Digital technologies have revolutionized the retail industry, buying patterns and consumer expectations, and will continue to do so. 

E-commerce is a growth driver for the air cargo industry, as online shopping boosts demand for parcel delivery services worldwide. 

The increasing need for speed, visibility and easy returns heavily impacts the logistics chain.

e-Commerce is a consumer-centric business and it is important to anticipate their needs. 

IATA works very closely with the International Post Corporation (IPC) who develops each year the cross-border e-commerce shopper survey which aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the trends and drivers shaping cross-border e-commerce from the perspective of online consumers.

The IPC cross-border e-commerce shopper survey investigates the delivery preferences and experiences of frequent cross-border online shoppers which is very important to our Airline members.

The study focuses exclusively on online cross-border shopping for goods requiring physical delivery. 

Topics covered by the research include:

• Online shopping preferences (e.g. preferred device, preferred location for deliveries and returns, etc.)
  
• Delivery and tracking expectations (e.g. expected the speed of delivery from particular regions, relative importance of tracking at various stages)
  
• Most recent cross-border e-commerce experience (an in-depth overview of most recent experience, including details of the product purchased, the delivery experience, customs & returns, etc.)
  
• The use of physical advertising mail by e-retailers
  

The IPC cross-border e-commerce shopper survey 2017 consists of 28,892 consumer responses from 31 countries

e-Commerce: A Transversal Impact

Strengthen safety and security for air cargo and air mail

Safety and security must be further enhanced with stronger collaboration and compliance with programs related to training, trusted partner identification and compliance with regulations and best practices. 

• Dangerous goods in airmail 
  

Developing Mail Safety Programs with the UPU for postal operators and trainings and report dangerous goods and wrongly admitted items in airmail. 

• e-Commerce Framework of Standards
  

The WCO Cross-Border e-Commerce Framework of Standards is the instrument adopted at international level addressing e-commerce and is expected to serve as the basis for future international discussions.

Embrace new technologies that will ensure greater visibility, transparency and efficiency

Developing digital solutions, real-time interaction, implementation of sensors, monitoring Big Data and AI, new screening technologies, this will enable the air cargo industry to respond to e-commerce needs!

• Interactive Cargo
  

Developing the relevant standards and guidelines (piece level tracking, real-time notification, and use of connected devices) to enable cargo to talk! 

• ONE Record
  

Developing the relevant standards and guidelines to replace all existing paper and electronic documents by only one digital shipment record, including border formalities

Simplify processes, optimize flows and speed up the transaction

“We sell speed – we need to protect that speed”. Strengthening the value proposition will be crucial for airlines, forwarders and ground handlers to support and capitalize on e-commerce growth. 

• Smart Facility
  

Driving excellence in air cargo by developing high-quality standards ensuring safe, secure, efficient and transparent cargo & mail handling, verified through assessments by identifying best-in-class cargo facilities.

• Cargo facility of the future
  

Developing a set of recommendations to modernize existing or build future facilities by making best use of technologies, processes and architectural developments

Engage with e-commerce players and promote stronger industry coordination

IATA is closely collaborating with international organizations, corporations, freight forwarders and online retailers to make e-Commerce a comfortable experience for Consumers and a seamless experience for operations professionals, not only looking at enhancing existing processes but also capitalizing on innovations. 

• Drones for tomorrow’s air cargo
  

Developing the relevant standards, guidelines, and partnership for the safe integration of this new branch of civil aviation into the commercial air space to open new opportunities for the air cargo industry.