Policy & Compliance
Pictured on the viewing deck of the BT Tower at the launch of the new cargo community advisory body are (left to right) Nick Weaver, head of BT CCS-UK (Cargo Community Systems) & BT Air Logistics; Steve Parker, BIFA director general, James Golding, head of cargo and airline partnerships at Heathrow
Airport; and Andy Cooke, BIFA external affairs consultant
The new body will allow BIFA Members to work with the airport authority to have a central role and be at the forefront of discussions on what needs to be addressed New advisory body focuses on Heathrow cargo redevelopment “ On behalf of our Members, BIFA is
Working closely with BT, the new advisory body will focus on the modernisation of freight systems that facilitate the sharing of information amongst the key stakeholders. Inspire and engage At the meeting, Parker emphasised the significance of this new advisory body and encouraged Members that were present to inspire other Members to engage with the group and attend future meetings. Cooke added: “By participating in this advisory group, BIFA Members and other stakeholders will be able to help shape best practice as the redevelopment of the cargo area begins, and develop methods via which the group can represent Members’ interests on this subject in conjunction with the airport authority.” BIFA Members who wish to become involved with this new advisory body should contact Andy Cooke via email: a.cooke@bifa.org
A pril saw BIFA launch a cargo community advisory body which will undertake a lot of the activity previously covered by the CCSUK User Group. During a presentation at the BT Tower in central London around 75 representatives from the industry, including freight forwarders, Heathrow Airport, BT, HMRC, airlines and cargo ground handlers, heard that the first important task of the advisory body is to focus on the impact of the planned massive redevelopment of the cargo estate at Heathrow Airport and the associated freight management systems. Member input This event outlined the structure of the advisory body going forward, and also allowed attendees to voice their opinions, along with providing input on how the operational challenges that will
come with the cargo estate redevelopment can be addressed. Attendees were also introduced to Andy Cooke, who BIFA has recruited to head the new advisory body. After a long career with DHL Global Forwarding, most recently as a senior management team member and VP value added services, Andy brings many years of knowledge and experience that will be invaluable in driving forward the work of the new advisory body. Steve Parker, BIFA director general, said: “On behalf of our Members, BIFA is already working closely with the airport to support its ambitious plans to deliver a fundamental change to the way cargo operates at the airport. “Our intention with the establishment of the new advisory body is to allow BIFA Members and other stakeholders to work with the airport authority to have a central role and be at the forefront of discussions on what needs to be addressed.”
already working closely with the airport to support its ambitious plans to deliver a fundamental change to the way cargo operates at the airport. – Steve Parker, BIFA
10 | June 2025
www.bifa.org
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