The International Air Cargo Association

History

TIACA’s roots go back to 1960, when a committee of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) in the U.S. launched the first International Air Cargo Forum to explore the needs of the emerging air cargo industry. The efforts of the founders centered on the need to stimulate interest in the new and growing air cargo business. They worked to develop common standards in air cargo equipment, ground handling, and procedures for this emerging industry.

A structural change in direction, from engineering and technology into management and marketing, led to a separation from SAE in 1990 and the creation of The International Air Cargo Forum Association. The association was reorganized and registered in the Cayman Islands in 1994 as The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), a not-for-profit corporation with a new constitution and an expanded mission. The Association was registered as a not-for-profit corporation in Florida, U.S.A. in 2004.

TIACA’s role and prospects are tied directly to the future of the vibrant international air cargo industry. As the industry expanded in importance, so did the Association. After years of successful development, TIACA is now the acknowledged leader in bringing together multiple interests and advancing the cause of air cargo in world trade.

TIACA is a worldwide organization that serves a membership which includes all major segments of the air cargo and logistics industry: airlines, forwarders, airports, ground handlers, all-cargo carriers, road carriers, customs brokers, third party logistics companies, integrators, shippers, and educational institutions.

Administration

The Association is governed by its trustee members representing many of the world’s major organizations directly involved in the air cargo industry. The trustees elect the officers and the Board of Directors to manage the organization’s affairs and establish its policy.

The General Secretariat for global operations and communications services is in Miami, Florida, and is responsible for ongoing daily operations.

TIACA accomplishes much of its work through an active committee structure which oversees policy and performance in several areas. The Association’s overall activity is monitored by two oversight committees – Finance and Operations.

The mission of the organization is pursued by several standing committees, each comprising a Chairman, Deputy Chairman and several members. The committees cover key elements of the Association’s mission including Industry Affairs, Education, Programs, and Membership.