CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ series highlights a different area of the air cargo industry every week, to show just how varied the careers are that it offers. As a ‘people industry’, one of the core elements ensuring that the industry’s people come together to share ideas and knowledge, forge partnerships and learn about what regions or other companies have to offer, is event management. Air cargo events encourage collaboration and networking and help propel the industry forward. Euroavia International is one such established event company. This week, its Event Director, Natalie Comén (NC), shares her responsibilities, views and advice to those looking to enter the air cargo industry.
CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
NC: I am Event Director at Euroavia International, a Sweden-based company specializing exclusively in air cargo conferences. My role covers pretty much everything involved in creating and delivering our events – from choosing destinations and venues and developing conference programs to working with speakers, sponsors, partners and participants, and making sure everything runs smoothly on site.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you? Or is there such as thing?
NC: We organize three to four conferences a year in different locations, so I travel quite a bit!
After 27 years in the business, I would say that every day is a normal day – whether I am working from home in Borås, a small city in Sweden, or checking the audiovisual equipment in Abu Dhabi. There is always something happening, and that is probably exactly what I like about it.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
NC: I have been in air cargo for 27 years. And, rather unsurprisingly, love brought me into the industry! My husband suggested that we start organizing air cargo conferences, and that is how my journey in this fascinating industry began.
Twenty-seven years later, I am still here!
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
NC: There are three things I particularly enjoy.
First, air cargo is a sophisticated and dynamic business. It connects so many different industries, people and parts of the world, and there is always something new to learn.
Second, it is unpredictable. You never really know what might happen next. Of course, unpredictability can sometimes have a very painful financial impact – COVID was a particularly good example of that – but it also keeps the industry exciting.
And third, freedom. I am my own boss, and I value that enormously.
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?
NC: For me, two of the biggest challenges are geopolitics and people.
Geopolitical developments can change trade routes, markets and business decisions almost overnight, and the air cargo industry is inevitably affected.
The other challenge is people: attracting the next generation, developing talent and ensuring that the industry has the right people with the right skills. Air cargo is a fascinating business, but I believe we could do much more to communicate that to people outside our traditional circles.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry?
NC: My advice would simply be: go for it!
There are so many opportunities across the air cargo industry. Whether you want to be a pilot, a sales manager, a logistics specialist or work in a warehouse, there is a wide range of career paths to explore.
Relevant training is certainly valuable, but I would also say: be curious, be willing to learn and, most importantly, get to know people. Air cargo is a very people-driven industry, and relationships matter enormously.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
NC: “Cargo Happens’. After 27 years in the industry, I can confirm that it does!
Thank you, Natalie!
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.
