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IN BRIEF
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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has unveiled the highly anticipated 2025 edition of its essential manuals for cargo and ground handling operations. This updated release incorporates over 350 revisions and modifications aimed at aligning with the evolving industry standards, safety requirements, and regulatory variations. These comprehensive updates reflect the dynamic nature of the aviation sector, ensuring that industry professionals have access to the latest guidelines and best practices necessary for maintaining operational efficiency and compliance.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched the 2025 edition of its essential manuals for cargo and ground handling operations. This new edition features over 350 updates and revisions aimed at aligning with the constantly evolving industry standards, regulatory frameworks, and operational variations. The comprehensive updates address crucial aspects of air transport safety, sustainability, and efficiency.
Key Highlights of the 2025 Edition
This edition of the IATA manuals touches on various aspects of the air transport industry, presenting numerous highlights that bolster safety and compliance. Of particular note are the updated Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), which now include ten newly classified dangerous goods such as sodium-ion batteries and fire suppressant dispersing devices. Additionally, it incorporates three new entries for battery-powered vehicles depending on the type of battery utilized, ensuring enhanced safety measures.
Battery Shipping Regulations (BSR)
Formerly known as the lithium battery shipping regulations, the updated Battery Shipping Regulations (BSR) manual has been expanded to encompass a wider array of battery types. This includes sodium-ion batteries with organic electrolyte, wet spillable batteries filled with acid or alkali, and non-spillable batteries that require lighter regulation. This comprehensive approach addresses the growing diversity of battery technologies and safety concerns associated with their transport.
Live Animals Regulations (LAR)
The new edition also emphasizes the transport of live animals through the revised Live Animals Regulations (LAR). Updates have integrated references to CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) species database. This ensures that stakeholders remain informed of the regulations regarding the transportation of endangered species, while updated specifications aim to improve conditions and welfare during animal transport.
Airport Handling Manual (AHM)
In addressing the impact of technological advancements, the Airport Handling Manual (AHM) has incorporated provisions for contactless travel, including updates on digitalized travel documentation. Furthermore, policies related to unruly passengers and travel document checks have also been revised to support safe ground operations amidst a changing landscape. The manual now includes references to the IEnvA (IATA Environmental Assessment), ensuring that environmental management is a key focus.
Compassionate Transportation Manual (CTM)
The Compassionate Transportation Manual (CTM) has been updated to include new best practices and an up-to-date checklist for the repatriation of human and animal remains by air. This manual signifies IATA’s commitment to providing guidelines that reflect the emotional and ethical responsibilities that come with such sensitive transport.
Accessible Resources for Stakeholders
IATA has made all these manuals available in both digital and printed formats, ensuring easy access for stakeholders across the aviation value chain. Their ONE Source platform offers free industry access to validate aviation capabilities and infrastructure. With tools to enhance the handling of special cargo shipments, key players—including airlines, airports, ground service providers, freight forwarders, shippers, and manufacturers—can utilize these resources to promote safe, sustainable, and efficient operations.
As a testament to the diligent efforts of IATA, Frederic Leger, IATA’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Products and Services, stated, “Global standards have made flying safe and reliable,” underscoring the vital roles these manuals play in daily operations. The 2025 edition symbolizes a unified response to the dynamic challenges presented by modern aviation, reflecting the industry’s priorities of digitalization and sustainability.
For further insights on these updates and more details about the updated manuals, you can visit the official IATA sources such as the press release on IATA website, as well as news platforms discussing the significance of these changes, like Mirage News and Aviation Defence Universe.
Overview of Changes in IATA’s 2025 Manuals
| Manuals | Key Updates |
| Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) | Inclusion of ten new dangerous goods and updated safety measures for battery handling. |
| Battery Shipping Regulations (BSR) | Expanded to include sodium-ion batteries and spillable battery types. |
| Live Animals Regulations (LAR) | References to CITES species and updated transport container specifications. |
| Airport Handling Manual (AHM) | New policies on contactless travel and updated guidelines for unruly passengers. |
| Compassionate Transportation Manual (CTM) | Guidance for the repatriation of human and animal remains by air. |
| Environmental Management | Referencing IEnvA for improved environmental sustainability practices. |
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has officially launched the 2025 edition of its essential industry manuals for cargo and ground handling operations. This new iteration encompasses over 350 changes that reflect the ongoing evolution of industry standards, regulatory requirements, and rising sustainability initiatives. Major highlights include updates on Dangerous Goods Regulations and the introduction of guidelines for various types of batteries.
Updates on Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)
The latest edition of the DGR includes significant additions, such as the inclusion of ten new dangerous goods, notably sodium-ion batteries and fire suppressant dispersing devices. Furthermore, it introduces additional safety measures related to the State of Charge, at which different battery types are transported, ensuring compliance while enhancing safety.
Revised Battery Shipping Regulations (BSR)
The Battery Shipping Regulations have been expanded beyond just lithium batteries to encompass various types including sodium-ion batteries with organic electrolytes, wet batteries filled with acid or alkali, and lightly regulated battery types. This update provides enhanced clarity for organizations dealing with diverse battery products while ensuring adherence to safety and transport regulations.
Live Animals Regulations (LAR) Enhancements
The updated Live Animals Regulations include crucial references from CITES and IUCN databases, ensuring that stakeholders can effectively adhere to international conservation laws. Furthermore, modifications have been made to the specifications related to containers used for animal transport, enhancing the safety and welfare of live cargo.
Airport Handling Manual (AHM) Innovations
This year’s AHM integrates policies for contactless travel alongside updates for unruly passengers and travel document checks. A significant reference to IATA’s Environmental Assessment framework has also been included, reflecting the industry’s commitment to sustainability and responsible practices. Furthermore, updates regarding the IATA Training Passport have been made, reinforcing the recognition of skills across employers in the ground handling sector.
Compassionate Transportation Manual (CTM) Updates
The Compassionate Transportation Manual offers a fresh perspective with new best practices and uptodate guidance for the repatriation of both human and animal remains by air. This includes critical references to IATA’s Cargo iQ and ONE Record initiatives, to streamline and optimize transportation processes.
In addition to the manuals, IATA’s ONE Source platform has been introduced, offering free access for industry stakeholders to verify aviation capabilities and infrastructure, thereby improving the management of special cargo shipments.
All new manuals are readily available in digital formats, reflecting the organization’s commitment to provide up-to-date resources to support efficient and safe air transport operations. For extensive details about the 2025 manuals, visit this page.
IATA New 2025 Manuals Overview
- Release Date: February 3, 2025
- Focus: Cargo and ground handling operations
- Updates: Over 350 changes and revisions
- Compliance: Aligns with evolving industry standards
- Stakeholders: Airlines, airports, ground service providers
- Key Regulations Updated: Dangerous Goods, Battery Shipping, Live Animals
- Digitalization: Contactless travel documentation included
- Sustainability: Environmental management references added
- Best Practices: New guidelines for compassionate transportation
- Accessibility: Manuals available in digital and print formats
IATA Introduces Updated Manuals for 2025
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched the 2025 edition of its essential industry manuals for cargo and ground handling operations. This set of manuals features over 350 modifications designed to align with both the evolving industry standards and various state and operator requirements. These updates reflect the need for enhanced compliance, safety, sustainability, and digitalization across the aviation value chain. By adhering to these updated guidelines, stakeholders can ensure a more efficient and safe operation.
Understanding the Changes in Dangerous Goods Regulations
One of the foremost updates pertains to the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). The new edition includes the addition of ten new types of dangerous goods such as sodium-ion batteries and fire suppressant dispersing devices. Furthermore, new classifications for battery-powered vehicles based on their battery types introduce clarity to existing regulations. The inclusion of the “State of Charge” for shipping batteries enhances safety by providing vital information during transportation.
Battery Shipping Regulations Updates
The Battery Shipping Regulations (BSR) have also undergone significant expansion. Originally focused on lithium batteries, this manual now encompasses a greater variety of battery types, including sodium-ion batteries with organic electrolytes, wet spillable batteries, as well as non-spillable batteries. This broader scope allows for improved compliance, reflecting developments in battery technologies and ensuring that handling regulations meet current safety standards.
Guidelines for Live Animal Transportation
The Live Animals Regulations (LAR) have been enriched with references to databases from CITES and IUCN, ensuring that all relevant species are accounted for in transportation operations. Updates to the specifications for transport containers further underline the commitment to animal welfare during transit. Organizations handling live animals can utilize these guidelines to adhere to the highest standards of care and safety, promoting ethical practices in the air transport industry.
Enhancements within the Airport Handling Manual
The Airport Handling Manual (AHM) now incorporates updates focused on contactless travel, highlighting the growing trend towards digital travel documentation. Adjustments regarding the management of unruly passengers and travel document checks reflect changing passenger behaviors and security challenges. Additionally, the reference to IEnvA underscores the importance of environmental assessment in airport operations, ensuring that sustainability is a priority.
Compassionate Transportation Manual Insights
Another pivotal update is found in the Compassionate Transportation Manual (CTM), which now offers new best practices and checklists to facilitate the repatriation of human and animal remains. The guidelines aim to provide sensitive and compassionate support during distressing occurrences, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to handling such matters with care and respect.
Final Thoughts on Compliance and Best Practices
The comprehensive updates found across all IATA manuals signal a significant step towards operational excellence in the aviation sector. Key stakeholders such as airlines, airports, ground service providers, and freight forwarders must adapt their operations to comply with these new regulations. The revisions reflect both a response to rapid technological advancements and an alignment with environmental and safety priorities, supporting informed decision-making in air transport logistics.
