During the signing of new Memorandum of Understanding between the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU), it was revealed that, almost 380 billion letters and 6.1 billion postal parcels are sent every year around the world, and airmail plays an essential role in their delivery.
There are several Nigerian aviation related companies affiliated to IATA and Nigeria is a member of UPU too.
The new IATA & UPU new Memorandum of Understanding titled, “Collaboration for an efficient airmail” became stronger on 3 November 2014.
Bishar Abdirahman Hussein, UPU’s director general and Tony Tyler, IATA’s DG and CEO signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding for safer, securer and harmonized airmail transportation.
With the growing e-commerce activities, the airmail business will therefore continue its expansion.
Understandably, there is a need for continued cooperation and consultation to meet the challenges that accompany the growth of airmail operations.
With this new MoU, IATA and UPU agreed to work together on preventing the transport of prohibited or unlawful items in mail, facilitating rapid and reliable customs clearance, as well as harmonizing and simplifying automated information exchange.
Considering that the UPU represents 192 postal authorities (who are important customers of IATA’s 250 members), the partnership will have a significant impact.
However, Nigeria has yet to establish an independent postal Commission to help it leverage the opportunities at the global level.