CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ sheds light on the many activities that make up the air cargo industry. More than ever before, the pandemic demonstrated how crucial air cargo is when it comes to distributing relief supplies across the world. Yet, that need is ongoing and not often in the public eye. As this week’s Spotlight guest illustrates, there are many areas of the world reliant on help and humanitarian aid supplies. The distribution logistics require fast decisions under often very complex circumstances. Bethany Holland, Associate Director of Humanitarian Programs at Airlink, takes us through her day, her experiences, and her suggestion of a book title for the industry.
CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
BH: I’m the Associate Director of Humanitarian Programs here at Airlink — a US-based, non-governmental organization addressing the logistics and cost-related barriers to disaster relief and recovery. With generous support from the aviation industry, and in partnership with a network of more than 200 non-profit organizations, Airlink facilitates the airlift of humanitarian aid and relief personnel to communities affected by humanitarian crises.
Given the context that Airlink operates in, every day is different. I manage our day-to-day response operations and lead our activation procedures during a rapid-onset emergency alongside our team of regional program managers. Over the past several years, I’ve maintained our portfolio of freight forwarding, airline, and logistics partners.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you?
BH: There are no normal days at Airlink. At least, I haven’t had one yet in five years of being here (I joined Airlink a few weeks before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.) Working in the disaster response and humanitarian sectors already keeps me on my toes, but at Airlink we’re working with the air cargo industry as well. Our work straddles two dynamic, and often unpredictable, industries.
My days are focused on managing a team of regional program managers, and ensuring Airlink is effective across both sectors, enabling us to fulfill Airlink’s goal of delivering impactful humanitarian responses around the world. This includes collaborating with Airlink’s commercial airline partners, humanitarian organizations, and logistics partners to strengthen relationships and identify solutions for critical humanitarian transport needs. These relationships are critical in such complex environments, and allow us to act quickly when a disaster strikes.
Recently, this involves humanitarian cargo movement to West Darfur in Sudan, to the West Bank and Gaza, Haiti, and Afghanistan, to name a few. These critical, lifesaving shipments are made possible by the support of Airlink’s airline and private sector partners.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
BH: I’ve been in the industry for 5 years; Airlink is my first foray into this world. Previously, I was working in the US government on management and logistics projects and was ready for a new challenge. What drew me to Airlink was the unique role they play in the humanitarian sector and the obstacles they were able to overcome. The organization is able to make critical responses possible for many humanitarian partners. While this might not be the ‘usual’ entry into the air cargo industry, I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside cargo and commercial colleagues.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
BH: My favorite part of my job is working alongside my team to put the puzzle pieces together and build out transportation solutions for critically needed aid and supplies. The more complex the logistics, the better! I love when a shipment arrives at its destination knowing that the dedication and support from our airline and logistics partners helped make that happen. Whether it’s cholera treatment pharmaceuticals, shelter supplies, medical items, nutritional aid, or clean water kits, every shipment that Airlink facilitates empowers our humanitarian partners to reach more communities impacted by disasters and complex crises.
I feel extremely grateful to have a job where I’m able to have a direct impact alongside our airline, logistics, and humanitarian partners.
CFG: What do you see as the greatest challenges in our industry?
BH: Specific to Airlink, although supply chains have bounced back since the pandemic, transport is as challenging as ever (with whole regions and route networks impacted by conflict). Operating in humanitarian contexts is becoming increasingly dangerous. A majority of conflict-related contexts in the world are worsening, with 2023 and 2024 being the deadliest years on record for humanitarians. Meanwhile, the global funding gap is at an all-time high. Transportation is a leading cost for humanitarian organizations around the world, often becoming a barrier to maintain sustainable responses. Access to aid transport needs to be donor- and private-sector led. We’re lucky to have a network of dedicated airline and private sector partners, but more must be done in order to reach communities in need around the world.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to enter into the air cargo industry? Any particular training they should aim for?
BH: My advice for anyone looking into joining this industry is to find the aspects of it that most excite you and go from there. For me, that’s the way the private sector and aviation industry can support humanitarian efforts around the world. I’ve found my niche and where I can have the most impact, and I hope everyone is able to find that for themselves.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
BH: ‘Going Farther Together’. This book would highlight the impact that collaboration and partnership have in making the world a better place. We each have a unique role to play — and when we play to our individual strengths, we make humanity stronger as we come together and help one another.
Thank you for your insights, Bethany!
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.
