The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has unveiled a new advisory body aimed at giving freight forwarders a central role in shaping the future of air cargo operations at Heathrow Airport—particularly in light of the airport’s major redevelopment plans for its cargo infrastructure.
The new group, which will assume responsibilities formerly held by the CCS UK User Group, will focus first on the implications of the upcoming transformation of Heathrow’s cargo village and the related freight management systems.
“Whilst we wait for the promised third runway, BIFA is focusing on the airport’s cargo development,” said Steve Parker, BIFA director general.
“We are working closely with the airport to support its ambitious plans to fundamentally change how cargo is handled at Heathrow.”
BIFA says the new body will allow its members and key stakeholders to collaborate directly with Heathrow Airport and play a proactive role in consultations on modernisation and operations.
The advisory group will also work alongside BT to support the development of modern digital freight systems that enable efficient information sharing among all stakeholders. A key area of focus will be the redevelopment of the ‘Horseshoe’—Heathrow’s long-standing cargo hub—which is set for transformation over the next two to three years.
“The redevelopment aims to improve capacity, replace ageing infrastructure, and enhance efficiency across cargo flows,” Parker explained.
To lead the advisory group, BIFA has appointed Andy Cooke, a veteran of DHL Global Forwarding, where he most recently served as Vice President of Value Added Services. Cooke’s extensive experience in freight forwarding will help steer the group’s strategic priorities and engagement efforts.
The group was formally launched at an event hosted by BIFA at the BT Tower in London on April 29, where members were invited to offer feedback and suggestions on how best to address operational challenges tied to the redevelopment.
Parker urged attendees to become active contributors to the group’s future work:
“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 group, members will help shape best practice and ensure their interests are effectively represented.”
BIFA is already part of a strategic governance board formed by the airport authority, which convened for the first time in March 2025. The association aims to ensure that the freight forwarding community has a strong and unified voice as Heathrow embarks on this critical infrastructure transformation.