CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ series illustrates a different career aspect of the air cargo industry each week. From airlines to airports to forwarder, handlers, all the way through to those providing software backbones to the industry. Awery is one such IT multitalent helping to facilitate cargo booking practices and thus speed up the handling of the air cargo data required to ensure that shipments travel smoothly from A to B. CargoForwarder Global hears from Anna Balan, Head of CargoBooking at Awery Aviation Software, as to what her job entails, how she came into the industry, and what advice she has for those looking to join it.
CFG: What is your current function? And what are your responsibilities?
AB: As Head of CargoBooking, an instant air cargo quote and booking platform powered by Awery Aviation Software (Awery), I run a team of 17 people, working to encourage an industry-wide adoption of digital tools. I’m responsible for heading up the continued development of the CargoBooking platform, driving its rapid adoption among airlines and their GSA/GSSAs.
Additionally, I manage the development of eMagic, an AI-powered tool embedded into the CargoBooking platform. eMagic has been designed to process the content of incoming emails and texts, converting inquiries into readable formats. My team and I are continuously working to make eMagic as accurate as possible, with the tool already guaranteeing 99% data transfer precision.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you? Or is there such a thing?
AB: My normal day begins with an internal meeting in which we address tasks that need completing that day. We talk them through, discuss the best approaches, and plan the day in line with assigned responsibilities.
During the day, I usually have several customer calls where I listen to feedback and openly gather ideas for improvements to meet the market demand. We are focused on launching CargoBooking for more GSA/GSSAs and airlines globally, so I am currently involved in all of these meetings.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
AB: I’ve been working in air cargo industry since 2018. Initially serving as a Software Development Project Manager, I then became a Product Manager, before taking on the role of Head of CargoBooking in 2022.
My journey in the logistics and air cargo sector began in 2015 with A1 Logistics, where I held the position of Operational Manager which laid the groundwork for my subsequent roles. I became the Import/Export Manager at Sea Logistics in 2017, and then had the offer to join the business aviation start-up company, Jet Union, to implement the “uber” technic in private jet chartering – sharing a flight and splitting the cost. That was my way to the aviation sphere and getting acquainted with Awery.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
AB: Awery has been the company in which I feel most supported and valued with every idea and initiative I bring to the table. It’s the atmosphere of creativeness and complexity that drives my growth. Every day is different, and I appreciate the challenge of continuously learning and adapting to new situations.
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?
AB: The biggest hurdle that air cargo faces is hesitancy to embrace the available technologies. As an industry, we need to lean into digitalization, and not run from it. The benefits of AI and automation are now so great, that companies slower to implement are already falling behind.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry? Any particular training they should aim for?
AB: Ask questions, create a network, and stay fearless; try to enjoy the challenges in front of you, seeing them as opportunities instead. That is what you need to progress and grow.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
AB: “Be the first”. There is so much room for talent, innovation, and technology in this sphere, so those who are passionate should not miss the chance to bring ideas that will change the air cargo industry.
Thank you, Anna, 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.
