The Airforwarders Association (AfA) has named Steve Smith as its chief executive officer, according to an announcement reported by Air Cargo News.

The appointment places Smith at the head of the Washington-area trade body that represents US air freight forwarders — the intermediaries that consolidate and move the bulk of air cargo booked on passenger and freighter networks, and that sit at the center of ongoing disputes over liability, security regulation and surface transportation policy.

The association did not announce a departure date for, or comment on the tenure of, the outgoing leadership in the information released. Details of Smith's prior roles, his start date and his immediate policy priorities were not included in the announcement as reported.

The leadership change comes as forwarders navigate a freight market defined by shifting capacity: belly capacity has continued its post-pandemic recovery on passenger networks while dedicated freighter operators and express integrators have adjusted fleets and networks in response to softer volumes on some trade lanes and continued e-commerce-driven demand on others.

For AfA members, the CEO transition matters primarily for the association's advocacy agenda. The group has historically engaged with the Transportation Security Administration on cargo screening regimes, with the Department of Transportation and Congress on licensing and liability questions, and with international bodies on harmonization of security and customs procedures — all areas where the chief executive sets the tone and cadence of the association's lobbying.

Smith takes the role as the industry continues to weigh the cost implications of regulatory compliance, from screening technology mandates to data-reporting requirements that have grown tighter under both US and international frameworks.

The association has not yet published a statement from Smith outlining his priorities for the coming year, and member-facing communications following the appointment remain limited to the announcement itself.