Each week, CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ showcases a particular field in the huge spectrum that makes up the air cargo industry. The goal? To highlight the many and varied career paths available. The ultimate rule in air cargo and aviation at all times, is safety. The industry, its operations and all goods traveling within it, are highly regulated to ensure ongoing safety and security. As not only rules but also commodities and operational aspects change and develop, this aspect of the industry can pose challenges. Security and compliance experts can help companies navigate these. One such service provider is AWiAS Aviation Services GmbH (AWiAS). Its Founder and Managing Director, Annette Wiedemann (AW), illustrates her role and shares her views and advice on our industry.
CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
AW: I am the Founder and Managing Director of AWiAS Aviation Services GmbH, which I started to provide practical and high-quality services in the aviation industry. We’re a niche player – not involved in day-to-day flight operations, but helping other companies navigate and meet complex legal and regulatory requirements. Our focus is on aviation security, compliance, and training, complemented by consulting that’s not just theoretical but truly workable in daily operations. I’m also active in various industry associations to foster exchange and bring real-world topics back into the industry.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you?
AW: There’s hardly such a thing as a typical workday for me – and that’s exactly what I enjoy. Some days I’m in the office working on concepts or proposals, other days I’m talking with authorities – which, depending on the topic, can be very pleasant or sometimes a bit challenging. I might also be on-site with clients or attending industry events. I’m constantly in touch with partners, aligning with our team, and discussing new projects. Our team consists of 47 colleagues, divided into different departments, each headed by a department lead. And of course, there are always unexpected issues that require quick decisions. This mix of planning, coordination, communication, and often a good dose of improvisation keeps every day exciting. The flexibility this requires is not only one of my strengths – it’s also my personal spice.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
AW: I have been working in the aviation industry for over 30 years, including 26 years at the German Federal Aviation Office (Luftfahrt-Bundesamt). The transfer of responsibility for the approval of regulated agents eventually led me to move into the private sector. In this context, I was essentially one of the first people involved in establishing the secure supply chain for air cargo in Germany. After a few detours, this eventually led to the founding of AWiAS Aviation Services GmbH. Today, I draw on this extensive experience to help companies meet their legal obligations efficiently and in a practical way.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
AW: What I value most is the variety and the opportunity to work with so many different people and topics. No day is the same – from strategic planning to engaging with authorities and associations, to developing practical solutions for our clients. What’s especially motivating for me is when we can help companies implement complex requirements in a way that truly works in day-to-day operations. Over the years, I’ve also had the chance to meet so many wonderful people, some of whom have become close friends – and honestly, who can say that about their job?
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?
AW: Our air cargo location is under pressure, but it also has enormous potential and many strengths – a fast, reliable air transport network is essential for our export-oriented economy. However, there is also a clear need for action: streamlining processes, advancing digitalization, and reducing costs and bureaucracy are crucial if we are to remain competitive internationally. Industry associations are very active, presenting various programs to strengthen the location – for example, through cost relief, harmonization of procedures, and improvements in security and customs standards.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry?
AW: Anyone looking to enter the air cargo industry should above all bring curiosity and a willingness to engage in a dynamic environment. The industry is diverse, internationally oriented, and offers plenty of opportunities for growth – but it also demands flexibility and a strong sense of responsibility. From a professional standpoint, it’s always worthwhile to learn the basics of aviation security early on, for example through dedicated training courses. Depending on the area you’re aiming for, dangerous goods or customs training can also be beneficial. And most importantly: networking! Connections in the industry not only help when starting out but are often invaluable in day-to-day work.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
AW: I’d say: ‘Mission Possible – Navigating Air Cargo with Strategy, Nerve, and a Dash of Improvisation’. The industry can be as thrilling as an action movie, sometimes as chaotic as a comedy, and occasionally as tricky as a mystery. But in the end, it’s always about making the right decisions at the right moment – with a wink.
Thank you, Annette.
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.
