Each week, CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ highlights a different segment of the air cargo industry. In such a fragmented industry with so many different companies and functions involved in transporting cargo from A to Z, having a central contact and community ally is essential. Air Cargo Belgium is one such organization. It serves as an ambassador for the Belgian air cargo sector, advocating for the cargo community at Brussels Airport to ensure that it can work efficiently and safely, and that it remains an attractive and competitive player in the global network. This week, we hear from Nathan Goethals, Project Manager at Air Cargo Belgium, about his role, opinions and advice to those looking to join the air cargo industry.
CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
NG: I’m a Project Manager at Air Cargo Belgium. I work on some of our larger projects, help roll out the new strategy for the coming years and support our team. A big part of my job is interacting with customs authorities, but I’m just as often in touch with ground handlers, forwarders, and airlines. I like to say our office is the meeting point of the community — the door’s always open, and the coffee is (usually) good — if our machine isn’t broken because of my overconsumption!
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you?
NG: If you’re looking for a normal 9-to-5 with predictable days, then air cargo probably isn’t for you. Of course, we have projects that need structure and follow-up, but there’s always an ‘emergency’ or a last-minute change of plans just around the corner. One moment I’m knee-deep in customs procedures or very specific documentation, the next I’m in operational discussions with a handling agent, or working on a more strategic level. No two days are the same. I’m always running around or on the phone with people — and that’s what keeps it fun for me.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
NG: I’ve been in logistics my whole career, even though I’m still quite young. There’s no big dramatic story of how I ended up in air cargo — a little over three years ago, I just felt ready for a change, and it turned out to be the best professional decision I’ve made so far. I don’t see myself leaving the industry anytime soon. The mix of a dynamic, international environment, the ever-busy operations, the smell of kerosene and the chance to work with so many interesting people is quite addictive.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
NG: What I enjoy most is the mix. I get to challenge myself with complex topics, while being surrounded by very smart people I can constantly learn from. There are several professionals I’ve met whom I deeply appreciate. At the same time, I have the freedom to shape projects and take on real responsibility, which makes the work exciting. I like being a sponge — soaking up knowledge — but it’s just as rewarding when I can actually make a difference for colleagues or community partners, whether on a personal level or for the bigger picture.
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?
NG: There are quite a few challenges, but from my perspective the biggest ones are around changing regulations — especially in customs, e-commerce, and sustainability. Air cargo is such a fast-moving, operational industry that most professionals are fully focused on day-to-day work. But the regulatory side is complex, constantly evolving, and has a huge impact. Just in customs, we’re talking about regulations such as the proposed EU flat fee for e-commerce shipments, MASP-C, the EU Customs Authority and Data Hub. That’s where organizations like Air Cargo Belgium play an important role: helping our members ‘translate’ what’s coming, guiding them through the changes, and keeping an overview of what’s happening globally.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry?
NG: My best advice is to be a sponge — get out there, meet people, and learn from their experience. The air cargo industry is full of professionals with years of knowledge. When I first joined, I was glad to find open and supportive professionals. If you listen and actively engage with others, you’ll quickly find out which training programs are most valuable. At Air Cargo Belgium, for example, we aim to enroll all current and new employees in the IATA Cargo Introductory Course, after which they can pursue additional programs tailored to their specialization. There are many excellent training opportunities out there, but the best guidance often comes directly from the professionals you look up to — they’ll help you find the right path.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
NG: “Everything, Everywhere, All the Time.” No explanation needed, in my opinion.
Indeed! Thank you, Nathan.
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.
