The Federation of Asia Pacific Aircargo Associations (FAPAA) held its 36th Executive Council Meeting and AGM in Bangkok, Thailand in early June with 49 delegates from 18 country associations of the Asia Pacific region and 15 observers in attendance. The three-day event was hosted by The Thai Airfreight Forwarders Association of Thailand (TAFA – Thai) and covered a wide array of topics and issues pertinent to the air freight forwarding industry and as always socialising and networking also featured importantly on the agenda.

This year the Executive Council discussed vital issues including security, IT, International Air Transport Association (IATA) E-freight and the coverage of the IATA Cargo Accounts Settlement System (CASS) across the region. There was also a focus on strengthening relationships with other bodies representing various aspects of the Air cargo industry.

The International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) was this year able to send Stanley Lim, Treasurer and member of the Presidency to observe the meeting and report on recent FIATA activities and issues in the Asia Pacific region. Lim was very positive about the relationship of the two organisations, saying: “FIATA would like to have a closer co-operation with FAPAA and we will be holding our hands together and wish to move in one direction to tackle issues globally.”

Controversy again surrounded the IATA session this year, with Peter Chong, director IATA Cargo Services Asia Pacific taking the hot seat once again as he presented the latest E-freight update. FAPAA 36th Executive Council Meeting The subject of IATA’s CASS also stoked intense discussion as it continues to be a problem for the member associations of FAPAA and the company members of their country or region. In conclusion of the round table discussion, FAPAA strongly urged IATA to introduce a consistent approach to consultation with the national air cargo association when introducing CASS to any member within the region. Peter Chong accepted the position of the FAPAA members and advised “IATA will be open to dialoguewith Air Cargo Associations.

David Fielder, Security Advisor for FAPAA, attended the meetings to present news, issues and information from the Asia Pacific region and global security in air freight. Fielder helped to define differences between scanning and screening within air cargo security and advised members again of the risks and alerts that need to be considered at all times in the air cargo industry.

The FAPAA members were also briefed on the Cargo 2000 system, an IT initiative for the Cargo industry, by Tom Presnail, Director Asia Pacific. Presnail outlined the background, benefits and future plans including the latest developments in phase two and three of the program.

This year, FAPAA welcomed Pakistan as a new member country. The inclusion of the Pakistan International Freight Forwarding Association (PIFFA) demonstrates growth for the FAPAA organisation whose stated aim is to increase membership to improve communication and to better handle issues within the Asia Pacific. The meeting also welcomed back the delegates from NEFFA Nepal, after a two-year absence.

The second day of meetings were predominantly focused on internal subjects including financial matters, country reports and the Annual General Meeting of the Federation. This was followed by planning for future meetings including the decision that the Singapore Aircargo Agents Association (SAAA) will host the 2010 meeting in Singapore.

FAPAA also thanked the organisations within the industry for their support of the Bangkok event, including TAFA Thai Airfreight Forwarders Association, Korean Air, Bangkok Flight Service, Scanwell Logistics Group, Thai Cargoand Thai Star Suretey.