The British International Freight Association has launched a cargo community advisory body, which will undertake a lot of the activity previously covered by the CCSUK User Group.

The first important task of the advisory body is to focus on the impact of the planned massive redevelopment of the cargo village at Heathrow Airport and the associated freight management systems.

Steve Parker, BIFA director general, says: “Whilst we wait for the promised third runway, BIFA is focusing on the airport’s cargo development.

“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 an 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 in what needs to be addressed.”

Working closely with BT, the new advisory body will focus on the modernisation of freight systems which facilitate the sharing of information amongst the key stakeholders.

The group will also work with Heathrow Airport to represent the freight forwarding community and other stakeholders in discussions around the development of the Heathrow cargo centre widely known as the ‘Horseshoe’.

Parker adds: “The plans unveiled last October will mean a significant redevelopment of the cargo estate, which is set to commence in the next two to three years, as the airport looks to accommodate rising demand, modernise some ageing first-line cargo handling facilities, and improve cargo flows and efficiency.”

To head the new advisory group, BIFA has recruited Andy Cooke, who has had a long career with DHL Global Forwarding, most recently as a senior management team member and VP Value Added Services.

Cooke brings many years of knowledge and experience that will be invaluable in driving forward the work of the new advisory body.

The advisory body was officially launched at an event organised by BIFA that took place at the BT Tower in London on April 29.

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 village redevelopment can be addressed.

At the meeting, Parker emphasised the significance of this new advisory body and encouraged members that were present to inspire other members to engage and attend future meetings.

He concluded: “BIFA is already a member of a strategic governance board set up by the airport authority, which had its first meeting earlier this year.

“We want to be the conduit through which BIFA members can be at the heart of what is being developed for cargo at Heathrow.

“By participating in this advisory body, 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.”