Each week, CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ illustrates a different segment of the air cargo industry through the voice of someone working there. Air cargo certainly doesn’t happen without the many airlines offering capacity either on freighters or, more frequently, in the belly holds of their domestic and international passenger flights. Such as Philippine Airlines – its freight division, Philippine Airlines Cargo (PAL) leads the national air cargo market, supporting e-commerce growth, regional connectivity and digital transformation in the industry. Eira Mae G. De Pablo-Pacifico (EP), Manager for Cargo Business Planning & Operations Audit PAL Cargo, talks about her role and views on the air cargo industry.
CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
EP: I am currently holding the position of Manager for Cargo Business Planning & Operations Audit at Philippine Airlines. My team leads the development of planning and monitoring tools that guide revenue targets and strategy across PAL’s cargo operations, drawing on a strong analytics and accounting foundation.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you?
EP: A normal day usually revolves around visiting different divisions to gather and coordinate the information I need for the weekly report. Depending on the week’s priorities, this can mean analyzing performance, following up on operational concerns, or preparing insights for management. While the routine of collecting data is consistent, the focus shifts, which keeps the work dynamic. No shipment is ever the same.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
EP: I am a few months shy of completing a decade in the industry. It was a curious decision to apply for the job opening, as cargo was not really on my radar. PAL, being a legacy carrier, was very attractive to someone just starting their career. Coming from a finance background, I’m glad I took the leap. The Cargo business thrives with the back office’s support of operations.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
EP: I enjoy reviewing metrics and understanding our performance. This analysis helps us paint the big picture to management. Lately, I have been particularly fond of the RATK [Revenue per Available Tonne Kilometer] as it measures our profitability. Moreover, who does not want to explore the world? Fortunately, the cargo industry operates on a global scale, giving us the opportunity to work with diverse cultures and people. Business trips where we learn and expand our network, along with personal travel benefits, are definitely a plus!
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?
EP: Constant shifts in policies, the environment and trading behavior significantly affect our industry. Fortunately, we are agile enough to respond, adapt, and find solutions. Just recently, we are asked to transfer our cargo facility to make way for the airport rehabilitation plan. The new warehouse may not be as ideal as we would like, but we worked together with various stakeholders to improve the customer experience and cargo flow. Through careful coordination and planning, we have been able to handle the same volume as before.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry?
EP: Cargo may not be as glamorous as the passenger side, but it plays a vital role in supporting the economy. The recent pandemic was proof of that. If you’re looking for something meaningful and relevant, why not give cargo a chance? To better prepare for a career in this field, invest in technical training to enhance your skills and set yourself apart.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
EP: ‘A Journey beyond borders’ – a compilation of stories.
Every cargo shipment has its own story to tell. From the origin station to the final destination, each shipment goes through various processes or ‘adventures,’ if you will. Some may meet tragic ends, but most reach where they need to be.
Thank you, Eira!
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.
