The air cargo industry is undergoing a profound digital transformation, with IATA leading the charge through its innovative ONE Record standard. As the sector moves away from outdated messaging systems that have been in place for over 50 years, this new approach leverages web APIs to enable seamless data sharing and enhanced operational efficiency.

A Common Global Data Model

The ONE Record standard establishes a unified digital framework, facilitating interoperability across various stakeholders in the air cargo supply chain. This model ensures improved communication, data visibility, and transparency, ultimately streamlining logistics and reducing inefficiencies.

• Enhanced Communication: ONE Record provides a standardized approach for businesses to share data, minimizing errors and delays.

• Improved Visibility: Real-time tracking and transparency enable all parties involved in a shipment to access up-to-date information.

• Stronger Quality Control: Data integrity is maintained by giving owners full control over access and permissions.

Implementation and Industry Adoption

The transition to ONE Record is well underway, with over 200 companies participating in pilot projects, 10 of which have advanced to operational implementation. Global governments, including the EU, UN, US, and China, are also engaged in shaping the regulatory landscape to facilitate smooth adoption. Industry-wide implementation is targeted for January 2026.

Furthermore, hackathons have been instrumental in fostering innovation, bringing together over 800 experts to develop solutions tailored to air cargo's digital future. Solution providers, which account for 80% of the industry, are also committed to open-source cooperation, ensuring broader accessibility and integration.

Case Studies and Real-World Impact

Several high-profile implementations of ONE Record highlight its transformative potential:

Multimodal Cargo Operations: By providing a single digital shipment record accessible across different transport modes (air, road, and sea), redundancies are eliminated, leading to operational excellence.

Cathay Cargo’s IoT Integration: ONE Record enables real-time tracking of semiconductor thermal paste shipments, ensuring optimal transport conditions and customer satisfaction.

Vaccine Transportation: By replacing paper documents with digital records, a major airline successfully enhanced compliance and transparency in vaccine distribution, reinforcing safety and regulatory adherence.

The Future of Air Cargo Digitalization

The industry's push towards digitalization goes beyond data sharing. The Digitalization Leadership Charter, launched in 2024, outlines key principles such as:

• Ensuring interoperability and widespread adoption of standards like ONE Record.

• Developing unified digital strategies among stakeholders.

• Strengthening cybersecurity and responsible AI use.

• Enhancing environmental sustainability through digital solutions.

As IATA continues to drive this transformation, air cargo is poised to become more efficient, secure, and sustainable. By embracing innovative technologies, the industry is not only future-proofing operations but also setting new benchmarks for global logistics excellence.