Each week, CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ highlights a specific segment of the air cargo industry to show just how many functions are involved in transporting freight from A to B. Cargo is very much a people business and for it to function well today and in the evolving future, requires good leaders – people who inspire, motivate and are capable of implementing sustainable, forward-thinking strategies. Sourcing, advising, and supporting leadership development are therefore also important factors for the industry. Cormis Partners is an executive search firm specialized in those areas, and this week, Arpad Szakal (AS), its Head of Aviation & Aerospace, takes us through his role and shares his opinions and advice.
CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
AS: I am the Head of Aviation & Aerospace at Cormis Partners, a boutique executive search firm based in London. I work globally with airlines, airports, aerospace manufacturers, and cargo operators, helping them identify and place senior leadership talent. My role spans more than just recruiting – it’s about advising boards and HR leaders on executive search strategy, leadership development, retention, and succession planning. I also map talent markets across regions, ensuring clients have access to diverse, high-caliber leaders who can drive transformation. Beyond that, I regularly speak at industry events, sharing insights on talent strategy, executive hiring, and retention best practices, which allows me to help shape conversations about the future of leadership in aviation and aerospace.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you?
AS: There is no ‘typical’ day in executive search – it’s inherently dynamic. One day, I may be presenting a shortlist of candidates for a VP of Cargo role to a global airline; the next, coaching a senior executive on career strategy and positioning for their next move. My time is divided between client advisory calls, candidate assessments, talent mapping, and thought leadership activities such as speaking at conferences or engaging with industry boards. I also dedicate time to understanding market trends, emerging skills, and leadership gaps. The unpredictability is one of the most rewarding aspects – each day brings new challenges, perspectives, and opportunities to learn from leaders shaping the aviation and cargo sectors.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
AS: I began my career as an aviation lawyer, advising airlines and cargo operators, which gave me a deep understanding of the regulatory, operational, and commercial intricacies of the sector. After several years, I transitioned into executive search, leveraging that legal and operational expertise to advise organizations on leadership and talent strategy. For over a decade now, I have focused on aviation and aerospace globally, including air cargo, because I am fascinated by the intersection of people, strategy, and operational excellence. Finding and placing leaders who can navigate complex environments and deliver transformative impact is what drives me professionally.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
AS: What I enjoy most is helping organizations and leaders realize their potential. There is a unique satisfaction in understanding a client’s strategic vision and then identifying leaders who can bring it to life, whether that means building a high-performing cargo team or guiding an airline through digital transformation. I also thrive on the intellectual challenge of global talent mapping and advising boards on succession planning, retention, and organizational design. Additionally, I value the opportunity to speak at industry events and share insights on executive hiring and leadership trends – helping shape the broader conversation about talent in aviation is deeply fulfilling.
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?
AS: The industry faces several converging challenges. Talent shortages remain a significant concern, especially for leadership positions with cross-functional, global responsibilities. At the same time, technological transformation, sustainability imperatives, and shifting customer expectations are redefining operational models. Air cargo has grown exponentially, creating pressure to optimize efficiency, security, and resilience across complex supply chains. Add geopolitical uncertainty to the mix, and it becomes clear that the sector needs leaders who are agile, forward-looking, and capable of balancing operational rigor with strategic vision.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry?
AS: I would advise aspiring professionals to develop both operational expertise and strategic insight. Understanding logistics, cargo operations, and regulatory frameworks is essential, but the ability to think strategically and influence decision-making sets you apart. Formal training in aviation management, supply chain logistics, or international business is valuable, but equally critical is building a strong network within the industry and gaining hands-on experience. Curiosity, adaptability, resilience, and a global mindset are essential traits – air cargo operates on a global stage, and those who can anticipate change and navigate complexity will thrive. Engaging with industry events, thought leadership discussions, and professional networks is also a powerful way to accelerate learning and visibility.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
AS: I would call it ‘Above and Beyond: The High-Stakes World of Global Air Cargo’. It captures the scale, complexity, and relentless momentum of the sector. Air cargo is fast-paced, high-pressure, and essential to global trade, yet much of what it achieves goes unseen. The title reflects the combination of meticulous planning, operational precision, and innovative thinking required to keep goods moving across the globe – and the people behind the scenes who make it happen.
Many thanks, Arpad!
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.atWe look forward to shining a spotlight on your job area, views, and experiences.
