Readout of Mayor Johnson's First Day at the International Air Transport Association World Cargo Symposium
On Tuesday, Mayor Johnson began his first day at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) World Cargo Symposium in Dubai by attending a keynote address from Brendan Sullivan, IATA's Global Head of Cargo. Sullivan delivered a compelling air cargo overview of the past year, spotlighting the sector's growth, innovation, and the evolving global landscape of challenges and opportunities.
Following Sullivan, H.E. Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of Economy, took the stage. He underscored the strategic importance of air cargo in enhancing trade and fostering innovation, highlighting the UAE's dynamic and rapidly diversifying economy. He specifically pointed to growth in perishable goods and pharmaceuticals - sectors brimming with both complexity and potential.
Next, Badr Abbas, Division Senior Vice President at Emirates SkyCargo, shared his insights. Key takeaways from his remarks included:
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The increasing emphasis on sustainability
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The accelerating impact of digital commerce
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Air cargo as a technological marvel that saves lives, builds global bridges, and creates employment opportunities around the world
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, also addressed attendees, offering a look at Dubai's strategic position as a global logistics hub.
Mayor Johnson later attended a session led by Maja Marciniak, Senior Economist and Policy Analyst at IATA, focusing on sustainability and the global economic outlook.
He concluded the day by participating in a series of panels discussing sustainability, digitalization, safety, and security; air cargo market factors; e-commerce in air cargo; and digital transformation and A.I. use in the cargo industry.
"This conference has been a powerful reminder of the critical role air cargo plays in driving both global and local economies," said Mayor Eric L. Johnson. "It opened my eyes to the tremendous opportunities ahead for Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. As a DFW board member, I'm energized by the innovative strategies discussed here. Air cargo isn't just about logistics-it's about jobs, innovation, and building a more connected and prosperous future for the Dallas region."
About the IATA World Cargo Symposium
The IATA World Cargo Symposium is the world's largest and most influential air cargo conference, held this year in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Dallas and Dubai are deeply connected by trade, with Emirates (EK) operating seven direct flights per week between the two cities. In 2024 alone, these flights have transported over 104,000 passengers and more than 2,400 U.S. tons of cargo.
Dubai serves as a vital link between Dallas and major global markets in the Middle East, Africa, and India - regions where Texas leads the nation in air exports, totaling $6 billion annually, with $1.7 billion originating from the Dallas region.
Our top export trade partners in these regions are India and the United Arab Emirates. Dubai serves as a key gateway for Dallas to India. Air exports to India from Dallas in 2024 totaled more than $821 million. Air exports to the United Arab Emirates from Dallas in 2024 totaled more than $339 million.
These strong trade figures highlight the pivotal role of air cargo in driving economic growth across Dallas's diverse industries.
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