The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed Brazil's adoption of the electronic air waybill (eAWB) as a milestone in the cargo sector's modernisation, driving greater operational efficiency and cost reduction.
The air cargo trade organisation said Brazil is the first country in the Americas to waive the requirement for a physical air waybill, giving a significant boost to digitalisation efforts.
"The eAWB is a key enabler of much-needed modernisation of air cargo processes," said Brendan Sullivan, global head of cargo at IATA. "As the first adopter of eAWB in the Americas, Brazil is enhancing its competitiveness as a major air cargo player."
Sullivan noted that the success of IATA's work with airlines and the Brazilian authorities is an example for others in the region, and around the world, to follow.
Sérgio Garcia da Silva Alencar, tax auditor and head of customs operational coordination at the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service, noted that Brazil's decision to adopt digital air cargo documentation fully is a "watershed for the sector."
"By eliminating unnecessary paperwork, we are enabling greater efficiency, reducing costs and ensuring a more sustainable future for air cargo operations," he said.
IATA, Avianca Cargo, LATAM Cargo, the Brazilian authorities, and other stakeholders worked together on a trial program between December 2024 and January 2025, which saw 126 shipments use an e-AWB at eight Brazilian airports.
IATA said no shipment required a physical document, demonstrating the viability of a fully digitised logistics supply chain.
The transition to eAWB brings benefits such as faster cargo processing with shortened clearance times; reduced administrative costs; fewer manual errors and increased process reliability; and greater traceability and transparency.
IATA said a more competitive air cargo sector will bring economic and social benefits to Brazil.
According to the latest IATA Value of Aviation Report, Brazilian airports handled over 1.4 million tons of cargo in 2023, making the country the 17th-largest air cargo market in the world.
