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Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) has partnered with Qatar Airways, following the airline’s record deals in the aviation industry -- the largest widebody aircraft order in its history and the largest wide-body engine deal in GE Aerospace history. The partnership will bolster Qatar Airways’ aviation eco-system in support of its expanding world class fleet. QFZ and Qatar Airways have signed a collaboration agreement to enhance Qatar’s competitiveness as a global aviation and logistics hub. The partnership will drive economic growth by establishing an “aviation cluster” in the Ras bu Fontas free zone to support the maintenance and expansion of Qatar Airways' growing world-class fleet.The agreement was signed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani, QFZ CEO, and Engineer Badr Mohammed al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group COE, in a signing ceremony attended by senior officials from both organisations and key representatives from Qatar's logistics and aviation sectors.The agreement outlines a phased plan beginning with an official Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) in Ras Bu Fontas Free Zone, followed by additional specialised technical sites. It also includes a customs-free corridor connecting the free zone to Hamad International Airport and Hamad Port. Qatar Airways will extend corporate and cargo privileges to QFZ tenants and invite its partners and suppliers, including international companies in the aviation sector, to set up operations in the free zones.Sheikh Mohammed said, "This strategic agreement with Qatar Airways demonstrates our commitment to positioning Qatar’s free zones as a leading hub for logistics and aviation services. By combining the world-class infrastructure and expertise of Qatar Free Zones Authority and Qatar Airways, we are confident this partnership will attract more companies to establish supply chain hubs and maintenance, repair, & operations services in Qatar, contributing to economic growth in line with the Third Qatar National Development Strategy 2024-2030."Al-Meer said, “We are delighted to announce our agreement with the Qatar Free Zones Authority to establish top-tier facilities and cultivate local expertise in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul. This strategic partnership not only supports the growth of our expanding fleet but also enables us to deliver world-class services to airlines across the region and beyond. By investing in advanced infrastructure and talent development, we are supporting the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030 to strengthen Qatar’s role as a global aviation hub and setting new benchmarks for operational excellence and reliability. “The collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing Qatar's logistics and aviation sectors, with far-reaching benefits for businesses operating within Qatar Free Zones. Both QFZ and Qatar Airways are committed to enhancing Qatar’s business environment to anchor the State of Qatar’s reputation as a destination of choice for investors.

HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani, made a field visit to several factories operating in the food and beverage manufacturing sector at the Small and Medium Industries Zone Saturday.The visit reflects the ministry’s commitment to monitoring developments in the national industrial sector and understanding its needs and future plans. During the tour, the minister was briefed on the factories’ key products, production capacities, processes, and latest technologies. He also reviewed their expansion and developmental plans.HE Sheikh Faisal reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to advancing the growth of the industrial sector, in line with the National Manufacturing Strategy and the Third National Development Strategy. He emphasised the ministry’s continued efforts to provide facilities and incentives for national factories, enhance the industrial business environment, streamline procedures, and engage with investors, thereby fostering high-quality investments and supporting the development of national industries.

The Qatari Businesswomen Association (QBWA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, represented by its Businesswomen Committee, during the symposium on ‘Leadership and Management Development’ held in Muscat.The event was held under the patronage of Sayyid Loay bin Ghalib al-Said and aimed to enhance the capacities of women professionals and empower them to lead the future with confidence and competence.This collaboration reflects QBWA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the capabilities of women entrepreneurs and supporting them in transforming challenges into investment and development opportunities through the cultivation of confident, future-oriented female leadership.As part of the symposium, Aisha Hussain Alfardan, vice-chairwoman of QBWA, delivered a keynote presentation titled ‘Personal Empowerment, Internal Transformation, and Self-Leadership’. In her remarks, she emphasised that true strength begins from within, and that self-leadership and internal transformation are essential foundations for any form of sustainable development be it at the individual, societal, or national level.Alfardan shared her personal and professional journey, which led her to firmly believe that authentic empowerment starts with self-belief. She noted that the moment a woman realises her potential is the moment she becomes a catalyst for change and progress.She also underscored that empowering women to make decisions and access equal opportunities in the workplace enhances their capacity to lead transformative change.She expressed her pride in sharing her perspective and experience on self-empowerment and leadership, affirming that these elements are the foundation of sustainable leadership. Her work with QBWA, she noted, is a living example of how self-leadership can drive meaningful social impact.Alfardan also participated in a high-level panel discussion titled ‘Inspiring Leadership in a Rapidly Changing World: Between Empowerment and Crisis Management’. The session explored how inspirational leadership shapes workplace environments, how leadership principles translate under pressure, and how institutional leaders can empower teams and foster a culture of innovation.Joining Alfardan on the panel were Ayman bin Hamad al-Busaidi, vice-chairman of SABCO Group; Dr Aflah bin Said al-Hadhrami, general manager at Petroleum Development Oman; and Swati Mandela, president of the Mandela Institute for Humanity.The discussion examined the role of leadership in balancing empowerment with crisis management, with a focus on nurturing women's leadership capabilities and addressing the unique challenges they face in Arab societies.The symposium featured an interactive dialogue titled ‘Challenges and Opportunities in a Changing World’, where Dr Amer Bin Awad al-Rawas, chairman of the Concordia Group, discussed the challenges facing business leaders amid regional and international shifts, explored the opportunities emerging from current economic transformations, and addressed strategies for balancing challenges and opportunities to enhance business sustainability.The symposium concluded with the official MoU signing between Alfardan and Areej Bint Mohsin al-Zaabi, chairwoman of the Businesswomen Committee at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry.The MoU aims to enhance economic, commercial, and investment co-operation between Qatar and Oman and to facilitate investment processes in both directions. It reaffirms both parties’ commitment to exchanging expertise, supporting women’s empowerment efforts, and highlighting the pivotal role women play in driving economic growth and entrepreneurship.Commenting on the occasion, Alfardan stated: “At the Qatari Businesswomen Association, we firmly believe that strategic regional partnerships, such as this agreement with the Businesswomen Committee in the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, lay the foundation for enhancing trade and investment between our countries. Women’s empowerment is not achieved through awareness alone, but through building sustainable ecosystems that translate into tangible opportunities on the ground.”From her side, al-Zaabi said: “Signing this MoU with the Qatari Businesswomen Association represents a significant step toward unifying Gulf efforts to support women entrepreneurs and enhance knowledge and trade exchange between Omani and Qatari women. We believe that joint cooperation is the key to fostering a culture of innovation, competitiveness, and meaningful participation of women in economic development.”The initiative reflects QBWA’s dedication to establishing a comprehensive platform for empowering women and enhancing their social and economic presence. It is part of a broader strategy to expand the association’s local, regional, and international impact by forging partnerships with institutions that share its mission to elevate women’s status across all sectors.

The Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Energy Awards for Lifetime Achievement will take place in October, with preparations now well advanced for this landmark event.Organised by the Al-Attiyah Foundation, the Awards recognise outstanding individuals who have dedicated their careers to advancing the global energy industry. Six distinguished industry leaders will be honoured for their lifetime achievements.The Awards embody the vision and legacy of HE Abdullah bin Hamad al- Attiyah, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Industry, whose leadership helped shape Qatar’s position as a global energy leader.The 2025 ceremony and gala dinner is sponsored by ExxonMobil, and will bring together over 300 senior executives, policymakers, and thought leaders from across the global energy landscape.Since its establishment in 2015, the Al-Attiyah Foundation has provided trusted analysis and insights into the most pressing challenges and opportunities in energy and sustainable development, through its research publications, CEO Roundtables, podcasts, webinars and regular events.The Foundation’s achievements and growth are made possible by its esteemed member organisations, which include some of the world’s most influential companies: QatarEnergy, Qatar Electricity & Water Co., Woqod, QNB, QatarEnergy LNG, Dolphin Energy, Qatar Shell, QAPCO (Qatar Petrochemical Company), Marubeni, ConocoPhillips, QAFCO (Qatar Fertiliser Company), Sasol, Q-Chem, Gulf Helicopters, Qatar Cool, and JTA Holding.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has organised a specialised seminar on enhancing quality management in the auditing profession.Held at the ministry's premises with the participation of registered auditors, the seminar aimed to bolster their understanding of the latest updates to quality management standards in the auditing profession and to raise awareness of the practical applications of these standards, thereby contributing to enhancing the quality of auditing work and ensuring strict compliance with professional and regulatory requirements, in accordance with best practices.This event was part of MoCI's steadfast efforts to advance this profession, as regulated by Law No 8 of 2020, through backing auditors' capabilities and enhancing their performance to ensure accurate and reliable financial reports.The seminar featured the International Standard on Quality Management (ISQM 1), which aims to enhance the efficiency of audit processes and emphasises the importance of quality management within auditing and assurance firms, whether regarding financial statement audits or assurance and related services, including engagement quality reviews.In addition, the seminar emphasised that it is important for auditing firms to establish integrated quality management systems, pursue a constant optimisation approach, and implement a monitoring mechanism as a key enabler of success, through quality standards impacting the quality of audit services and their role in building client trust and enhancing firms' presence and credibility in the market.The seminar concluded with an interactive panel discussion, during which experts answered the participants' questions, reviewing methods of navigating key challenges they might encounter when applying these standards, thereby fostering the quality of auditing processes and adherence to international standards.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), has organised a two-day training workshop for members of the National Network of Technology and Innovation Support Centres (TISC) at the ministry’s headquarters in Lusail City.The workshop aimed to strengthen participants’ skills in patent research and to stress the importance of intellectual property intelligence in supporting innovation and development. It comprised specialised training sessions that were delivered by experts from the WIPO, covering topics including research strategy, access to international databases, among other areas of speciality.The workshop is part of the ministry’s efforts to reinforce the national innovation ecosystem and to build the capacity of national professionals in the fields of intellectual property.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has organised a workshop on E-commerce, highlighting the key opportunities and challenges facing the sector. The workshop “The Impact of E-Commerce on the Local Retail Sector” at the ministry’s headquarters in Lusail city, examined the effects of E-commerce on the dynamics of domestic retail market in Qatar. The event brought together a number of specialised entities active in the field of E-commerce in Qatar, including local and global companies, as well as representatives from the MOCI, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and the Strategy& team. Participants addressed a wide range of themes, discussed the preliminary findings of an ongoing study on E-commerce conducted in collaboration with local stakeholders; and tackled proposals for potential future policy measures. The workshop is part of the ministry’s efforts to strengthen Qatar’s digital business environment and develop policies that support the retail sector. Such efforts enable local companies to keep pace with global developments and enhance the role of E-commerce in achieving economic diversification under Qatar National Vision 2030. (Ends)

Etihad Airways is exploring a novel way to get around persistent supply bottlenecks that have long bedevilled the aviation industry: buying components like seats in bulk and then storing them in a local warehouse until they’re needed.The Abu Dhabi flag carrier is undertaking a $1bn retrofit of its existing fleet because new aircraft are delayed. But matching the delivery of seats among the most complex cabin elements with the upgrade cycle of a plane could quickly prove impossible given suppliers have been notoriously unreliable in sticking to their schedules, Etihad Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said.“I cannot just park five, six, seven planes and destroy my network just to retrofit the planes, it’s going to be too expensive,” Neves said in an interview in New York. “We say, look, give me all the seats to retrofit about 50 planes in three months and I store the seats, and use them when it doesn’t hurt my network to pull those planes out of service.”Etihad’s considerations show how the aviation industry is trying to navigate one of the biggest impediments to growth: slow delivery of aircraft. Airbus SE and Boeing Co have for years struggled to get their production lines back on track, held back by component shortages and quality lapses on the factory floors. That’s forcing carriers to fly older kit for longer and requiring costly maintenance or cabin upgrades to keep the jets fresh.Customers are still waiting for new jets like the Boeing 777X that is half a decade behind schedule. Airbus has also had trouble meeting delivery goals, while Boeing has started improving output again after years of upheaval.Emirates is spending $5bn refurbishing existing jets like the jumbo Airbus A380 and the Boeing 777 to bridge delays with new models on order, particularly from the US manufacturer. Those overhauls have also been tied up by delayed parts availability, forcing airlines to ground a number of aircraft, cancel flights or charter short-term capacity.Touching up the cabins with new seats has become an important marketing tool for carriers, particularly as more travellers migrate to more expensive seats like premium economy or business class. While economy class bookings are slower in some markets, Etihad is seeing continued demand for premium travel in key geographies such as the US, Europe and Middle East. That makes it harder for the airline to stand down planes, Neves said.Neves said it’s not just supply bottlenecks holding back output. Certification requirements by authorities like the Federal Aviation Administration and its counterpart, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, are also causing delays that are increasingly affecting growth plans.“Certification has not improved, it’s a frustration,” Neves said. “Everything’s taking too long, we don’t have time for that, the customer cannot wait.”The airline reported record profit of 1.1bn dirhams ($306mn) for the first half of the year, driven by both passenger and cargo demand. While state-owned Etihad is ready for an initial public offering, the decision of whether and when to go public is in the hands of the shareholder, Neves said.As part of its plan to cash in on the continued demand for premium flying, the airline is bringing back two more Airbus A380 double decker jets, Neves said. The Etihad aircraft features the so-called Residence, a three-room layout featuring a double bed, living area and shower cubicle.Etihad had previously planned to permanently retire the four-engined behemoth for smaller, more nimble planes but now already has seven back in service. The airline has shifted the aircraft to Toronto from New York because of capacity constraints at that location, though Neves said he’d like to return the A380 to US destinations eventually.The national carrier expects to almost double its fleet to 200 aircraft in the next four or five years, Neves said. Still, the airline doesn’t plan on placing mega fleet orders, and will instead pursue small aircraft purchases as and when it needs them, the CEO said.The airline doesn’t expect the exit of Wizz Air Holdings Plc from Abu Dhabi to impact traffic into its main hub. Neves said that other airlines, including its venture with Air Arabia PJSC, will add more than twice the traffic into the airport than Wizz is pulling out.

The Qatar Events Show (QES) 2025, taking place at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, is redefining the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, moving beyond traditional commercial exchanges to prioritise knowledge sharing and the transfer of expertise.Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the event, Mangusteen CEO Malik Shishtawi said that valuable content and experience are the cornerstones for creating lasting impact and solidifying Qatar’s position as a global MICE leader.“We wanted to change the perception that event organisers are purely commercial driven entities, especially in the traditional trade show format which often focuses on simply renting out space.“Our focus at QES is on building real, valuable experience through knowledge sharing and transfer, because we firmly believe this is what generates long-term impact,” he pointed out, noting that this commitment to content-rich engagement is linked to QES 2025’s main aim of elevating Qatar’s status as a leading regional hub for the global MICE sector.By fostering innovation, encouraging collaboration, and showcasing cutting-edge solutions, organisers said the show aims to be a catalyst for new partnerships, driving economic growth, tourism, and essential skills development within the nation.Shishtawi highlighted his vision for the show’s long-term impact, stressing the necessity of a dedicated platform for Qatar's event professionals. “Qatar is positioned as a leading events destination, and this was proven by hosting global mega-events, including the FIFA World Cup, which was a huge success not only regionally but globally,” he said, citing the FIFA president’s commendation of the tournament.With a packed calendar of major events like FIBA, the FIFA Arab Cup, Formula 1, and ongoing Olympic bids, among others, he said there is the need for a cohesive industry platform was vital.“As active members in global industry associations representing Qatar, we recognised the need for our own platform here to bring professionals together, share experiences, conduct B2B matchmaking, and get stakeholders on board,” he said.Shishtawi added that the success of QES 2025 is further boosted by the caliber of its speakers, a deliberate effort to attract top-tier global talent. He “You've seen the level of speakers we hosted yesterday," Shishtawi said, highlighting figures such as the EVP of Dubai World Trade Centre, the head of Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, and the SVP of Oak View Group. “This is a big achievement for the events scene in Qatar and showcases the collaborative spirit we aim to foster”.The event, which opened on September 2, has drawn more than 50 innovative exhibitors and over 2,000 delegates. It features multiple zones dedicated to networking, business matching, and critical thought leadership, all contributing to its mission of propelling Qatar’s MICE industry forward through shared knowledge and collaborative innovation.

Beyond the TarmacAn improvement in both passenger and cargo volumes in the global air transport industry during July suggests renewed economic momentum, stronger global trade, and growing travel demand clear signs of resilience and confidence in the global air transport sector.Data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) revealed global passenger demand measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs), was up 4% in July compared to the same period in 2024.Similarly, total demand in global air cargo, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs), rose by 5.5% in July compared to July 2024 levels.Industry analysts see increased passenger and cargo activity in July reflecting restored international mobility, expansion of route networks, and better global connectivity between markets.In the passenger segment, the July load factor was 85.5% (-0.4 ppt compared to July 2024).International demand rose 5.3% in July compared to July, 2024. Capacity was up 5.8% year-on-year, and the load factor was 85.6% (-0.4 ppt compared to July 2024).Domestic demand increased 1.8% in July compared to the same month in 2024. Capacity was up 2.3% year-on-year. The load factor was 85.2% (-0.4 ppt compared to July 2024).In the global air cargo segment, capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTK), increased by 3.9% compared to July 2024 (+4.5% for international operations).IATA Director General Willie Walsh noted, “Air cargo demand grew 5.5% in July, a strong result. Most major trade lanes reported growth, with one significant exception: Asia–North America, where demand was down 1.0% year-on-year.“A sharp decline in e-commerce, as the US 'de minimis' exemptions on small shipments expired, was likely offset by shippers frontloading goods in advance of rising tariffs for imports to the US. August will likely reveal more clearly the impact of shifting US trade policies.“While much attention is rightly being focused on developments in markets connected to the US, it is important to keep a broad perspective on the global network. A fifth of air cargo travels on the Europe–Asia trade lane, which marked 29 months of consecutive expansion with 13.5% year-on-year growth in July.”According to IATA, several factors in the operating environment should be noted.First, the global goods trade grew by 3.1% year-on-year in June.The July jet fuel price was 9.1% lower year-on-year and has remained below 2024 levels so far this year, easing airlines’ operating costs. However, it was 4.3% higher than in June.Global manufacturing contracted in July with the PMI falling to 49.66, the second dip below the 50-mark growth threshold since January.Also, new export orders also remained negative at 48.2 for the fourth month, reflecting waning confidence amid US trade policy uncertainty.“It has been a good northern summer season for airlines. Momentum has grown over the peak season with July demand reaching 4% growth. That trend appears across all regions and is particularly evident for international travel, which strengthened from 3.9% growth in June to 5.3% in July. Moreover, with flight volumes showing a 2% year-on-year increase for September after five months of decelerating growth, airlines are positioned to take advantage of this market momentum into the coming months,” Walsh noted.Rising cargo volumes typically reflect growth in international trade, manufacturing, and supply chain demand. Passenger growth points to higher consumer confidence, business travel recovery, and robust tourism.July is usually a peak travel season in the Northern Hemisphere, but stronger-than-usual growth suggests that the industry may be moving beyond past slowdowns triggered by pandemic aftereffects, geopolitical disruptions, or supply chain constraints.Sustained improvements in both segments signal that stakeholders (governments, investors, airports, and logistics firms) see the industry on a stable growth trajectory, supporting investment and fleet expansion.Clearly, the improvement in passenger and cargo volumes in July highlights a rebound in the global air transport industry. Higher passenger traffic reflects strong travel demand, while increased cargo volumes point to healthy global trade flows.The dual rise in passengers and cargo confirms that the industry is on a path of resilience and long-term growth, supported by both consumer demand and global economic activity.Together, they indicate renewed economic momentum, rising consumer and business confidence, and a continued recovery in international connectivity.

We are thrilled to announce the signing of our first-ever franchise agreement, a historic milestone in Junior’s journey from a homegrown Qatari brand to a leading regional player in the fast-food industry.This landmark partnership is with Venicia International Restaurants Management, led by the renowned entrepreneur and visionary leader, Mr. Abdullah Tareq Al Hasan, one of the most influential figures in the F&B and investment sectors in the region. With his proven expertise, business acumen, and forward-thinking strategy, we are confident this collaboration will lay the foundation for a highly successful expansion into the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.The signing ceremony took place at our Doha headquarters, led by our CEO Mr. Abdulla Al Ansari, marking not just the signing of an agreement but the beginning of an ambitious chapter. Together, we aim to take the Junior’s – The New Love experience beyond borders and share our passion for exceptional food and outstanding service with customers across the region.This milestone is the start of an exciting expansion journey, and under the leadership of Mr. Abdulla Al Ansari and in partnership with Mr. Abdullah Tareq Al Hasan, we are setting the stage for new partnerships, broader market reach, and memorable dining experiences across the Middle East.Stay tuned as we continue to expand and bring The New Love experience closer to you!

Beyond the TarmacThe Asia-Pacific region’s aviation industry is back on the growth trajectory.The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global body of airlines, predicts 9% growth for Asia-Pacific in 2025.Which means, a region that has struggled to shrug off the strictures of Covid-19 is once again posting the highest growth rate in the world.Aviation in Asia-Pacific supports $890bn in GDP and 42mn jobs, with the potential to increase to $2.3tn in GDP and 62mn jobs by 2043.Analysts say rising middle-class populations, particularly in China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, are fuelling demand for both domestic and international travel.Asia is the epicentre of global e-commerce (China and Southeast Asia leading), driving robust demand for air cargo and integrated logistics.Asia-Pacific is home to some of the world’s most dynamic tourism markets. Countries like Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, and Australia continue to record strong inbound flows. Analysts believe regional tourism agreements and visa liberalisation policies are expected to boost connectivity.The UNWTO and IATA forecast Asia-Pacific to contribute more than half of global passenger growth over the next two decades.“Most countries have crossed the line of pre-COVID figures and are experiencing increasing air travel demand,” says Sheldon Hee, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Asia-Pacific.“Four of the most populous countries in the world are in our region and all are young, emerging economies with a fast-growing middle class. We are even seeing some significant visa relaxation policies.“But the resumption of growth comes with challenges,” he adds. “The profit margin for 2025 is expected to be just 1.9%, or $2.60 per passenger. Aviation in Asia-Pacific must become more economically robust to meet demand with a high level of customer service delivered cost-efficiently.”Airport and airspace capacity are naturally the main considerations. On the positive side, there are at least 90 new airports under construction or in the planning stage, including significant gateways in Australia, India, and Vietnam. Each is a sign that the relevant government has aviation development on its agenda.“But there is more room for collaboration,” says Hee. “Airlines don’t need over-investment in facilities that would require deeper cost recovery. Development must be calibrated correctly, and airlines must be part of the conversation so that investments are correctly staged.”To assist passenger throughput — especially amid narrow margins — digitalisation in both passenger and cargo operations is essential. Every efficiency will count.Digitalisation and contactless travel centred on IATA’s ‘One ID’ will also be key enablers in enhancing the customer experience.India’s ‘Digi Yatra’, a facial recognition system for verified domestic customers, is leading the way but interoperability will be critical.Meanwhile, airspace is also being upgraded across the region but there is a notable bottleneck in the Bay of Bengal where aircraft get bunched for a variety of factors.The different levels of maturity in this diverse region mean there are also plenty of areas still reliant on older equipment, which leads to inefficiencies on a broader scale.Air cargo is an important part of needed capacity as Asia-Pacific is a major origin point for the booming e-commerce trade. Cargo revenues are often critical to the profitability of a flight, and this is certainly the case in Asia-Pacific.Trade barriers and tariffs could change traditional flows but demographic conditions and the desire to trade more within the region mean there are multiple opportunities for air cargo ahead.Although the outlook remains positive for this sector, there are inefficiencies to address. Paper is still commonplace in the region and optimisation based on the ONE Record has plenty of room for growth.“The industry is also doing a lot of work to make the carriage of dangerous goods (DG), and particularly lithium batteries, safer,” says Hee. “Good progress is being made but this work is especially pertinent to Asia-Pacific given the manufacturing in the region. We must educate the upstream shippers about the need for correct DG packaging and documentation.”IATA said it continues to work with governments and aviation authorities to promote the benefits of aviation and the business case for unlocking capacity.Undoubtedly, Asia-Pacific will remain the fastest-growing aviation region globally, led by China and India. Regional connectivity, tourism, and cargo are estimated to expand strongly.That said, the region’s air traffic management systems need modernisation to handle rising volumes efficiently and safely. Despite expansion, congestion at major airports in the region remains a major concern.