The International Air Transport Association (IATA) will hold its 2026 World Cargo Symposium in Lima, Peru from 10 to 12 March under the theme “Advancing Air Cargo in a Dynamic World. Hosted by LATAM Cargo, it is the first time the event will take place in South America.
IATA director general Willie Walsh said tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty reshaped global trade in 2025, driving 3.4 per cent growth in air cargo demand. He noted the symposium will focus on strengthening the industry’s ability to respond quickly as trade lanes shift and supply chain reliability becomes more critical.
LATAM Cargo chief executive Andres Bianchi said hosting the symposium in South America highlights the region’s growing role in global air cargo. He added the forum will advance regulatory priorities, digitalisation and special cargo requirements.
Speakers include Peru’s Trade and Tourism Minister Teresa Mera Gomez, LATAM Airlines Group chief executive Roberto Alvo, Amazon Global Air’s Ali Faddis, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo Brendan Sullivan and IATA’s Head of Industry Analysis Julia Seiermann.
The symposium will feature streams on digitalisation, regulation and special cargo, alongside spotlight sessions on sustainability, technology adoption and operational resilience.
Workshops will include the Future Air Cargo Executives Summit, competency-based training demonstrations, a practical session on ONE Record data standards, and forums on e-commerce, ULD design and lithium battery safety.
IATA represents about 360 airlines accounting for more than 80 per cent of global air traffic.
