IATA World Cargo Symposium 2026: Advancing Air Cargo in a Dynamic World

The IATA World Cargo Symposium (WCS) 2026 will be held in Lima, Peru from March 10–12, hosted by LATAM Cargo, marking the first time the event takes place in South America. The theme is “Advancing Air Cargo in a Dynamic World”, reflecting the industry’s need to adapt to shifting trade patterns, regulatory priorities, and technological innovation.

Global Trade Shifts:
- Tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty reshaped supply chains in 2025.
- Air cargo demand grew 3.4% in 2025, influenced by these changes.
- 2026 discussions will center on strengthening cargo’s ability to respond quickly to evolving trade lanes.

Conference Streams:
- Digitalization – advancing data standards like ONE Record.
- Regulation – addressing compliance and safety priorities.
- Special Cargo – including pharmaceuticals, live animals, and lithium batteries.

Spotlight Sessions:
- Improving sustainability practices.
- Accelerating adoption of new technologies.
- Enhancing operational efficiency and resilience.

Strategic Importance
- For South America: Recognition of the region’s growing role in global air cargo.
- For LATAM Cargo: Opportunity to showcase leadership in connecting South America to global markets.
- For Industry: A platform to align on regulatory, digital, and sustainability priorities.

Key Speakers
- Willie Walsh – Director General, IATA
- Andres Bianchi – CEO, LATAM Cargo
- Teresa Mera Gómez – Minister of Trade & Tourism, Peru
- Roberto Alvo – CEO, LATAM Airlines Group
- Ali Faddis – Director Global Aviation Operations, Amazon Global Air
- Brendan Sullivan – Global Head of Cargo, IATA
- Julia Seiermann – Head of Industry Analysis, IATA

Workshops & Forums
- Future Air Cargo Executives Summit (FACES): Building next-gen talent.
- Competency-Based Training (CBTA Center): Improving workplace safety and performance.
- ONE Record Live Demo: Lufthansa Cargo & CHAMP showcasing implementation.
- E-Commerce Forum: Enhancing visibility between e-retailers and cargo operators.
- ULD Forum: Exploring AI in Unit Load Devices and sustainability data collection.
- Lithium Battery Forum (new for 2026): Safety insights and compliance solutions.

This symposium is set to be a landmark event for air cargo, combining regulatory dialogue, digital innovation, and sustainability with a strong regional focus on South America.