CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ series showcases a different role and individual in the air cargo industry each week. Given the many stakeholders in our industry, some jobs are, in themselves, incredibly varied. One such example is this week’s Spotlight focus on Paola López, Technical Manager at Swissport in Barcelona, since she deals with quality, safety, maintenance, training, auditing, and all kinds of aspects that go into ensuring smooth and safe air cargo ground operations. She takes us through her responsibilities, gives advice to those looking to get into the air cargo industry, and has a particularly interesting take on our film/book title question.
CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
PL: I am currently the Technical Manager at Swissport Barcelona Cargo. My role is focused on managing quality, safety, and environmental policies (QHSE), and ensuring we comply with our Integrated Management System. I also oversee the maintenance and performance tracking of ground service equipment using the MAXIMO system, as well as coordinating training programs to ensure our staff stays qualified. One of the most interesting aspects of my role is leading the audits at the Barcelona facility – it’s a challenge I genuinely enjoy.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you?
PL: A ‘normal’ day doesn’t really exist in my role. Every day is a surprise! I walk into the office not knowing exactly what challenges I’ll face, whether it’s dealing with local authorities, navigating the ever-changing requirements of airlines, or managing compliance with health and safety regulations. Some days are spent coordinating with different teams to ensure smooth operations, while others are filled with last-minute issues that need immediate attention. Every day brings a new set of challenges, and I never quite know what to expect until I walk into the office! I can plan, but at the end of the day, the air cargo world is unpredictable – one phone call or email can completely change the direction of your day.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
PL: I’ve been in the air cargo industry for two years. Before this, I had no experience in this sector – I actually studied aerospace engineering in Barcelona. What brought me into air cargo was my passion for airports and aviation in general. I was looking for a role that would allow me to apply my technical background in a fast-paced environment, and air cargo turned out to be the perfect fit. Although I wasn’t familiar with the specifics of the industry at first, the ever-changing nature of the work, the complexity of logistics, and the challenge of navigating the regulatory landscape quickly drew me in. It’s like solving a new puzzle every day!
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
PL: What I enjoy most about my job is the sheer unpredictability. Every day is different, and there’s always something new to tackle. Whether it’s solving a complex issue with an airline, navigating the intricacies of local or health regulations, or dealing with internal procedures, there’s never a dull moment. I also really enjoy the challenge of leading audits and making sure that we meet the high standards required across the board. There’s a real sense of satisfaction when everything falls into place, especially after working through a particularly challenging issue or meeting a strict deadline.
CFG: What do you see as the greatest challenges in our industry?
PL: The greatest challenges in the air cargo industry are the constant regulatory changes, managing complex relationships with multiple stakeholders (from health authorities to airlines), and the ongoing pressure to maintain high standards while keeping operations running smoothly. The industry is becoming more and more interconnected, and the complexity of dealing with various regulations, compliance requirements, and customer needs can be overwhelming. The unpredictability is part of the job, but it’s also what makes it so challenging and exciting. Navigating these challenges requires constant learning and flexibility, as what worked yesterday might not work today!
CFG: What advice would you give to people to get into the air cargo industry? Any particular training they should aim for?
PL: My advice would be to embrace flexibility and resilience. The air cargo industry is not for the faint-hearted – it’s a fast-paced world where you never quite know what you’ll face when you walk into the office. One day you’re handling a regulatory crisis, and the next you’re managing a last-minute shipment that could make or break the day. Training in logistics, supply chain management, and aviation regulations is a great place to start, but equally important is learning how to adapt quickly. Strong communication skills are key, because you’ll need to liaise with all sorts of stakeholders – from airlines and local authorities to health agencies and internal teams. Most importantly, be prepared to solve problems on the fly, because every day is a new puzzle to figure out!
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
PL: If the air cargo industry were a film, it would be “The Devil Wears Cargo”. Think of it as a dramatic romantic comedy much like The Devil Wears Prada, but with more paperwork, more customs forms, and a lot more chaos. It’s that kind of ‘love-hate’ relationship: one minute you’re feeling on top of the world, meeting every deadline with grace, and the next minute you’re drowning in regulations and trying to decipher an email from an airline that definitely doesn’t make sense. Every day, you’re caught in a whirlwind of demanding stakeholders, impossible expectations, and last-minute challenges. But just when you think you’ve had enough, there’s a small victory – a shipment makes it through, the audit is passed, and suddenly you’re in love with the job all over again. It’s a toxic relationship, sure, but it’s also one you can’t escape… because it’s so dang addictive.
Thank you for your insights, Paola!
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.
