IATA Unveils 2027 Cargo, Ground Operations Rules with Stricter Battery, AI Standards
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released the 2027 editions of its key industry manuals covering air cargo and ground operations, introducing a range of regulatory, safety and technology-related changes designed to keep aviation operations aligned with evolving global standards.
The revised manuals include updates to the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), Battery Shipping Regulations (BSR), Live Animals Regulations (LAR) and Airport Handling Manual (AHM), with several of the changes addressing the growing complexity of battery-powered equipment, live animal transportation and increasingly automated airport operations.
IATA said the revisions reflect developments in technology, regulations and the changing needs of airlines and other aviation stakeholders.
Under the updated Dangerous Goods Regulations, the association has introduced measures aimed at making packaging requirements clearer, while also strengthening provisions governing spare batteries and power banks.
The revised rules also contain updated requirements for lithium battery-powered mobility aids. In particular, operators will face new obligations concerning mobility devices with batteries exceeding 300 watt-hours (Wh).
IATA has also updated State and Operator Variations in the DGR, incorporating new variations from 17 states. Such variations are important for airlines and cargo operators because they identify additional requirements imposed by individual countries or operators beyond the general international provisions.
The 2027 Battery Shipping Regulations have equally undergone significant changes, particularly in response to the development and increasing transportation of new battery technologies.
For the first time, the revised provisions include hybrid batteries containing both lithium-ion and sodium-ion cells. Packing instructions have also been revised, particularly those covering sodium-ion batteries and prototype batteries.
IATA has further clarified which battery shipments are excluded from the existing four-cell/two-battery limit under applicable provisions.
Another change requires battery marks to be displayed on the same surface of a package as other applicable hazard labels, a measure intended to improve the visibility of safety information during the handling and transportation process.
The association has also revised its Live Animals Regulations to reflect developments in the transportation of animals for research and other purposes.
The 2027 LAR includes specific pathogen-free laboratory animals in its species listings and introduces standardised terminology and metric measurements across requirements for animal containers.
There are also revised procedures for cleaning and disinfecting aircraft cargo compartments, aimed at strengthening hygiene and biosecurity during the transportation of live animals.
IATA said a Portuguese-language version of the LAR will also be available following Brazil’s adoption of the regulations.
Ground operations are another major area covered by the revised manuals, with the Airport Handling Manual containing new guidance on biometric handling as the industry moves towards contactless travel.
The guidance covers biometric processes at airport touchpoints, while also addressing privacy and ethical considerations associated with the use of biometric technologies.
The AHM has also been expanded to provide advanced guidance on the operation of autonomous ground service equipment in areas around aircraft.
The developments come as airports and airlines increasingly explore automation, artificial intelligence and digital technologies to improve operational efficiency and reduce human error.
IATA said its digital tools are being enhanced to connect its industry manuals more closely with the operational processes they support.
Among the tools being expanded is LAR Verify, an automated compliance verification system designed to help ensure that live animal shipments meet applicable regulatory requirements.
The electronic Battery Shipping Regulations (e-BSR) has also introduced new Interactive Classification Scenarios, providing users with digital assistance when determining the appropriate classification and handling requirements for battery shipments.
For dangerous goods, DG Digital, a module of DG Autocheck, allows users to create and manage Shipper’s Declarations for Dangerous Goods.
The digital version of the DGR has also been enhanced to improve navigation and access to critical dangerous goods information.
Another significant development is Digital Load Verification (DLV), which is designed to verify aircraft loading activities. IATA said the technology can reduce loading errors by more than 80 per cent and loading-related delays by up to 30 per cent.
The association said the increasing integration of digital tools with its standards would allow requirements to be embedded directly into operational decision-making and live working environments.
Frederic Leger, IATA’s Senior Vice President of Products and Services, said the 2027 revisions were designed to respond to changes taking place across the aviation industry.
“Our 2027 manual revisions reflect advancements in technology, regulation, and customer needs,” Leger said.
He said the manuals were increasingly being used in a digitally connected environment, making it necessary to develop tools that could integrate industry standards into the critical processes underpinning cargo and ground operations.
“This is a major step toward advancing safer, more efficient airline operations, and is soon to be super-charged by the power of AI,” he added.
The latest revisions underscore the growing importance of standardisation as the aviation industry adopts new battery technologies, autonomous equipment, biometrics and artificial intelligence while seeking to maintain safety, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency across international air transport.
