What does it mean to be an IATA agent in the air transport sector?

IATA Agent stands for International Air Transport Association, the international air transport association, which acts as an intermediary between passengers, freight forwarders and airlines to ensure the smooth, safe and efficient operation of the aviation industry and commercial transactions.

When it comes to air freight, it is essential that the company is an “IATA Agent”.  As such, it acts as a responsible party, taking care of everything necessary to ensure that the air freight reaches its destination.

What is an IATA Agent?

It is a person or organisation authorised and regulated by IATA to carry out the transport of goods by air.

Functions and benefits.

• Ability to issue international air waybills.
• Ability to issue documentation on behalf of airlines.
• To collect and receive freight charges.
• Coordinate the loading and unloading of goods onto and from aircraft.
• Carry out customs formalities.

All these functions offer numerous advantages, including time savings, which could be crucial for urgent transport operations, as speed and immediacy are vital in air freight.

At EMDIPA, we have specialised in air freight, and our offices are strategically located to facilitate this type of shipment.

For this reason, our Madrid branch is located at the Barajas Air Cargo Centre, and last summer (2020) our Barcelona office moved to the Cargoparc Building at Josep Tarradellas Airport. You can find the full address in this blog post  and our Vitoria branch is situated just a few kilometres from Vitoria-Gasteiz Airport.

In other words, at EMDIPA we are IATA Agents and our team comprises highly skilled professionals who will assist you with this type of air transport service.

In the current global health crisis, IATA is constantly monitoring developments regarding the coronavirus, in coordination with the WHO Secretariat, ICAO and the Centres for Disease Control.

Over the past few months, they have launched a new guide: “IATA Health and Safety Standards Checklist for Airline Operators” as the association has named its new publication. A guide that has been developed with input from the industry, public health authorities and governments” and which you can download at this direct link.