The World Air Cargo Summit 2025, hosted by Ostend-Bruges Airport, ended with a philosophic and philanthropic presentation delivered by Peter Hinssen. Peter is a thought leader on technological evolution, innovation and a top ranked keynote speaker. He likes to describe himself as pathological optimist. It is people like Peter who think out of the box, place everyday developments in larger contexts and thus transcend intellectual boundaries. We have summarized key aspects of his presentation here, which is less about pallets and containers and more about the tension between human evolution and technological achievements. It would be wonderful if philosophical, social, and historical aspects were included at more air cargo events. They provide a lot of food for thought.

As is always the case with innovative leaps, the results are not automatically met with enthusiasm by those affected. This was already demonstrated by the first effects of the industrial revolution around 250 years ago, which led to innovative mechanization, steam-powered machines, and deep social change. Every change triggers basic interest as well as fears about the consequences for one’s own job. AI is no different today.
AI on the advance
Meanwhile, algorithms are taking over a big chunk of what we have been used to doing ourselves so far.
Through algorithms, our refrigerators can be refilled remotely, and we are informed through advanced technology about our health status or the energy consumption in our homes. At first glance this sounds enticing, it positively influences our work-life balance since we need to work less, and we gain more spare time.
Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677), a Dutch philosopher, stated that no matter how thin a slice is, there will always be two sides. Even at that time, people knew well that there is a second side to the coin. Translated into today’s world of increasing data exchange, robotic and questionable information, contents, or situations, this means that for social and cultural progress, people should not withdraw to sulk in the corner according to the motto “I can’t change anything, after all,” but should instead stay curious and open to new developments. Otherwise, they will be sidelined by innovations and become dispensable sooner or later, which will only frustrate them even more. Their goal should be to jump on the bandwagon to adapt to a new economic and technical environment. For air freight, this means that only then will this sector succeed, products be improved, and sustainable solutions gain ground, benefiting customers through tailored services and product offerings
What about Universal Basic Income?
However, is this development really the starting point for the much-debated Universal Basic Income (UBI)? As is well known, UBI is nothing new.
In the 16th century, the British humanist and statesman, Thomas Moore wrote his book, Utopia, in which he explained his belief in a better world based on Greek Physiology and Christian faith. Perhaps this was the starting point for a basic income paid to all people. Five centuries later, this remains a utopian vision, far away from realization. Yet, it does not spare mankind from the task of thinking about how society should deal with more time at most people’s disposal. Soon, it could perhaps be spent on education, care for our fellow human beings, and finally contribute to the generations that follow, enabling them to live in a safe, healthy, and clean world. It will not be the end of humanity, but maybe its real beginning.