FTA set to help air freight strategy take off with new event

Monday 04 February 2019

With much current media debate focused on the importance of the UK’s road and sea freight links with Europe and beyond, it is easy to forget that the nation is more dependent on air freight than many of its neighbours.  And as the government’s new air freight strategy goes out for consultation, FTA, the business organisation which speaks on behalf of the logistics sector, is co-ordinating an exclusive event - “Aviation Strategy – Ready for Take Off?” - to invite debate and contributions to shape this strategy and maximise its benefit for the UK air sector.

“According to a recent Airlines UK report, co-sponsored by FTA, nearly half of the country’s exports by value to nations outside the EU are moved by air,” says Alex Veitch, head of multimodal policy at FTA.  “The sector currently contributes net £7.2 billion to the UK economy each year and supports 151,000 jobs and it is vital that the government’s new strategy builds on this success to create a resilient infrastructure which can reinforce the UK’s new trading relationships which are to be established after Brexit.”

The one day conference, which will take place at Heathrow Airport, will allow market leaders from across the air freight sector including representatives of airlines, airports, professional associations and freight forwarders to debate the issues facing them, and identify opportunities which can shape the government’s draft Aviation Strategy.

“A successful, robust and growing air freight market is a vital component for the future success of UK PLC,” continues Veitch.  “Currently, only Ireland ships a greater share of non-EU exports by air, but there is still much work to do to ensure that the UK’s air industry is prepared to handle greater volumes of freight to and from countries outside the EU, as new trade deals are forged.  This event will provide an ideal opportunity to network with industry peers and identify new areas for collaboration and development which will help boost industry prospects into the 21st century and beyond.”

Topics to be covered during the one day event will include security and safety, the barriers to the efficient movement of freight by air, the role of the UK’s industry within the global market, future prospects and developments, dangerous goods and sustainability. 

“The UK’s air freight imports and exports were worth £181 billion in 2017, making it one of the nation’s most important business areas.  Influencers from across the sector need to be involved in the response to the government consultation, to ensure this vital industry can continue to flourish, even in the most challenging economic climate of our lifetimes.”

For more information about the event, for which Air Cargo News is media partner and which will feature an impressive line-up of speakers from organisations including the Department for Transport Aviation Strategy team; Heathrow Ltd and Manchester Airport Group, the Airport Operators’ Association, Airlines UK and UPS Europe, please visit:  https://fta.co.uk/events/air-freight-conference.  Bookings are now open, priced at £295 + VAT for FTA members and £350 + VAT for non-FTA members.  Discounts are available for subsequent delegate bookings.

Efficient logistics is vital to keep Britain trading, directly having an impact on more than seven million people employed in the making, selling and moving of goods.  With Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. A champion and challenger, FTA speaks to Government with one voice on behalf of the whole sector, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers.  

For more information please visit www.fta.co.uk