IATA
The modern IATA is part of the structure of post-Second World War aviation which grew out of the Chicago Conference of 1944. It replaced the International Air Traffic Association of 1919. In both organization and activity, IATA has been closely associated with the International Civil Aviation Organization ( ICAO), the United Nations’ specialized agency for civil aviation.
IATA’s head office is in Montreal; its main executive office is in Geneva. Regional offices are in Amman, Brussels, Dakar, London, Nairobi, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago, Singapore and Washington D.C. In addition, there are 57 offices around the world responsible for Agency Services, Bank Settlement Plans and Cargo Account Settlements.
IATA’s Mission
IATA’s mission is to represent and serve the airline industry. In fulfilling that mission, IATA services four groups interested in the smooth operation of the world air transport system: airlines, the general public, governments, and third parties such as travel and cargo agents or equipment and systems suppliers.
For the airlines, IATA offers joint ways – beyond the resources of any single company – to exploit opportunities and solve problems. Airlines knit their individual networks into a worldwide system through IATA, despite differences in language, currencies, laws and national customs. IATA also saves them money.
For the general public, IATA simplifies the travel and shipping process. By helping to control airline costs, IATA contributes to cheaper tickets and shipping costs. Thanks to airline cooperation through IATA, individual passengers can make one telephone call to reserve a ticket, pay in one currency and then use the ticket on several airlines in several countries, or even return it for a cash refund.
For governments, industry working standards are developed within IATA. It is thus the most effective source of airline experience and expertise upon which governments can draw. In fostering safe and efficient air transport, IATA serves the stated policy of most of the world’s governments. IATA saves much effort and expense that would otherwise have to be expended in bilateral negotiations – for example, on tariffs.
For third parties, IATA is a collective link between themselves and the airlines. Passenger and cargo agents are able to make representations to the industry through IATA and derive the benefit of neutrally applied agency service standards and levels of professional skill. Equipment manufacturers and others are able to join in the airline meetings which define the way air transport goes about its business.
National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, Inc.
NCBFAA: A Symbol Of Professionalism
The National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, Inc.(NCBFAA), is the trade association representing the licensed customs brokers, international freight forwarders, international air cargo agents and Ocean Transportation Intermediaries (OTIs).
NCBFAA serves its members and the industry by providing a forum where they can share information and work together to promote common business interests. The end result is a membership that maintains high standards of
professionalism and competence.
NCBFAA is the strong, effective national voice of the industry. Through its various committees, customs, maritime counsel, and Washington representative, the Association maintains a close watch over legislative and regulatory issues that affect its members.
NCBFAA keeps its members informed about these and related matters through its monthly NCBFAA Bulletin and other publications, and through various meetings and conferences throughout the year.
CNS An IATA Company
CNSC, a subsidiary of the International Air Transport Association, was founded to serve the needs of the air cargo industry in the United States. CNS provides a range of products and services to promote productivity, profitability, credibility, cooperation and quality of service among air carriers and cargo agents. In a constantly changing landscape, CNS is committed to understanding industry dynamics so it can anticipate the future needs of the airline-cargo agent partnership.
Since its founding in 1985, CNS has served the air cargo industry through its specialized programs and services. Viewing itself as a clearinghouse for valuable information and as a natural central point for the interactions between carriers and agents, CNS continues to work hard to identify and meet the challenges that the industry faces.
NCBFAA
Headquartered in Washington, DC, the NCBFAA represents more than 970 member companies with 110,000 employees in international trade – the nation’s leading freight forwarders, customs brokers, ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs), NVOCCs and air cargo agents, serving more than 250,000 importers and exporters.
Long Island Import Export Association
The Long Island Import Export Association is one of the best resources for companies that are thinking of importing or exporting products or services. The Long Island Import Export Association can provide “one stop shopping” for meeting other Long Island professionals engaged in all aspects of international trade.