Every week, CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ gives the floor to an individual from one of the many stakeholders involved in ensuring that air cargo travels swiftly, efficiently, and safely from one side of the planet to the other. Since many individual players are stronger when they work together, air cargo eco-systems exist where various companies work together for the good of everyone in the network. Neutral Air Partner (NAP) is a prime example of a global air cargo logistics network and ecosystem. It connects specialized forwarders, wholesalers, GSSAs, charter brokers, and e‑commerce players, with the aim of boosting expertise, collaboration, and buying power across the air cargo supply chain. It supports the air cargo industry by providing neutral capacity and consolidation platforms, specialized sub‑networks, common tools and standards, and commercial programs that help independent players access scale, technology, and carrier relationships they could not easily build alone. This week, Jelena Babic, EMEAA Business Development Manager at Neutral Air Partner (NAP), talks about her function, her thoughts on the industry and gives advice to those thinking about joining it.
CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
JB: I’m the EMEAA Business Development Manager at Neutral Air Partner (NAP) – a premier air cargo logistics ecosystem. My role revolves around expanding our membership across regions, building strategic partnerships, fostering relationships with members, and organizing our key annual and regional events such as OPENAP and our signature industry event, ACE.
I also work closely with our CEO, Mr. Christos Spyrou, and our regional teams on developing new sub-industry verticals and airline initiatives that bring even more value to our members.
In short – I connect people, ideas, and opportunities within the Neutral Air Partner ecosystem.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you?
JB: There’s rarely a ‘normal’ day in my world! [Smiles] Between time zones, event planning, membership calls, strategy meetings, and travel, every day looks a little different. I might start my morning in Dubai (where I’m based), reviewing new member applications, then jump on calls with partners in Europe or North America, or coordinate logistics for an upcoming conference – and the next thing I know, I’m waking up in Marrakech for a site inspection ahead of our 10th anniversary event.
What keeps it exciting is the diversity of people and projects – there’s always something new happening across our global community.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
JB: I’ve been in the industry for over 15 years, though my background originally wasn’t in logistics – it’s actually in sports science. After graduating and moving to Athens for my Master’s in Sport Psychology, I began looking for a job to support myself and came across an opportunity at a freight forwarding company. At the time, I had no idea what freight forwarding even was – but I immediately liked the people, the energy, and the fast-paced environment, so I decided to take the leap.
That spontaneous decision turned into a long-term passion. I started in airfreight operations, business development, and sales, which helped me deeply understand the needs of Neutral Air Partner’s members. Over time, my responsibilities expanded to include event management, too, and I quickly realized how dynamic and relationship-driven this industry truly is.
The mix of global connectivity, networking, entrepreneurship, and constant innovation fascinated me – and that’s what keeps me here.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
JB: Without a doubt – the people and travel. The air cargo industry is full of passionate, hardworking professionals who constantly adapt and find solutions under pressure.
Through NAP, I have the privilege of connecting and collaborating with so many of them from all over the world – across every part of the industry, from airports, airlines, and freight forwarders to tech solution providers. Creating events where people come together, exchange ideas, and form partnerships that later grow into real business – and genuine friendships – is truly rewarding.
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?
JB: Our biggest challenges are digital transformation and talent attraction. While technology is advancing rapidly, many companies are still catching up with systems integration, sustainability requirements, and adapting to the new generation’s way of doing business. At the same time, we need to make this industry more attractive, accessible, and visible to young professionals – showing them just how global, diverse, and impactful air cargo really is.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry?
JB: Be curious, stay open-minded, don’t be shy to ask questions, and build your network early on. This is an industry where relationships, integrity, and trust mean everything.
You can come from various backgrounds – logistics, sales, aviation, IT, or even sports science like me – but what truly matters is adaptability and the willingness to learn.
Training in supply chain management, air freight operations, or digital logistics can be very helpful, but nothing replaces learning directly from people in the field.
Attend events, listen, engage, and never underestimate the power of a good conversation!
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
JB: ‘Turbulence & Triumph’
Because no matter the challenges, this industry always finds a way to rise, adapt, and deliver – literally and figuratively.
Just think back to the COVID-19 era – every day felt like a new chapter in a story of resilience, creativity, and reinvention.
Thank you, Jelena!
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.
