March 23 - Companies across the air cargo supply chain and regulatory bodies can now obtain updates on the lobbying activities and views of the Global Air Cargo Advisory Group (GACAG) online following the launch of its new website - www.gacag.org

GACAG is an industry advisory group formed in November 2010 to provide the air cargo industry with a stronger, unified voice in its dealings with worldwide regulatory authorities and other bodies whose decisions directly impact on air cargo. It was founded by the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), theInternational Air Transport Association (IATA), the Global Shippers' Forum (GSF), and The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA). 

The website provides information and updates of the four priority areas GACAG is focused on: security, e-commerce, customs and trade facilitation, and the sustainability of the global air cargo industry. It also lists the focus areas for each of its four Task Forces and identifies the members of each group. 

In addition to providing proactive e-news updates for registered users, the site gives updates on regulatory issues affecting the air cargo industry. It also profiles the vital role the industry plays in driving economic development. Visitors to the site can share their views on major issues facing the air cargo industry, including new areas they feel GACAG should be aware of or involved in. They can also find links to global customs bodies and non-governmental organisations as well as a listing of industry events. 

Pictured below, Michael Steen, chair of GACAG, said: "GACAG has been involved in a great deal of activity since its formation, initially putting its own infrastructure in place and then identifying its focus areas and objectives and forming Task Forces. More recently, we have started greater dialogue with other key groups and responded to a number of issues that either affect the air cargo industry or offer the potential to improve the way we do business. The website provides an overview of our progress to date and will be continually updated as we move forward. It also gives the industry the opportunity to talk to the Group about area issues we need to be aware of." 

GACAG says it is developing closer ties with other global organisations such as the World Customs Organization,World Trade Organization, Universal Postal Union, International Civil Aviation Organization, and the Airport Services Association. Over the past year, GACAG has also had meetings with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs & Border Protection(CBP) in Washington DC.

www.gacag.com

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