Services (CS) division as we embark on a continuous improvement and digital transformation journey. The BORA (meaning “better” in Swahili) project aims at delivering a new ERP solution for IATA that will enable Corporate Services to deliver on its fiduciary responsibilities as well as deliver more value to the business.

This position will be responsible for leading the digital innovation and transformation efforts within the Corporate Services division and will drive the BORA project activities aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, optimizing end-to-end processes and supporting the implementation of best practices across the organization.

This role reports to the IATA CFO, SVP Corporate Services and is based in Geneva.

Learn more about the ideal qualifications and the day-to-day expectations for this role.

Not quite the right role for you? Search our current openings for your next opportunity:

Welcome To Our Latest Member Airline!

Congratulations to SKY express on joining IATA's airline membership!

Being a leading airline for domestic connectivity in Greece, SKY express operates the country’s largest network, serving 33 destinations.

Additionally, its international network is also expanding, with 22 destinations.

With 27 brand-new aircraft, including the Airbus A321neo, Airbus A320neo, and ATR 72-600, SKY express operates the youngest fleet in Greece.

It has also been recognized with the 2024 Innovation Airline Award by the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) for the second consecutive year.

Thanks for reading! Safe travels and please consider sharing this newsletter.