An MoU will create a dedicated startup pavilion at TIACA events, offering investor pitch sessions and mentorship programmes for emerging businesses.
In an effort to support and encourage entrepreneurship within the air freight industry, the air cargo organisation TIACA has partnered with the logistics startup network HAUS61. At the latest Air Cargo Forum, TIACA’s new executive leadership team officially took on their roles.
Through an MoU with HAUS61, TIACA aims to create new opportunities for collaboration between innovative start-ups and established industry leaders.
To connect startups with potential investors, the two organisations will establish a special startup pavilion at the TIACA Air Cargo Forum, featuring exclusive investor pitch sessions. They will also work together to develop knowledge-sharing initiatives, mentorship programmes, and training workshops.
TIACA will formally recognise HAUS61 as its innovation and start-up partner in the meantime.
TIACA Chair Roos Bakker commented that innovation is critical for the air cargo industry’s continuous growth and sustainability. She stated, “Our collaboration with HAUS61 will effectively connect innovative startups with the industry stakeholders required to realise those concepts.”
The MoU, which became effective on November 1st, requires both organisations to hold quarterly meetings to assess progress and explore further opportunities for collaboration.
Tiaca director general Glyn Hughes added, “Collaborations like this are crucial for the future of air cargo. We not only speed up innovation but also ensure that our industry continues to evolve with agility, creativity, and a strong focus on delivering value to global supply chains by connecting start-ups with established players.”
On the second day of this year’s Air Cargo Forum, which also marked the official appointment of TIACA’s new chair and vice chairs, the partnership was announced.
Steven Polmans has also been replaced as TIACA’s chair by Roos Bakker, who is the manager of business development and contract management at CTSN.
In the meantime, Emir Pineda from the Miami-Dade Aviation Department and Tushar Jani, head of the Cargo Service Center, have been elected as co-vice chairs.
According to Steven Polmans, the outgoing chairman of TIACA, the new leadership team “offers a good balance of continuity and a new vision and approach.”
The new chair and vice chairs will build on the work that Polmans and Hughes had done over the past six years, Bakker added, thanking Polmans for his contributions and expressing her pride in being selected for the position.
Jani noted that her appointment was “a reflection of India’s growing influence in shaping the future of international logistics.”
“I’m excited to work with global industry leaders to promote innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth,” she said.
Meanwhile, TIACA’s membership has grown to over 500, with more than 40 new members joining in the last year and a 60% increase over the previous six years.
At the event, TIACA also announced that Warsaw will host the executive summit next year, which will be sponsored by LOT Polish Airlines and take place from June 1 to 3.
SOURCE: AIR CARGO NEWS
