As the TIACA Executive Summit 2025 prepares to take flight in Hong Kong from June 24, the global air cargo community stands at a crucial inflection point. In an exclusive pre-summit conversation with Apace Digital Cargo, Glyn Hughes, Director General, The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), shares timely insights on the industry’s response to volatile trade dynamics, evolving regulatory frameworks, and the critical need for digital and infrastructure resilience.

As we gather for the TIACA Executive Summit 2025, what is the core vision or theme driving this year’s summit? 

The key challenge facing air cargo in 2025 is dealing with a volatile international trade environment.  How to balance the ever changing situation regarding US imposed tariffs and changes to the de minimis rules with the need for operational efficiency and high service levels.  The executive summit will also look at the critical need for safety in the supply chain and how to ensure infrastructure and digitalization address the need for efficient, effective and transparent air cargo solutions.

What makes this year’s TIACA Executive Summit in Hong Kong unique or particularly significant for the global air cargo industry?

 The location of Hong Kong is crucial for this year’s event. Hong Kong and China being the centres for ecommerce exports which have grown significantly over recent years and now account for about 25% of global air cargo tonnage.  With changes in the world of geopolitics and the rise of protectionist policies, it is critical to have industry debate with those most involved. Are the current challenges short term shocks? Or are they indications of longer term shifts in how the global economy will operate? The air cargo industry is crucial for the future of international trade whatever it looks like so let’s bring the community together to get various perspectives on what and how the industry must evolve.

How is TIACA ensuring the voices of developing markets and emerging economies are represented in the summit discussions?

Every event TIACA holds brings together the thoughts and viewpoints of industry experts, including global and regional perspectives. The 2025 Executive Summit will continue with this mandate. We will bring speakers from over 20 countries across the globe as each individual voice contributes to the collective outcome.

What tangible outcomes or collaborative initiatives do you expect to result from this year’s summit?

 The outcome of all TIACA events get fed into the TIACA Board so that our strategic plans can get adjusted to ensure we are addressing the issues and concerns most relevant for the air cargo industry.  We will launch the TIACA white paper addressing e-commerce during the event and we expect the event outcomes to shape future editions and industry positions.

 The air cargo industry has undergone rapid digital transformation & sustainability continues to be a top priority. Will these topics be addressed during the Summit discussions? 

Absolutely. We have several sessions dedicated to looking at how digital solutions are impacting today’s industry as well as looking at how we can leverage AI and tech innovation to ensure we can successfully address the need for compliance and the ever evolving demands from customers.

 How does this summit help shape TIACA’s long-term strategy and roadmap for the air cargo industry?

As mentioned previously, the outcomes of each event get fed into the TIACA board in the form of a report which then shapes our programs and focus points in each market.  TIACA represents nearly 500 supply chain stakeholders from across the spectrum so it’s crucial we support the entire industry so we also need to constantly evolve as the needs of our members evolve.