The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is calling on air cargo companies to work together to better the industry.

It wants firms to cooperate on common objectives, such as increasing efficiency in e-Air Waybills (e-AWB) - the reduction of paper usage and more accurate data - and better security.

The organisation argues upgrading these areas will help improve the sector's competitive edge despite of stagnating growth. It reports volumes have only grown by two per cent since 2010, while world trade amounts are up 12 per cent. Total cargo revenue for this year is estimated at $59 billion (£36 billion), around $8 billion below 2011's figure.

Passenger demand has also gone up between five per cent and six per cent, with the association arguing this upturn has complicated matters, since airline fleets now focus on footfall over freight capacity.

IATA's director general and chief executive officer Tony Tyler said: "Air cargo is being buffeted by forces for change. These include changes in the economics of just-in-time manufacturing, longer delivery lead times, innovation by alternative modes of transport, and environmental pressures."

Speaking to the Air Freight Institute at the World Congress of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations, he called for focused efforts on efficiency, quality and security to encourage growth.