Air Cargo Forum (ACF) 2025, hosted by TIACA from 3 to 6 November On Yas Island Arena in Abu Dhabi, it brought the community together for an event filled with strategic announcements, leadership changes and future-focused dialogue.
The Forum witnessed several firsts: the first ACF Championship hosted in Abu Dhabi, the first held within a major sporting arena, and the first edition under TIACA’s new annual schedule, reflecting the federation’s growing ambition to keep pace with the rapid development of the industry.
The event also saw a notable shift in leadership, with Ross Packer officially assuming the role of TIACA President, succeeding Stephen Polmans. With a focus on inclusivity, sustainability and innovation, Packer’s appointment signals a new chapter for the organisation.
As the host city, Abu Dhabi played a strategic role in enhancing the emergence of the Middle East region as a major global shipping gateway. With its world-class infrastructure and proximity to Asia, Europe and Africa, the emirate provided a suitable venue for a high-level cluster focused on innovation, connectivity and operational excellence.
“Hosting the global logistics community here has highlighted Abu Dhabi’s role as a hub for innovation and sustainable growth,” said Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer at Etihad Cargo.
TIACA launches key strategic initiatives
During ACF 2025, TIACA used the platform to unveil several strategic initiatives aimed at fostering long-term innovation and collaboration:
Memorandum of Understanding between TIACA and HAUS61 to drive innovation and support startups in the air cargo space
The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) and HAUS61 GmbH have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation, encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and start-up development in the global air freight and logistics industry.
This partnership underscores TIACA’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and supporting startups that are reshaping the future of air cargo. By partnering with HAUS61, TIACA aims to create new opportunities for collaboration between established industry leaders and innovative start-ups.
“At TIACA, we believe that innovation is essential to the continued growth and sustainability of the air cargo industry,” said Ross Packer, President of TIACA. “Our partnership with HAUS61 will help bridge the gap between startups with new ideas and industry stakeholders who can bring these ideas to life.”
Announcing the Executive Summit 2026 in Warsaw
TIACA has confirmed that its Executive Summit 2026 will be held in Warsaw, Poland, from 1 to 3 June, hosted by LOT Polish Airlines. The event will bring together more than 350 industry leaders to explore issues ranging from digitalization and sustainability to the evolution of trade corridors in Central and Eastern Europe.
ACF 2026 returns to Miami
Following the success of previous editions, ACF 2026 will be held in Miami Beach from October 26-29, continuing the association’s mission to unite the global air cargo community through practical dialogue and strategic collaboration.
Etihad Cargo unveils a partnership with LODD Autonomous for hybrid VTOL drones
One of the most forward-looking announcements at ACF 2025 came from Etihad Cargo, which revealed a new partnership with LODD Autonomous to trial the integration of hybrid VTOL aircraft “Hili” into logistics operations in the UAE.
The Heli aircraft offers a payload of 250kg and a range of up to 700km, and is capable of point-to-point transportation without runways – ideal for high-value, time-sensitive shipments. The aircraft’s autonomous design also supports reduced emissions and decentralized logistics models.
Stanislas Brun, Head of Cargo Affairs at Etihad Cargo, said: “We hope that in cooperation with LODD Autonomous we will be able to open new horizons for air freight, by finding smarter, faster and more sustainable ways to transport goods across the country.”
Astral Aviation has appointed TAM Group as GSSA for Hong Kong and Macau
In another ACF 2025 announcement, Astral Aviation has appointed TAM Group as its exclusive General Sales and Service Agent (GSSA) for Hong Kong and Macau from November 2025 to October 2027.
The partnership aims to expand Astral’s presence in East Asia, targeting general freight, e-commerce and high-value goods, while strengthening trade corridors between Africa and Asia.
“This partnership brings China and Africa closer together,” said Sanjeev Gadia, CEO of Astral Aviation. “TAM’s regional footprint gives us the opportunity to reach untapped markets beyond traditional gateways.”
The conference themes are strong
The agenda for the ACF 2025 conference was wide-ranging and highly focused. Main topics included:
Digitization: With speakers from IBS Software, Awery Aviation Software and Freightos, the sessions highlighted how the air cargo industry is moving towards full integration of AI, automation and intelligent platforms.
Sustainability: Discussions on aviation’s journey to net zero by 2050 explored the deployment of the Sudanese Air Force, emissions tracking and collaboration across the value chain.
Workforce Development: From upskilling to attracting new talent, panelists from Emirates SkyCargo, Aviation NOW and others addressed the critical need to close the talent gap.
Regional Growth: As the Middle East expands its infrastructure, speakers from Saudi Cargo, NAFL and Etihad Airways explained how regional players are building competitive advantages in connectivity and freight flexibility.
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