CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ series takes a look behind the scenes of the many different functions involved in keeping the air cargo industry moving. Once all shipments have been handled correctly on the ground, the next step is ensuring that they will fly safely. Freight load masters work out the best load fit for the individual flight and oversee that this is carried out accordingly. Next to safety and security, speed plays a key role, as flights have schedules that they need to adhere to. Anne Ndungu (AN), Freight Load Master at Swissport in Nairobi, Kenya, takes us through her responsibilities, and shares her views and advice on the air cargo industry.
CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
AN: In my current role, I hold dual responsibilities as both a Freighter Load Controller and a Turnaround Coordinator at Swissport Kenya Ltd.
As a Freighter Load Controller, my primary duties include calculating the weight and balance of cargo, verifying cargo documentation, and coordinating the loading process to ensure that all cargo is safely secured and compliant with aviation regulations. I also manage the handling of special cargo, such as hazardous materials or perishable goods, ensuring that it’s loaded according to strict safety guidelines.
As a Turnaround Coordinator, I oversee the efficient turnaround of the aircraft, managing the crew movement both landside and airside, working with ground teams to ensure that all required services such as refueling and catering are completed within the allocated timeframe. I also monitor the aircraft’s condition and ensure that all safety checks are performed before flight departure.
Aside from operations, I am also a Cargo Trainer providing training and guidance to employees in the company, ensuring that they are properly trained in the safe, efficient, and compliant handling, storage, and transportation of cargo.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you? (Or is there such a thing?)
AN: Each day is different, but in essence it is a blend of preparation, real-time problem solving, and constant communication, ensuring that aircrafts can load, unload, and depart within planned schedules while maintaining safety and efficiency.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
AN: I have been in the air cargo industry for 16years. As a child, I loved watching planes maneuvering in the sky and imagining the vast journeys they were making across the globe. While in school, I had the chance to visit an airport cargo terminal, and I was amazed at how efficiently goods were managed and moved around the world. That experience made me realize how much goes into air cargo and sparked my desire to work in the industry.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
AN: What I really enjoy most is seeing the whole process come together from start to finish. There’s a lot of planning involved, from ensuring the Load Plan is accurate to making sure all necessary equipment is in place, and then overseeing the actual loading/unloading. When everything goes according to plan and the freighter departs on schedule, there’s a real sense of accomplishment. It’s satisfying to know that I played a role in something that is essential, by satisfying the customer and bringing revenue to the company.
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?
AN: The number of dedicated freighters (aircraft built specifically for cargo) is limited, which normally makes capacity planning difficult during periods of high demand (e.g., the peak Valentine’s and Mother’s/Father’s Day seasons). The industry struggles to meet the increased need for space, leading to major delays and cancellations.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo
industry? Any particular training, they should aim for?
AN: Regardless of gender, anyone entering the air cargo industry needs to understand the fundamentals. Building a solid knowledge base is essential for growth, and there are many ways to get started. For example: learning the basics of air cargo operations and getting familiar with key technology trends.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
AN: ‘The Cargo Run’. In the context of air cargo, ‘run’ speaks not just to speed, but to the journey – an ongoing race that never stops, as cargo is transported to every corner of the globe.
Thank you, Anne, for your answers!
