Each week, CargoForwarder Global turns its ‘Spotlight On…’ a specific segment of the air cargo industry and brings it to life through the voice of someone working there. Cargo is a people industry and whilst aircraft carry shipments from one part of the world to the other, conferences and industry-specific events are what bring people and their companies together. Networking leads to ideas, which lead to collaboration. Oftentimes the trigger for initiatives driving the industry forward are those connections made in person at an industry event. This week, one of the organizers behind air cargo and aviation conferences, Fowler Wang (FW), Founder of Summit Asia Events, illustrates his field and shares his views on the air cargo industry.
CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
FW: As the founder of Summit Asia Events, my current function centers on event management and sales. Since establishing the company, I have guided its growth over the past 20 years, expanding our portfolio to four flagship conference brands: the Annual China Air Cargo Summit, the China Low-Cost Carrier Summit, the China Airport Passenger Experience Summit, and the China ATM Summit. My responsibilities include shaping the overall strategy and planning of each conference, while leveraging my specialized expertise and international network to foster innovation and bring global perspectives to the air cargo and broader civil aviation markets.
During the COVID era, when public events were put on hold, I pivoted to air capacity sourcing through charter brokerage. Leveraging a strong network of professional GSAs, I successfully managed over 1,000 cargo charter flights across three years, directly working with the owners of China’s largest freight forwarders and charter companies. This unique experience not only deepened my industry insights but also strengthened high-level partnerships that continue to support my role in bridging international aviation stakeholders with China’s market.
Summit Asia Events is a premier civil aviation intelligence provider and trusted organizer of high-level conferences and exhibitions in China. Since 2004, it has built a strong reputation for creating world-class platforms that connect Chinese airlines, airports, regulators, and global industry leaders. With deep industry ties and a dynamic team, Summit Asia Events delivers cutting-edge insights, fosters international collaboration, and drives innovation across the aviation ecosystems.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you?
FW: I usually start my day early by reviewing my schedule and setting priorities. Much of my time is devoted to planning and preparing for our annual portfolio of conferences, such as the China Air Cargo Summit and the China Low-Cost Carriers Summit. This involves coordinating with local airport authorities, airline partners, forwarders, GSSA and so on, reaching out to international speakers, and working closely with my team on logistics, sponsorship, exhibition, and marketing details.
Throughout the day, I often have calls or meetings with stakeholders – airlines, airports, regulators, and solution providers – to ensure alignment and progress. I also spend time reviewing proposals, checking conference agendas, and monitoring deadlines. No two days are exactly the same; some are focused on strategic planning, while others are about troubleshooting and making sure every small detail is covered to deliver a seamless event experience. In short, my role requires a balance of foresight, coordination, and adaptability, which keeps every day both challenging and rewarding.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
FW: I first entered the air cargo industry in 2004. At that time, following China’s accession to the WTO, air cargo was emerging as a critical component of airlines’ business portfolios. My interest in the sector grew as competition from abroad intensified. International operators were bringing in advanced technologies, equipment, and management practices, often supported by staff acquisition and investment in training. In contrast, China’s air cargo industry was still facing challenges such as under-developed infrastructure, limited technology penetration, and a shortage of experienced management.
This contrast inspired me to see the value of creating a unique platform where local and international air cargo executives, consultants, technology providers, and solution partners could come together to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and explore sustainable development. That vision became the driving force behind my journey in the industry and continues to guide my work today.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
FW: What I enjoy most about my job is the opportunity to connect with people. Every conference allows me to network with executives, regulators, and solution providers from different countries and regions, and these exchanges of ideas are always inspiring. I particularly value the diversity of perspectives – hearing how others approach challenges and innovate in their markets helps broaden my own understanding.
At the same time, it is deeply rewarding to witness the industry evolve. Over the years, I’ve seen the global air cargo value chain become more integrated and complete, with stronger collaboration between airlines, airports, technology providers, and logistics players. Knowing that our conferences play a part in bringing these stakeholders together – and in facilitating meaningful dialogue that drives industry progress – gives me a strong sense of accomplishment and purpose.
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?
FW: At present, the air cargo industry is navigating through a period marked by significant uncertainty and complexity. One of the foremost challenges lies in the constantly shifting policy environment, particularly trade regulations and tariff implementations, such as those recently impacting the US–China corridor. These unpredictable changes create volatility in global trade flows and make long-term planning increasingly difficult.
Beyond policy, the fragility of global supply chains continues to weigh heavily on the industry. Issues such as labor shortages, delays in the delivery of freighter aircraft, and capacity mismatches highlight the ongoing struggle to align supply with rapidly evolving demand. Furthermore, while digitalization and AI-based solutions hold great promise for transforming efficiency and visibility, the industry still faces a shortage of skilled professionals capable of integrating and scaling these technologies effectively.
In short, volatility – whether in policy, supply chain resilience, or technological adaptation – has become a defining challenge for the air cargo sector. Addressing these issues will require closer collaboration across governments, regulators, and industry stakeholders, alongside continued investment in innovation and workforce development.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry?
FW: For those aspiring to enter the air cargo industry, my first piece of advice is to embrace curiosity and adaptability. Air cargo is a dynamic field where no two days are alike – policy shifts, supply chain disruptions, and technological breakthroughs can reshape the landscape overnight. Cultivating a mindset of continuous learning is just as important as formal training.
From a practical standpoint, I recommend building a foundation in logistics and supply chain management, while also keeping an eye on emerging fields like digitalization, data analytics, and sustainability. Certifications such as IATA’s cargo and logistics programs are valuable, but so are skills in AI, blockchain, and green logistics – areas that will define the future of our industry. Above all, people skills – communication, collaboration, and cultural intelligence – remain indispensable, because air cargo is truly a global business that thrives on relationships.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
FW: Wings of Change: The Unwritten Journey.
Thank you, Fowler!
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.
