CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ series takes a look at the many different functions in the air cargo industry and talks to people involved in those jobs. For a shipment to travel from A to B by air, a huge network of operations, regulations, assets, and resources are required. Much more goes on behind the scenes than the General Public is aware of. This week, Olga Blaut (OB), Country Head of Sales – Pharma & Healthcare at JAS, details her function, talks about what brought her to our industry, and gives advice to those considering a career in air cargo.

CFG: What is your current function? And what are your responsibilities?
OB: I am the Country Head of Sales – for the Pharma & Healthcare Vertical at JAS USA
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you? Or is there such a thing?
OB: Every day brings its own unique set of challenges and opportunities, making each one distinct from the last. Usually there are some commercial activities related to supporting existing and future Pharma and Healthcare customers and their patients, developing and presenting customer solutions, and collaborating internally with various departments on bringing value to our customers’ supply chain and enhancing the outcomes for the patients. Although I’m based in Los Angeles, I oversee pharma and healthcare commercial activities nationwide, which keeps me well acquainted with the endless blue skies across the country.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
OB: Around 20 years. I started my career with the world’s biggest ocean carrier in Moscow, Russia, after a university internship. However, very soon, I switched to the forwarding business to have an opportunity to fly higher. I moved to the US in 2011 with one of my employers.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
OB: JAS has a global presence, so it offers the opportunity to be in touch with the whole world every day and make an impact on getting critical medications into the hands of patients.
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?
OB: There are a few, however, I would mention the limited pipeline of young and emerging talent entering the industry due to a lack of awareness of the industry and its opportunities. And CO2 emissions!
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry? Any particular training they should aim for?
OB: This is a very multicultural and quickly evolving environment that has a need for people of many skills depending on where they want to be. It’s a fascinating and fast paced industry for everyone, and there are a lot of exciting opportunities!
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
OB: “The Skyway Chronicles: Tales of Cargo and Commerce”
Thank you for your input, Olga!
If you would like to share your personal air cargo story with our CargoForwarder Global readers, feel free to send your answers to the above questions to cargoforwarderglobal@kopfpilot.at We look forward to shining a spotlight on your job area, views, and experiences.