CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ series highlights the manifold functions involved in ensuring smooth, efficient, and safe logistics services within air cargo. Certain freight projects may require flexible solutions – from sourcing the right type of aircraft for the job, through to ground transport solutions, crew, maintenance, insurance contracts, AOG or Onboard Couriers, and all kinds of other ad hoc aviation needs. Air Partner is a long-established solution provider in this context. CargoForwarder Global heard from Eliska Hill, SVP Cargo at Air Partner, as to what her role entails, and her thoughts and advice for those wanting to join the air cargo industry.
CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
EH: I am the Senior Vice President of Cargo for Air Partner, a Wheels Up Company. My role mainly involves driving strategic growth across our UK and ROW markets. I lead our teams in ensuring smooth operations, exploring new opportunities, and building Air Partner’s presence in key regions worldwide.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you?
EH: As every day is so dynamic in the world of cargo and logistics, a ‘normal’ day is hard to define. There is always something new happening in the industry and things can change in an instant, so I am always engaged and adaptable and lead our team to function the same way.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
EH: I’ve been in the air cargo industry for almost three decades. My journey began with a true love of aviation. Originally, I had wanted to be a pilot, which was something I had been interested in since childhood, but as I became more involved in the aviation space, I found my first role working for a cargo carrier and have fully embraced the industry ever since. I also spent 18 years living in the Middle East.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
EH: What I love most about my job are the opportunities for unique and incredible global experiences. Cargo has brought me interesting challenges that continue to shape my career and perspective every day. Especially at Air Partner, our bespoke services really give our cargo operations the ‘white glove’ experience, and that is something I want to showcase more across in our industry.
CFG: What do you see as the greatest challenges in our industry?
EH: One of the biggest challenges we face is the constant demand for agility in a world where variables such as fuel costs, global crises, and changing regulations can impact operations overnight. The need for a highly efficient service requires innovative solutions, and I see this as a critical focus area for our industry moving forward.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to join the air cargo industry? Any particular training they should aim for?
EH: For anyone looking to enter the air cargo industry, my advice would be to get as much experience as possible in logistics, commercial strategy, and customer relations. The industry is fast-paced and highly interconnected, so having a versatile skill set is a great advantage. Also, as one of a small group of female leaders in this industry, I particularly want to encourage and inspire more women to enter this space.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
EH: If I had to name a film or book that captures the spirit of the air cargo industry, I’d probably call it ‘Wings Across Borders’. The title reflects the interconnected nature of our work across many borders, and the critical role air cargo plays in connecting people, industries, and economies worldwide.
Thank you, Eliska, for sharing your experience.
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.
