Each week, CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ looks at a particular segment of the air cargo industry with the aim of demonstrating just how varied the careers in this industry are. Air cargo would not be air cargo without airlines, of course – whether these are passenger airlines, dedicated cargo airlines, or a mix of the two. Cathay Cargo, for example, operates its own freighter fleet and offers cargo capacity in the holds of Cathay’s extensive passenger fleet, too. It also happens to be the largest cargo operator at the world’s busiest cargo airport (Hong Kong), and is celebrating its 80th anniversary, this year. This week Anand Yedery (AY), Regional Head of Cargo Europe at Cathay Cargo, explains his role and shares his views and advice to those looking to enter the industry.
CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
AY: I currently work as Regional Head of Cargo Europe, where I’m responsible for overseeing the commercial and operational performance of Cathay Cargo across the region. My role is a mix of strategy and execution, working closely with customers, leading our regional teams and ensuring we stay aligned with our global priorities. A big part of my focus is building strong partnerships and navigating the different markets across Europe while delivering consistent growth.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you?
AY: Honestly, there’s no such thing as a ‘normal’ day in air cargo, and that’s what keeps it exciting. One moment, I’m deep in performance reviews or strategy discussions with the team, and the next, I’m working through operational challenges or connecting with customers. With teams and customers spread across time zones, my day can sometimes be quite global by nature. It’s that constant mix of planning, problem-solving and collaboration that makes every day different.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
AY: My journey in aviation has been quite diverse. I started with Cathay Pacific on the operational side at the airport, which gave me a strong foundation in how the industry really works on the ground. From there, I moved into customer sales and marketing, which gave me exposure to the commercial side of the business.
Cargo has been a particularly rewarding chapter; this is actually my second stint in cargo. Earlier, I was responsible for cargo across South Asia, the Middle East and Africa for about four years, which was an incredible experience in understanding different markets and customer needs. After spending time in other parts of the airline, coming back to lead Cathay Cargo’s Europe business felt like a natural progression.
What inspires me, is how integral cargo is to global trade and how dynamic the industry is.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
AY: For me, it’s the people and the pace. You’re constantly interacting with colleagues, customers, and partners across Europe, which makes it very enriching. At the same time, the industry moves fast, there’s always something happening, something to solve or something to improve. That combination of relationships and constant evolution is what I enjoy the most.
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?
AY: We are at an interesting point where the industry is balancing multiple pressures – geopolitics, market volatility, capacity constraints, rising fuel costs and the need to accelerate digitalization. Customers today expect greater transparency and agility, which means we have to continuously evolve. The challenge is not just adapting but doing so in a way that builds resilience and long-term value.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry?
AY: I would say: be curious and stay open to learning. Air cargo is a fascinating space because it sits at the crossroads of aviation, logistics, and global trade. A background in supply chain or business can help, but what really matters is adaptability and a willingness to learn. Getting hands-on experience, whether in operations or commercial roles, makes a big difference.
Also, don’t underestimate the value of understanding different parts of the airline or logistics ecosystem. That broader perspective has certainly helped me in my journey so far.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
AY: ‘Catch Me If You Can.’
Because in air cargo, we’re constantly chasing something – tight connections, last minute bookings, shifting schedules or that one shipment that absolutely must make it on board. Just when you think you’ve caught up, something changes and you’re off again. It’s fast, unpredictable, and occasionally feels like a game of cat and mouse, but thanks to our teams and partners, it all comes together in the end.
Many thanks, Anand.
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.
