Air Cargo Sector Accelerates Toward ONE Record as IATA Boosts Global Adoption

ONE Record provides a single, standardized, API-based data model for all air cargo actors—airlines, freight forwarders, ground handlers, customs authorities, airports, and shippers.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released new findings from a global survey of air cargo industry participants, revealing strong momentum toward the adoption of ONE Record, the next-generation data-sharing standard that becomes the preferred industry norm from 1 January 2026.

High Awareness and Readiness Across the Sector

The survey highlights a significant level of engagement among stakeholders:

• Over 70% of respondents reported being aware of ONE Record

• Nearly 50% indicated their organizations are already prepared or in the final stages of readiness

These results reflect a decisive industry shift toward modernizing cargo data processes and replacing legacy, document-heavy systems with a unified digital language.

Industry Expectations for Continued IATA Support

Respondents emphasized the need for ongoing IATA guidance to ensure smooth and scalable adoption:

• 78% want more pilot programs and demonstrations to test real-world applications

• 75% seek peer examples, case studies, and shared learning

• 80% request regular communication, training, and implementation guidance

These expectations signal that while readiness is strong, industry players want deeper hands-on support as the transition accelerates.

IATA’s Roadmap to Strengthen ONE Record Implementation

Based on the feedback, IATA will intensify its support through several strategic actions:

• Expanding participation in global ONE Record pilot projects

• Offering training courses, certification programs, and webinars for both technical and operational teams

• Publishing best practices, implementation templates, and real-world case examples

• Collaborating with regulators, customs authorities, and IT solution providers to ensure regulatory and technical harmony across the supply chain

Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo, emphasized the industry’s commitment:

“Stakeholders are moving decisively toward ONE Record as the preferred data-sharing standard. In the coming months, we will expand pilot participation and strengthen adoption guidance while working closely with regulators and IT providers to ensure alignment and deliver greater value to customers.”

Why ONE Record Matters: A Future-Ready Digital Framework

ONE Record provides a single, standardized, API-based data model for all air cargo actors—airlines, freight forwarders, ground handlers, customs authorities, airports, and shippers. Benefits include:

• End-to-end transparency across the supply chain

• Interoperability, enabling seamless data flow between systems

• Reduced manual processes, improving operational efficiency

• A scalable digital foundation for future innovations such as

  • AI-powered logistics

  • Predictive visibility

  • Real-time event notifications

  • Smarter customs processes

More Than 30 Active Pilot Projects Demonstrate Global Momentum

Over 30 organizations worldwide are testing and operationalizing ONE Record. Examples include:

• Cathay Pacific: eAWB automation, shipment tracking, customs updates

• CHAMP: Real-time booking pre-advice between airlines and ground handlers

• Turkish Cargo: ONE Record-based shipment tracking for all cargo handled

• Shandong Airlines: Digital booking data exchange with freight forwarders

• Korean Air & GLS-KR: Automated creation of shipment records from CCS systems

• Schenker, Riege & Lufthansa: End-to-end tracking from TMS to airline systems

• Cathay, Intel, Time Matters & PACTL: Piece-level export processing using ONE Record data

Brendan Sullivan added:

“ONE Record is helping the industry move beyond fragmented, document-heavy processes toward a fully digital and connected way of working. With more than 30 pilots underway, we are seeing measurable gains in transparency, efficiency, and accuracy.”

Looking Ahead

As the deadline approaches, the industry is rapidly transitioning to ONE Record as a foundational digital standard. With robust support from IATA and growing participation across airlines, forwarders, and technology partners, ONE Record is positioned to reshape global air cargo operations, paving the way for automation, real-time visibility, and data-driven logistics.