Every Sunday, CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ showcases a different element of the air cargo industry to illustrate the many diverse career options it provides. There is no air cargo without aircraft and, with e-commerce on the rise, demand for flexible and efficient regional aircraft is also increasing. Embraer, widely recognized for its E-Jet family, expanded its presence in the air cargo sector three years ago when it announced full freighter conversion programs of its popular E190 and E195 passenger jets. The E190F has since been tested and certified by major aviation authorities, and is now ramping up for commercial deliveries. This week, Nicole Moraes Sarno, Head of Freighter Marketing at Embraer Commercial Aviation, takes us through her responsibilities and shares her thoughts on the industry.
CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
NS: Head of Freighter Marketing at Embraer Commercial Aviation. My activities range from market analysis, product development and marketing strategy to interactions with customers.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you?
NS: When I work from home, my job is spent in analytical activities and online meetings.
At the company, I’m always close to the jets and also make the most of my time by meeting with the team in person. During my corporate travels, it is always very busy, with many hours spent at airports, events and dinners.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
NS: I started in aviation when I joined Embraer in 2018, but the last couple of years has been a steep learning curve into the air cargo industry. Embraer launched the Passenger-To-Service conversion program in 2022, and I joined Product Strategy at that time. Since then, I have had the opportunity to be involved in the whole E-Freighter development cycle.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
NS: It is a great opportunity to make the most of my skills. As an engineer by training, I get to be very technical if needed, but at the same time, I get to use my creative side and personal skills to go and talk to people around the world and learn about their cultures.
CFG: What do you see as the greatest challenges in our industry?
NS: Air cargo is a fundamental part of global trade and our daily lives. It is a vital service that provides aid relief, food, medicines, machinery and much more. This industry is challenged every day with thousands of different goods being transported worldwide, which have to arrive in time and at a competitive price.
Despite its resilience, air cargo is also being challenged by the lack of innovation, so much can still be done such as the digitalization of its systems and better integrations, as well as taking the opportunity to optimize fleets with more modern and sustainable aircraft.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to enter into the air cargo industry? Any particular training they should aim for?
NS: This industry is highly integrated and complex, filled with many different opportunities, whether you are working with airlines, OEMs, freight forwarders, airports, ground handling, logistics, and so on. The first step is to understand well how the ecosystem works. Doing that will help anyone to navigate this industry and find the right opportunity.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
NS: This question reminded me of a book I love, called “World Without End”. It tells the history of very resilient people, like the people that work in this industry. There is no end or distance to where this industry wouldn’t go to deliver goods to people.
Thank you, Nicole!
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.
