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The air cargo industry is approaching a decisive deadline, with IATA’s One Record becoming the preferred standard for data exchange from 1 January 2026. With less than four months remaining, the sector must transition from long-standing discussions on digitalisation to full-scale implementation.

One Record aims to replace the fragmented patchwork of messaging standards still in use by providing a single, shared source of information across airlines, freight forwarders, ground handlers, and regulators. The benefits include fewer errors, less manual processing, faster communication, reduction of delays and enhanced disruption management. For shippers, freight forwarders, and airlines, One Record is more than a compliance requirement. Customers increasingly expect real-time visibility, and supply chains are now judged on resilience and transparency as much as speed and cost. Successful adoption of One Record will therefore be essential for maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market.

Among these benefits, challenges lie ahead. For example, smaller freight forwarders and ground handlers face stretched resources and limited IT capacity, while larger players must align systems across multiple partners operating at different levels of preparedness. Additionally, a cultural shift towards data sharing remains a hurdle, with trust and cybersecurity playing a central role.

The coming months will require strong collaboration, clear guidance, and support from trusted IT partners capable of bridging legacy systems and ensuring robust cybersecurity. CLECAT will continue to follow the implementation closely, given its significant impact on freight forwarders across Europe.

To support stakeholders in this transition, IATA has published a practical implementation guide, available here.