AIR CARG O WEEK


AIR CARGO FORUM PREVIEW F


FROM GOLF TO GLOBAL INSIGHTS BY Edward HARDY 08 T


he countdown is on for Air Cargo Forum (ACF) 2025, set to take place from 3–6 November at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Following the success of ACF 2024, which hosted over 250 exhibitors and attracted more than 3,500 visitors, this year’s edition looks to raise the bar even higher.


“ACF 2025 will continue to be a world-class global event, bringing


together the entire air cargo community to foster innovation, collaboration, and growth within the industry,” The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) stated.


Networking in style The event kicks off on 3 November with the Etihad Cargo Golf Tournament at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. Starting at 7:30 am, participants will enjoy breakfast, transportation from host hotels, and tournament services before teeing off at 8:30 am. Later that afternoon, registration opens, leading into the official ACF


Welcome Reception and Dinner at Café del Mar Beach Club. From 6:00 pm, guests can enjoy an evening of networking, reconnecting with colleagues, and meeting new contacts.


Insightful sessions The forum officially begins on 4 November with a welcome ceremony, including speeches, gift-giving, and a ribbon-cutting to mark the start of four days of industry insight.


One of the early highlights will be an Oasis-Side Chat with Stanislas


Brun, Chief Cargo Officer at Etihad Airways, the host partner of the event, joined by Glyn Hughes, Director General of TIACA. Attendees will hear about Etihad’s plans to more than double its freighter fleet, expand routes, and introduce new service offerings, all while embracing digital innovation. Ryan Keyrouse, CEO and Co-Founder of Rotate, will then present the Air Cargo Outlook 2026, analysing how 2025’s challenges—tariffs, regulatory


pressures, and subdued consumer activity—are shaping expectations for the coming year. Later, TIACA Chair Steven Polmans will reflect on his six-year tenure, sharing achievements and his vision for the association’s future. The day also explores digitalisation, sustainability, and operational


excellence. Noora Al Sharhan, Head of Environment, Social and Governance at Etihad Airways, and Emma Murray, CEO and Co-Founder of Meantime Communications, will discuss progress and challenges in achieving aviation’s net-zero goals. Stefan Krikken, Global Head of Airfreight at DSV, will provide insights on how the world’s largest freight forwarder is navigating current market pressures.


Innovation and workforce development On 5 November, sessions will


focus on e-commerce, innovation, and


workforce challenges. e-commerce, which accounts for over 20 percent of air cargo volumes, has faced policy shifts, tariffs, and capacity changes during the first half of 2025. Nathan Goethals of Air Cargo Belgium and Sanele Simmons II, Founder of Mall for Women, will explore these dynamics,


ACW 13 OCTOBER 2025 www.aircargoweek.com


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