The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) Executive Summit 2025 opened June 25 in Hong Kong, bringing together global air cargo stakeholders to address an evolving industry landscape.
The opening ceremony, marked by cultural performances and strategic messaging, highlighted the city's ambition to play a central role in the future of global trade.
Cathay Cargo Director Tom Owen opened the event by highlighting Hong Kong’s role as a "vital hub" within the growing Greater Bay Area.
Owen stressed that the vision is to become the best air cargo carrier in the world. "Our main focus right now is around digitalization, getting the data that we have to start working for us," he said.
"Uncertainty for global air cargo can be a very good thing, in terms of aviation and in terms of airline," he explains that Cathay Cargo embraces the future of uncertainty, and ensures to be aware of what's happening as much as possible.
While addressing geopolitical concerns, Hactl CEO Wilson Kwong emphasized the importance of collaboration. He voiced out that Hong Kong's leadership in air cargo is possible through collective effort.
The summit comes at a time when global air cargo volumes are rebounding, with April 2025 seeing a 5.8% year-over-year increase in demand, according to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The Asia-Pacific region, in particular, posted double-digit growth, driven by e-commerce and front-loading of shipments ahead of tariff changes in the United States. However, this growth is tempered by rising protectionism and shifting trade policies, with the World Trade Organization forecasting a 0.2% decline in global merchandise trade for the year amid escalating tensions.
Hong Kong's integration with nearby cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou has helped the region maintain resilience through recent supply chain disruptions.
As global logistics networks face mounting pressure from geopolitical and climate-related risks, industry leaders at the summit pointed to the Greater Bay Area's model anchored by collaboration and multi-modal connectivity as a path forward.
A defining feature of the 2025 summit is its focus on innovation and resilience. Delegates are emphasizing digitalization, AI-driven logistics, sustainable aviation fuel, and carbon reduction as strategies to future-proof air cargo operations.
With disruptions becoming the norm, panel discussions are exploring technologies and operational models that enhance agility without compromising efficiency.
Underlying the summit's agenda is a renewed call for global collaboration. In a post-pandemic and increasingly fragmented world, the emphasis on shared frameworks and interoperable digital systems is critical.
Underlying the summit’s agenda is a renewed call for global collaboration. In a post-pandemic and increasingly fragmented world, the emphasis on shared frameworks and interoperable digital systems is critical. By hosting this year's summit, Hong Kong is not just showcasing its infrastructure, it's offering a blueprint for multinational cooperation anchored in mutual growth.
As the summit unfolds over the next two days, all eyes will be on how these themes evolve into concrete strategies. But one message is already clear: Hong Kong is positioning itself not just as a gateway, but as a guiding force in shaping the air cargo sector's next frontier.
By Cathy Li
Asia Cargo News | Hong Kong
