Conference Agenda
0800 - 0910
Registration
0910 - 0920
Welcome Address
0920 - 1000
Industry Keynote
Global Trends in Air Cargo & How it Fits into Vision 2030
Recent global trends have completely transformed air cargo. Learn how these trends (supply chain disruptions, digitisation, and cross-border e-commerce) have impacted the industry and how it aligns with air cargo over the next 5 to 10 years. Key insights include:
- Learning what emerging global macroeconomic trends will impact your organisation
- How the growth of cross-border e-commerce has created a new S-curve in air cargo
- How digitisation will lead to better efficiency & data visibility for all parties
Speaker(s)
- Jeff Pan, Founder, Belli
1000 - 1100
Panel Discussion
Strategic Vision: Elevating MENA as a Global Air Cargo Powerhouse
With rapid economic growth and increasing demand for efficient logistics, MENA airports are pivotal in facilitating seamless cargo movement. This fireside chat will highlight the essential role of the air cargo ecosystem in transforming the MENA region into a global air cargo powerhouse. Gain valuable insights into how state-of-the-art airport facilities and innovations are empowering the air cargo sector, fostering regional and global trade, and positioning MENA as a key logistics hub.
- Evaluating existing airport capabilities and facilities. Identifying key challenges and limitations faced by current infrastructure
- Highlighting significant airport projects, future expansion plans and increasing cargo handling capacity
- Evolving infrastructure and operations to accommodate the rise in air cargo demand
- Role of technology and innovations in cargo handling to enhance operational efficiency
- Strategies for fostering global collaborations and the impact of international partnerships on infrastructure development
- Strategies to ensure seamless integration between air cargo and other transportation forms. Improving multimodal connectivity to support efficient logistics
Moderator
- Ibraheem Alkahtani, Logistics and Customs Cluster Senior Manager, Schneider Electric
Speaker(s)
- Wael Mattar, Senior Manager Cargo, Gulf Air
- Shashi Kumar Panicker, Director - Aeronautical Revenues, Bahrain Airport Company
- Christian Schneider, General Manager AERO, Matarat Holdings
1100 - 1200
Networking Break
1200 - 1300
Panel Discussion
How Digital Innovations in Air Cargo will Transform the Industry
This panel will cover the pain points air cargo stakeholders have faced in the past with manual processes and lack of digitisation and then give you a glimpse into the future by showing the innovation that is taking place across the industry. Progress is never linear, so our panelists will share the key learnings on the things that worked (and didn't work), giving you insights to help you shape the innovation strategy for your organisation
- What are the major pain points faced in air cargo operations today?
- What are the key digital innovations we see, and what was the financial impact?
- What were the key learnings of change management?
Moderator
- Jeff Pan, Founder, Belli
Speaker(s)
- Sanjeev Gadhia, Chief Executive Officer, Astral Aviation Limited
- Rajesh Menon, Regional Head of Cargo, Cathay Cargo
- Jabir Salam, CEO, Alpha Cargo Services
1300 - 1330
Presentation
Supply Chain Visibility: A Catalyst for Innovation and Excellence
Speaker(s)
- Martin Schulze, Chief Executive Officer, BlueBox Systems
1330 - 1430
Networking Break & Lunch
1430 - 1500
Presentation
Navigating the Complexities of Time-Critical Logistics for the Healthcare Sector
With the advent of new medical therapies and the increasing significance of time-sensitive shipments, the demand for efficient, reliable, and innovative logistics solutions has grown exponentially. This presentation will explore the crucial role of air cargo logistics, highlight key challenges, and discuss technological advancements and strategic collaborations essential for advancing critical logistics in the healthcare sector.
- What are the key elements for successful pharmaceutical airfreight transportation?
- What are the essential collaboration challenges of all the airfreight transportation stakeholders?
- Preparing for the future of time-critical logistics and meeting increasing complexity and competition with other transportation modes.
- Integrating systems to ensure seamless operations and real-time tracking
Speaker(s)
- Marco Del Giudice, Managing Director, MdG srl
1500 - 1600
Panel Discussion
Strategies for Ensuring Safety and Security in Air Cargo Supply Chains
As the air cargo industry continues to expand, ensuring the security of the supply chain from ground to air has become more critical than ever. This panel discussion will delve into the multifaceted challenges of air cargo security, including physical, fraud, and digital threats.
- Discussing the current physical, fraud, and digital threats facing the air cargo logistics industry and their potential impacts
- Collaborative approaches among stakeholders to improve compliance with global cargo security measures and effectiveness
- Exploring the role of data-driven risk management strategies in unifying safety and security efforts for strategic growth in air cargo
- Utilising emerging technologies and software pivotal in combating fraud, theft, and cybercrime
- Developing a strategic combination of manual and technology-based strategies to combat advanced cargo theft techniques
Moderator
- Dr Sreejith Balasubramanian, Associate Professor, Middlesex University Dubai
Speaker(s)
- Navaid Ahsan, Head of Aviation Security Operations, Etihad
- Alanood Obaid Alsuwaidi, Senior Vice President Cargo MEAA, Menzies Aviation
- Balaji Thota, Dangerous Goods Expert, International Civil Aviation Organization
1600 - 1615
Closing Remarks & End of Conference Day One
0830 - 0910
Registration & Networking
0910 - 0920
Welcome Back Address
0920 - 1000
Fireside Chat
Advancing ESG and Achieving Net Zero in Air Cargo
This session will delve into the crucial steps and innovative strategies required for the air cargo industry to achieve its ambitious net zero emissions goal by 2050. The discussion will address the challenges of varying international regulations, the role of emerging technologies, and the evolving landscape of ESG metrics and reporting, offering a comprehensive view of how the industry can minimise its environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency.
- Adapting to the rapidly changing landscape of ESG reporting and leveraging ESG metrics for strategic advantage
- Ensuring integrity and consistency in sustainability data amidst varying international regulations
- Tracking and reducing emissions through sustainable aviation fuel and emerging technologies
- Emphasising technological advancements and government incentives
- The role of international partnerships and investments in supporting sustainable growth
- Addressing ethical and regulatory challenges to ensure compliance with international trade regulations
- Exploring the future of sustainable air cargo logistics and preparing for increasing complexity and capacity demands
Moderator
- Dr Emad Alharbi, Mobility Decarbonization Director, SWD Futures
Speaker(s)
- Ibrahim Al-Dali, Head of Supply Chain, Al Yamama Company
- Chris Browne, CEO KSA, Swissport
- Michiel Potjer, Strategic Sustainability Lead, Air France KLM Martinair Cargo
1000 - 1030
Presentation
Better Life Led by Digitalization
Speaker(s)
- Li Jin, Chief Executive Officer, iTran Systems
1030 - 1130
Networking Break
1130 - 1200
Presentation
Fuel Management in the Air Cargo Industry: Strategies for Efficiency and Sustainability
As we navigate a rapidly evolving global landscape, fuel management has emerged as a critical focal point for the air cargo sector. Fuel represents a significant operational cost, and its efficient management is not only a key driver of profitability but also a cornerstone of sustainability. In this session, we will explore the latest strategies, technologies, and best practices in fuel management that can help air cargo companies enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
- Examination of the relationship between fuel price volatility and its effect on strategic decision-making within air cargo operations.
- Exploring the role of next-generation aircraft and advanced engine technologies in reducing fuel consumption.
- Introduction to the latest fuel management systems and software designed to optimise fuel usage in realtime.
- Insights into the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and its potential to reduce greenhouse gasemissions.
- Examination of the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating SAF and other alternative energy sources into air cargo operations.
Speaker(s)
- Dr Emad Alharbi, Mobility Decarbonization Director, SWD Futures
1200 - 1300
Panel Discussion
Building an Inclusive and Skilled Air Cargo Workforce
As the industry faces rapid technological advancements and evolving market dynamics, it's crucial to anticipate and adapt to these changes. This session will explore how companies can innovate in talent management, emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and provide insights into the best practices for reskilling and upskilling to drive innovation and growth.
- Examining anticipated workforce dynamics changes over the next five years and identifying the best strategies to adapt to these shifts
- Identifying the future skills needed in the air cargo industry, such as data analytics, automation, and digital technology, and exploring their impact on job roles
- Discussing innovative approaches in talent management with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Exploring comprehensive up-skilling and re-skilling programs tailored for the air cargo industry
- Developing long-term strategies to build a robust talent pipeline, specifically addressing ongoing talent shortages in the air cargo sector
- Creating an attractive and inclusive work environment that appeals to the next generation within the air cargo industry
Moderator
- Balaji Thota, Dangerous Goods Expert, International Civil Aviation Organization
Speaker(s)
- Afnan Ahmed, Director of Sales Support, Steering, and GSA Management, Saudia Cargo
- Amal M. Sarah, Head of Training And Development, Saudi Air Navigation Services
- Serkan Sönmez, Cargo Director - ME, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkish Airlines
1300 - 1330
Presentation
Digitalisation & Tech Innovation In Air Cargo Industry
Speaker(s)
- Gautam Mandal, Director, Digital Transformation, Cargo Flash Infotech
1330 - 1430
Networking Lunch
1430 - 1500
Presentation
Smarter Cargo: Embracing AI for Future-Ready Supply Chains
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the air cargo industry, offering unprecedented opportunities for optimisation, efficiency, and innovation. This presentation will explore how AI can transform air cargo operations, providing strategic insights into leveraging this technology to create future-ready supply chains.
- Discuss how AI is improving air cargo operations, including advancements in cargo flow management, reduction in turnaround times, and route optimisation
- Analysing the challenges faced by industry leaders in integrating AI into air cargo systems and identifying successful strategies that have emerged
- Examining the role of Generative AI in optimising air cargo operations and its potential to drive future innovations in the industry
- Identifying the latest AI trends that air cargo executives should monitor to ensure their organisations remain at the cutting edge of technology
Speaker(s)
- Dr Sreejith Balasubramanian, Associate Professor, Middlesex University Dubai
1500 - 1600
Panel Discussion
Elevating Horizons, Transforming Aviation: The Future of Air Cargo
Driven by technological advancements, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and increasing demands for efficiency, the air cargo industry faces unprecedented challenges. Understanding these trends and preparing for the future has never been more critical. In this session, we will explore how industry leaders and stakeholders can navigate these changes, seize new opportunities, and overcome challenges to remain at the forefront of the dynamic and rapidly evolving air cargo landscape in the MENA region.
- Discussing the trends expected to influence the air cargo market over the next 12 months, considering current global trade dynamics
- Exploring strategies for MENA air cargo stakeholders to stay competitive in the rapidly changing and highly competitive global landscape
- Examining how collaboration between airports, BCOs, LSPs, and tech providers can solve congestion and streamline operations
- Discussing how MENA airports can evolve to meet rising air cargo demand, including factors that support scalable infrastructure and collaborative solutions to congestion
- Examining strategies for the air freight industry to navigate and mitigate the risks posed by geopolitical tensions, ensuring long-term sustainability and efficiency in global trade logistics
- Discussing the role of public-private partnerships in the development and expansion of MENA’s air cargo capabilities
Moderator
- Jeff Pan, Founder, Belli
Speaker(s)
- Sami Al-Bassam, Director of Cargo & Logistics Partnerships, King Salman International Airport
- Sue Donoghue, Arab Cluster CEO (Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia), DHL Global Forwarding
- Kelvin Seow, Chief Business Officer, Air India SATS
- Martin Schulze, Chief Executive Officer, BlueBox Systems
1600 - 1615
Closing Remarks & End of Conference Day Two
Programme is subject to change.
