CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ series showcases a different area of the air cargo industry each week, to illustrate the multitude of careers on offer. With an ever-increasing focus on environmental, social, and governance topics within the industry, companies are well-advised to seek the help of specialized consultants when establishing and implementing their ESG strategies. This week, therefore, CargoForwarder Global bids Francine Carron, Founder and Director of ESG Consultancy, to the fore, to take us through her day, her responsibilities, and her advice on how to seek a career in the air cargo industry.

CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
FC: I am the Founder and Director of ESG Consultancy, a company specializing in providing tailored Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) solutions for the aviation and aerospace, logistic and material handling sector. My responsibilities include developing sustainability and ESG strategies, conducting sustainability assessments, supporting compliance with frameworks such as CORSIA, CSRD, CSDDD, EU Taxonomy, GRI, SDG, and guiding companies in achieving decarbonization goals.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you?
FC: There’s no such thing as a ‘normal’ day in my role, and that’s what makes it so exciting. My days often include collaborating with clients on sustainability projects, conducting gap analyses for compliance, preparing ESG strategies, conducting sustainability assessments for TIACA’s Blue Sky program, or helping air navigation service providers submit their Green ATM – those are just a few examples. Everything I do is tailored to the aviation and cargo sectors. I also spend time mentoring teams, conducting ESG training sessions, and working on initiatives like premium carbon credits development (CORSIA) and biodiversity offsets.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
FC: My journey began with a passion for sustainability and a desire to address the environmental challenges within high-impact sectors. My experience in CSR roles, particularly with skeyes (Belgium Air Traffic Control) and as former PM of the Global Aviation Aerospace Skills Taskforce at ACI World, naturally aligned with the needs of the air cargo industry, where ESG practices are increasingly critical.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
FC: I find immense satisfaction in driving measurable change. The ability to guide organizations toward achieving their sustainability goals, reducing their environmental footprint, and aligning with global standards is incredibly rewarding. I also love the collaboration aspect — working with diverse stakeholders and seeing the industry come together to tackle shared challenges.
CFG: What do you see as the greatest challenges in our industry?
FC: One of the biggest challenges is achieving meaningful decarbonization while balancing operational efficiency. The industry also faces increasing pressure to comply with regulatory requirements such as CORSIA, CSRD, and the EU Taxonomy, which can be complex to navigate. Additionally, fostering sustainability across global supply chains and addressing scope 3 emissions present ongoing hurdles.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to enter into the air cargo industry? Any particular training they should aim for?
FC: My advice is to focus on developing a strong foundation in sustainability. Training in areas like ESG reporting, decarbonization strategies, and regulatory compliance (e.g., CSRD, CORSIA) will be increasingly valuable. Certifications such as ISO 14001 or training in environmental management can also give aspiring professionals a competitive edge. Networking within industry bodies such as TIACA is essential, as it helps you build relationships and stay updated on industry trends.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
FC: “The Weight of the World: Balancing Progress and Responsibility.” This reflects the air cargo industry’s essential role in global trade and its ongoing journey to balance efficiency, innovation, and sustainability.
Many thanks, Francine, for your views!
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.