As global trade increasingly relies on efficient and transparent logistics systems, the digital transformation of air cargo has become an inevitable trend. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is actively collaborating with China's air cargo industry to accelerate digitalization efforts, aiming to set global benchmarks for the sector.
The IATA North Asia Digital Cargo Working Group recently convened its 21st meeting in Beijing, coinciding with the celebration of its 10th anniversary. The gathering reviewed China's remarkable achievements in air cargo digitalization over the past decade while focusing on strategies to deepen local implementation of the ONE Record standard and further increase electronic air waybill adoption rates across North Asia. More than 50 representatives from airlines, logistics companies, and industry partners participated both in-person and virtually.
Decade of Progress: China's Digital Cargo Milestones
Dr. Xie Xingquan, IATA's Vice President for North Asia, emphasized in his opening remarks the working group's pivotal role in advancing electronic documentation and digital cargo processes. "This platform enables industry partners to identify and resolve operational challenges while receiving strong support from government authorities," he noted, expressing gratitude to founding members for their decade-long commitment.
The working group traces its origins to September 27, 2013, when IATA established its predecessor, the China Electronic Air Waybill Working Group. Through collaborative efforts with regulators and industry stakeholders, China surpassed the United States in electronic air waybill volume by September 2017. Shanghai Airport subsequently led global airports in e-AWB adoption by 2018. By late 2020, monthly international e-AWB exports exceeded 180,000 shipments, with North Asia achieving an 80% adoption rate—clear indicators of China's digital leadership in air cargo.
ONE Record: The Future of Digital Air Cargo
Since 2017, IATA has championed the development and implementation of ONE Record, a digital standard designed to create end-to-end visibility in air logistics. This initiative enables seamless data exchange, allowing supply chain partners to track shipments in real-time. Effective January 1, 2026, ONE Record will become IATA's sole valid data exchange standard for air cargo.
The meeting introduced comprehensive technical resources including server deployment guidelines, developer documentation, and scenario-based implementation manuals to facilitate industry adoption.
Pilot Programs Pave the Way
ONE Record has already been successfully piloted at Hong Kong International Airport, Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport, and Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. In July 2023, Cathay Pacific completed a multimodal transport pilot in the Greater Bay Area, demonstrating the standard's operational viability. Multiple companies are currently engaged in additional pilot programs.
Dr. Xie urged the working group to distill lessons from these pilots to accelerate operational efficiencies, drive corporate digital transformation, and establish North Asia as a global model for ONE Record implementation.
IATA's Global Leadership
As the trade association representing 300 airlines worldwide—accounting for 83% of global air traffic—IATA plays a vital role in promoting aviation safety, efficiency, and sustainability while developing industry standards and advocating for airline interests.
The North Asia Digital Cargo Working Group's founding members include:
- Beijing Capital International Airport Co., Ltd.
- Beijing Airport Ground Services Co., Ltd.
- Air China Cargo Co., Ltd.
- Cathay Pacific Cargo
- China Southern Air Logistics Co., Ltd.
- DHL Global Forwarding (China) Co., Ltd.
- Hainan Airlines Cargo Co., Ltd.
- Lufthansa Cargo AG
- China Eastern Air Logistics Co., Ltd.
- Shanghai Airport Authority Aviation Logistics Development Company
- Sinotrans Air Transportation Development Co., Ltd.
These organizations have been instrumental in advancing China's air cargo digital transformation over the past decade. With accelerated ONE Record adoption, China's air cargo sector is positioned to maintain its global leadership in digitalization while supporting the growth of international trade.