Together with Jan Krems, TIACA also honored Moritz Claussen of the booking portal cargo.one and Vitaly Smilianets of Awery Aviation Software at the association’s Executive Summit in Hong Kong for their innovative contributions to the digital transformation of the cargo industry.
Moritz Claussen, co-founder of the booking portal cargo.one, is the first candidate to receive the TIACA Rising Star Award, launched this year. It recognizes outstanding individuals under the age of 35 who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and impact in the air cargo and logistics sector. Candidates were nominated from across the industry and reviewed by the TIACA Board, which selected the winner based on the nominee’s tangible achievements and forward-thinking approach to industry challenges.
“Moritz brought a refreshing new approach to how air cargo is booked, marketed, and experienced,” said Steven Polmans, Chair of TIACA. “He exemplifies what this award is all about—a bold, innovative thinker who not only delivers results but also motivates others to think differently. His work at cargo.one has raised the bar for digital excellence in our industry.”
At the same event,Vitaly Smilianets, Founder and CEO of Awery Aviation Software, was named Inaugural Winner of the TIACA Inspirational Leader Award. This way, individuals are put in the limelight who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and vision while playing a key role in nurturing young talent and advancing the air cargo and logistics industry. Uniquely, the award is judged entirely by a panel of young professionals under 35, reflecting the voice of future industry leaders and highlighting the qualities that resonate most with emerging talent.
“Vitaly has not only built a successful business grounded in innovation and digital transformation, but he has done so while actively mentoring others, sharing his knowledge, and encouraging fresh perspectives,” applauded Steven Polmans, Chair of TIACA. “He embodies what this award stands for: inspiration, impact, and inclusive leadership.”
Smilianets founded Awery Aviation Software with a vision to digitally transform air cargo operations and has since led the company to become one of the most dynamic tech providers in the industry. Beyond his achievements in business, he is widely admired for his mentorship, authenticity, and advocacy for digitalization and transparency, is stated in a TIACA release.
