Every week, CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ shines a light on a different contributor to the industry to illustrate the many varied careers it offers. One aspect that contributes to the industry’s development in many areas from process efficiency improvements across its various stakeholders, through to emerging technologies such as drones, digital twins and artificial intelligence, is Academia. Academic institutions bring rigorous, evidence-based research methods that industry players often cannot undertake alone, and the resulting studies can support industry decision-makers in their longer-term investments and strategies. This week, Floris de Haan, University Lecturer and Researcher at Erasmus UPT (a research and education institute based at Erasmus University Rotterdam) talks about his function and his views on the industry.
CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
FDH: I work for Erasmus university, lecturing air transport economics and I’m specialized in the economic side of air cargo. Apart from lecturing, I also research the air cargo industry from a strategic perspective. For instance, we annually research employment and added value of air cargo activities at and around Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Recently, we have also been looking into the utilization of available belly and full freighter capacity that operates into and from Schiphol airport.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you?
FDH: Obviously, I read a lot, from scientific articles to industry news. For my research, I often conduct interviews and visit trade shows from time to time. Working for a university, we value sharing knowledge both through education for our students but also tailored in company masterclasses. And we present our research to industry professionals and policy makers.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
FDH: My first introduction to air cargo took place in 2005, being appointed Cargo Marketing Director for Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, attracting airlines and freight forwarding companies to grow cargo volumes handled at Schiphol. So, already more than 20 years ago. Having experience in commercial positions on the passenger side at both airlines and airports, I was immediately thrilled by the dynamic environments that air cargo brings.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
FDH: The people, but also the complexity and how people deal with that in their day-to-day work. I try to contribute by providing insights into this multi-faceted industry and with that, making their work a little easier. For instance, through data analysis, we were able to provide insight into commodity groups handled at airports.
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?
FDH: I think a combination of both technology and changing work culture with new generations makes it very challenging. Young people in the field are typically very technologically savvy and have a very different approach to, for instance, customer interaction, as compared to people who have been around for some time (like me).
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry?
FDH: Come on board. Although new people think that passenger aviation will give them a great working environment, it’s air cargo where it is really happening. With regards to training: apart from the necessary training requirements and dangerous goods, I recommend people to take courses that allow them to really understand the dynamics of the air cargo industry. And with that, better understand the interests of the different companies in that transportation chain.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
FDH: I think Moneyball is a great movie, about the statistics behind baseball. Unconventional until someone comes up with a whole different approach to winning sports games. I like it, because it quantifies what many describe as a ‘belly feeling’. And no one believed the first mover, but it turned out to be a great hit.
Thank you, Floris.
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.
