CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ series looks at the multitude of career possibilities across the air cargo industry, and invites a different individual each week to talk about their role, industry experience, insights and advice to potential newcomers. Continuous improvement, quality management, and adapting to ever-changing digital and regulatory requirements, are important aspects when it comes to ensuring smooth and safe air cargo logistics. This week, therefore, we hear from Oliver Suchanek (OS), Operations Engineering Manager at Air Canada Cargo.
CFG: What is your current function? And what are your responsibilities?
OS: I am the Operations Engineering Manager covering the European region for Air Canada Cargo, based in London. I sit as the focal point for stations in Europe for process architecture and operation engineering.
As a team, we use continuous improvement techniques (L6S, DMAIC, PDCA) to tackle challenges within our operation, to find those wins and incremental performance benefits, working closely with both the commercial and operational sides of the cargo team to bridge that gap between what we call the ‘promise makers’ (Commercial) and the ‘promise keepers’ (the Operation). A core responsibility is the focus and upkeep of our strong quality management system, which is the key to my team’s success. We leverage this to drive standardization and foster engagement with our operational teams to implement sustainable process improvements.
These projects vary in scope and topic from one assignment to the next, which gives an inspiring and exciting breadth to my role – simultaneously working on introducing new facility developments while also working closely with regulative bodies on animal transportation, through to introducing new digital working practices and techniques – no two projects are ever the same!
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you? Or is there such a thing?
OS: Potentially the best thing about my position is that there is no such thing as a normal day. The fluidity and variation to the role really banishes the mundane from the simple 9-to-5. However, I do recognize the need for structure to complement that – I always start by building my day around the two hats I wear: London and Toronto. Being the only member on my team outside of Canada, has its pros and cons! From there, I work on project deliverables, peer-review work for my colleagues or provide operational support to either side of the Atlantic. Additionally, I could be further afield than London, with time spent in any of the Canadian or European stations, supporting where required.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
OS: I joined Air Cargo relatively recently, taking my position at Air Canada in August 2022, although my history within aviation as a whole, spans my entire career. I came up through the ranks of Aircraft Maintenance, where I started as a Technical Apprentice in 2012. There wasn’t much to not be fascinated with about aircraft and air travel, and I was drawn to the industry to upgrade the toys I was playing with… Lego to 747s! Moving on from there, was an abundance of opportunities to continually expand and hone my skillset which has allowed me to grow into Cargo and the person I am today.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
OS: Being in such a huge organization allows me to interact and work with an amazing, varied group of people and there is nothing better than the opportunity to travel and work alongside them in person after countless virtual meetings! Air Canada is a place where growth and expression is really championed and embraced, and learning from all of the people I interact with every day, makes it a very special and enjoyable experience.
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?
OS: Not only for Cargo, but across the wider industry, we’ve seen over the past 5 years how tumultuous an environment it can be. Retaining and nurturing young talent has become more of a challenge as the aviation industry has become a more unsettled landscape to work in. It’s crucial, as an industry, that those hurdles can be overcome and the hearts and minds of the up-and-coming generations can be captivated as mine was.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry? Any particular training they should aim for?
OS: Be a sponge! There is a never-ending list of things to learn – but don’t let that be discouraging. A thirst for knowledge and those that push to expand their horizons and increase their skillset is rewarded. It’s an environment where its ok to make mistakes, and those learning opportunities can be embraced to improve day after day. Continuous improvement!
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
OS: Around the world in 80 days ULDs.
Many thanks, Oliver, for your insights.
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.
Well done Ollie…..I always knew you had the ability to fly, once you released the BA shackles…..Well done.