Diploma in Air Cargo Management

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

1. Introduction to Air Cargo Management

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

• Explain the structure and role of the global air cargo industry in international trade.
• Identify key stakeholders such as airlines, freight forwarders, and ground handling agents.
• Describe the end‑to‑end process of air cargo operations from acceptance to delivery.
• Recognize different types of cargo and their handling requirements.
• Apply ICAO and IATA guidelines to basic cargo operations.
• Demonstrate awareness of career pathways in air cargo management.

2. Cargo Handling & Storage Procedures

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

• Apply safe handling techniques for general, perishable, and special cargo.
• Demonstrate correct loading, unloading, and stowage procedures in compliance with IATA standards.
• Inspect cargo for damage, irregularities, and compliance with safety regulations.
• Implement correct storage methods to maintain cargo integrity and security.
• Evaluate warehouse layout and storage systems for efficiency.
• Use best practices to minimize risks of cargo damage and delays.

3. Aviation Safety, Security & Dangerous Goods Awareness

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

• Identify categories of dangerous goods and restricted items under ICAO/IATA regulations.
• Apply correct labeling, packaging, and documentation procedures for dangerous goods.
• Demonstrate awareness of aviation security protocols, including screening and access control.
• Explain the consequences of non‑compliance with safety and security regulations.
• Apply risk management principles to prevent incidents in cargo operations.
• Promote a safety and security culture within air cargo environments.

4. Documentation & Customs Procedures

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

• Prepare and interpret key cargo documents such as Air Waybills, manifests, and consignment notes.
• Explain customs clearance processes for imports, exports, and transshipments.
• Apply international trade compliance standards (WTO, WCO, ICAO).
• Identify common errors in documentation and their impact on cargo movement.
• Demonstrate the ability to complete customs declarations accurately.
• Evaluate the role of digitalization in modern customs and documentation systems.

5. Customer Service in Cargo Operations

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

• Demonstrate effective communication with shippers, freight forwarders, and regulatory authorities.
• Apply customer service principles to resolve complaints and claims in cargo operations.
• Evaluate customer expectations in the context of air cargo logistics.
• Implement service quality standards to enhance customer satisfaction.
• Use problem‑solving techniques to manage service disruptions and delays.
• Promote a customer‑centric culture within air cargo operations.

6. ICT & Cargo Tracking Systems

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

• Operate cargo management systems, barcoding, and RFID technologies for cargo tracking.
• Apply digital tools to monitor cargo movement in real time.
• Evaluate the role of ICT in enhancing transparency, efficiency, and security.
• Demonstrate knowledge of emerging technologies such as blockchain and IoT in cargo tracking.
• Analyze data from ICT systems to improve decision‑making and performance.
• Ensure compliance with data security and confidentiality standards in cargo ICT systems.