Recognizing the critical role of air transport in the global postal network, the UPU has developed a robust partnership with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to strengthen operational coordination and policy alignment between postal operators and the airline industry. This cooperation is guided by the IATA–UPU Contact Committee, which meets regularly to address key issues at the intersection of mail and air cargo.
In 2024, the UPU and IATA convened two meetings of the Contact Committee to discuss a wide range of subjects critical to the efficiency and security of mail transported by air. Topics included supply chain safety, dangerous goods in airmail, transit and transhipment, paperless processes, electronic advance data (EAD) and alignment with evolving regulatory frameworks.
- Webinar series: To date, eight joint IATA–UPU webinars have been organized, including two held in 2024 and one in the first half of 2025. These sessions have addressed operational readiness and compliance for mail transport under pre-loading advance cargo information (PLACI) regimes, as well as the handling of dangerous goods and safety protocols.
- Ongoing coordination through the IATA–UPU Contact Committee: This formal platform ensures continued dialogue and alignment between postal operators and air carriers on shared operational challenges and strategic priorities, including digitalization, regulatory compliance and risk management in the mail and cargo interface.
On 17 May 1950, in Montreux, Switzerland, the UPU’s Executive and Liaison Committee decided to create a joint Committee with members of both the UPU and IATA as a forum for post-airlines cooperation. Further to this decision, the first IATA-UPU Contact Committee was held in Cairo, Egypt, from 22 January to 5 February 1951. Since then, this body has met twice a year to develop and maintain a vast array of global policies, processes and standards that make sure that mail can be seamlessly transported by air. We’re celebrating 75 years of constructive dialogue and fruitful collaboration to address logistical challenges and service quality for customers worldwide. A key partner of the UPU, IATA is also celebrating their 80th anniversary as an organization and we wish them continued growth and success in their endeavors to connect the world, facilitating travel, trade and communication.
Blog May 2024: Streamlining global airmail: airlines and postal services strengthen collaboration through the IATA-UPU partnership
Voice Mail podcast episode 31: Reimagining air transport for the digital age – Mr André Majeres, Head of E-Commerce and Cargo Operations at IATA
Fourth joint IATA–UPU webinar (2023): Stakeholders’ compliance and readiness for mail transport under PLACI regimes
Sixth joint IATA–UPU webinar (2024): Mail transport challenges