As well as representing the air cargo industry, TIACA aims to support and defend the interests of members representing small, medium and start-up companies going forward. As a first step, it is introducing a separate membership category for such companies at a reduced rate.
It will also work on new initiatives with members from sectors that are new and unique, such as those involved in the development of drones, autonomous vehicles and unmanned aerial systems/vehicles. TIACA intends to facilitate the interest of these companies and support them before authorities and governments.
In another move to increase focus on stakeholders formerly not part of TIACA, an agreement has been signed with Neutral Air Partner (NAP), a premier global network of 250 leading air cargo and aviation specialists from 150 countries. As part of the deal, NAP members will automatically become a full member of TIACA. The partnership allows TIACA and NAP to work together on programmes, conferences, training and communication. Christos Spyrou, CEO of NAP, will as of January 1 strengthen the board of TIACA.
Commenting on the new initiatives and the partnership with NAP, Steven Polmans, Chairman of TIACA, said: “TIACA wants to bring together all actors and stakeholders, so together we can take up the challenges our industry is facing today and tomorrow. Collaboration and partnerships are and should be part of our DNA, so this deal with NAP is a very good example of a win-win situation for both our organizations. We have not done enough in the past for a big group of companies in our industry, so with this deal and the new membership opportunity for small and medium sized companies, we are reaching out to them to join forces and further build this very interesting and fascinating industry.”