The press releases from TIACA came in thick and fast this week, as it ramps up to host several awards – mainly at the Executive Summit coming up in Warsaw, Poland, in early JUN26. Three award categories were opened for nominations on tiaca.org’s website. First up is the ‘Inspirational Leadership Award’ which lauds industry leaders from all sectors of the global air cargo ecosystem (airlines, airports, freight forwarders, ground handling, technology providers, regulators, and associated organizations), who have made a positive, lasting impact on the air cargo industry, by demonstrating inspirational leadership, innovation, industry dedication, a positive impact on society and digitalization, and fostered the development of young talent. “The Inspirational Leadership Award reflects TIACA’s commitment to recognizing leadership that strengthens the industry today while shaping its future,” the release says, naming an independent 8-member jury who will judge the nominations received by 08APR26.
Next up is the 2026 Rising Star Award, now in its second year, which recognizes ‘outstanding individuals under the age of 35 who are making a meaningful impact on the air cargo and logistics industry through innovation, leadership, and measurable achievement’ – again, nominees can come from any air cargo industry stakeholder.
And finally, TIACA’s long-established Hall of Fame Award, which honors a lifetime achievement: someone who has truly impacted the air cargo industry over the course of their career. Here, the deadline for nominations is 16MAR26.
Roos Bakker, TIACA Chair, stated: “Strong, principled leadership is essential to the continued success and resilience of the air cargo industry. The Inspirational Leadership Award recognizes individuals whose influence extends beyond business performance, inspiring people, fostering collaboration, and helping to move our industry forward. The Rising Star Award is about recognizing the people who are not just participating in our industry but actively shaping where it is headed. The TIACA Hall of Fame represents the very best of our industry, those individuals whose leadership, vision, and commitment have created meaningful and enduring change. We encourage the entire global cargo community to take part in this process by nominating the leaders who have inspired them and helped move our industry forward.”
Glyn Hughes, TIACA Director General, commented: “The credibility of this award is grounded in the rigor and independence of its judging process. By bringing together a highly respected international jury, we ensure that the Inspirational Leadership Award truly reflects the values, diversity, and global nature of the air cargo industry. The response to the inaugural Rising Star Award highlighted just how much talent and ambition exists within our industry. As we open nominations for the second year, we look forward to discovering and celebrating the individuals who are shaping the future of air cargo. The Hall of Fame shines a light on those who have challenged the status quo, championed progress, and helped define the modern air cargo and logistics industry.”
