FTA launches airfreight working group in U.K.

With increasing concern over airport capacity in southeastern England, the Freight Transportation Association (FTA) is launching a new Air Freight Working Group to help shape the future of the U.K. logistics sector.

Airfreight being a crucial part of the U.K.’s logistic plan, as well as the wider economy, FTA said the new group will be open to all FTA members with an interest in airfreight. The main focus of the group will be the establishment of a clear vision and strategy for air cargo, as well as promotion of the economic benefits of the sector to governments across the U.K. and the EU.

“The group will enable us to develop an action plan to engage constructively with airport owners, operators and airlines to improve air freight facilities, and to continue to engage with U.K. government on aviation capacity in the southeast of England,” said Alex Veitch, FTA head of global policy.

The new group will report to the FTA’s British Shippers’ Council and will operate on a “task and finish” basis. This means it will deliver agreed-upon objectives and then disband, unless members see value in developing it into a permanent committee. Three meetings are planned for 2016, the first in April.