ABU DHABI (March 15, 2017) – The International Air Transport Association has launched the IATA Cargo Handling Manual to help airlines and handlers work more effectively and safely together.

“Cargo operations are performed at thousands of airports, by hundreds of handlers,” said Glyn Hughes, global head of cargo at IATA. “With that number of parties involved, ensuring that global standards and best practices are being observed at all times is a constant challenge. The ICHM is a single reference source that will help promote global consistency and harmonization of cargo handling procedures, thereby facilitating the movement of goods safely, securely and efficiently while contributing to a reduction in air freight logistic costs.”

The manual, which was developed in consultation with airlines and cargo handlers, is based on industry best practices, the Cargo iQ Master Operating Plan and international regulations and standards.

It is the first complete set of standards covering the operational activities of all stakeholders in the cargo-handling supply chain, according to IATA.