Global Cargo Carriers, Inc. Philippines (GCCI) said it is working on improving its relationship with the cargo industry and enhancing professional development for theairline cargo managers.

"We are establishing a good working relationship with the Aircargo Forwarders of the Philippines. Inc. (AFPI). We plan to strengthen this relationship by joining them in their initiative of putting up the Aircargo Golf Club. We’ve also agreed to keep the communication lines open with regards to issues that affect our industries," GCCI president Rene Banzon said.

Banzon said that at the next GCCI membership meeting, a representative of the semi-conductor industry has been invited to discuss the current trends and forecasts of the industry."The exposure to speakers from theserelated industries and offi ces not only provides good connections, but moreimportantly provides new learning andvital information to the members tohelp improve their decision makingskills and formulation of plans forthe future."

GCCI is also planning for its Annual GCCI Awards in late October instead of November 2007 since most companies are preparing their budgets in November.

Banzon believes that the major challenge facing the airline cargo industry is the issue of anti-trust laws that prompted some airlines to withdraw their membership from GCCI on instructions from their overseas head offi ces, which restricted them from joining organisations that could result in any discussion about cargo rates and other sensitive issues.

The recent lawsuits in the US and Europe have caused airlines to be extra careful in dealing with other airlines in order to avoid any impression of price fi xing or manipulation agreements, said Banzon.

He pointed out that membership in the GCCI is clearly defi ned in the organisation’s objectives. "We want to assure our members’ head offi ces that the purpose of our organisation is for the improvement of the industry and not putting the members in an compromising situation," said Banzon. – Edu Lopez