Each week, CargoForwarder Global shines its ‘Spotlight On…’ a particular segment of the air cargo industry to show just how many factors interact with each other to move shipments across the globe. General Sales and Service Agents (GSSA) act as commercial and operational representatives of airlines in specific regions where the airline has no direct presence or limited infrastructure. They are an important intermediary between airlines and freight forwarders, and often have a very varied range of tasks from sales and marketing to cargo booking and documentation, regulatory compliance, operational oversight, market intelligence, and much more. This week, Olga Palec-Furga (OP), Chief Operating Officer, 4RCargo, explains her role and shares her views and advice to anyone considering a career in air cargo.
CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
OP: I currently serve in a senior leadership role at 4RCargo, where I combine strategic leadership with operational oversight across a diverse and complex region. I am responsible for Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, and the Baltic States, including Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.
This region represents a highly diverse mix of markets at different stages of maturity, with varying customer expectations, regulatory environments, and competitive dynamics, which adds both scale and complexity to the role.
In this capacity, I focus on driving commercial growth, strengthening long-term customer partnerships, and ensuring operational excellence across the cargo value chain. I am also deeply involved in aligning regional strategies with global market dynamics, navigating geopolitical and economic volatility, and building resilient, high-performing teams prepared for the future of air cargo.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you?
OP: In air cargo, there is rarely such a thing as a ‘normal’ day. The industry is highly dynamic and sensitive to global events, so flexibility and clarity of thinking are essential. My day typically spans strategic discussions, operational decision-making, and close collaboration with partners and teams across different markets. It is a constant balance between long-term vision and immediate, often time-critical execution.
At the same time, one of my key priorities is to create the conditions for others to perform at their best. This means removing obstacles, simplifying complexity, and ensuring that teams can stay focused on what truly matters. Leadership is not about control – it is about removing obstacles, enabling people to succeed, and helping them grow.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
OP: I have been professionally connected with the aviation industry since 2001, and closely involved in air cargo since 2014. My career path has given me a broad perspective, from airline operations, including my role as Station Manager for Austrian Airlines in Warsaw, to cargo-focused leadership positions and the GHA (WELCOME Airport Services) & GSA environment.
What has consistently drawn me to air cargo is its unique position at the intersection of global trade, logistics, and aviation, a space where strategic thinking meets real-time execution and where decisions have immediate, tangible impact.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
OP: What I value most is the combination of impact and people. Air cargo plays a critical, often invisible role in keeping global supply chains moving, and being part of that ecosystem brings a strong sense of purpose.
At the same time, I deeply appreciate working with diverse, international teams and shaping organizational cultures built on trust, respect, and shared accountability. For me, leadership is as much about results as it is about creating an environment where people feel empowered to contribute and grow.
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?
OP: The industry is currently navigating a complex landscape shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, market volatility, and increasing expectations around efficiency and sustainability. One of the most critical challenges is building true resilience, not only operational, but also organizational and human.
At the same time, we are in the middle of a profound technological shift. The real challenge is not simply adopting new technologies, but integrating them in a way that enhances, rather than replaces human expertise, judgment, and experience.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry?
OP: Air cargo is not an industry for spectators – it requires curiosity, resilience, and the ability to operate under constant pressure. Building strong technical foundations and understanding global supply chains is important, but what truly differentiates people today is mindset, adaptability, and the ability to continuously evolve.
Today, perhaps more than ever, authenticity in business truly matters. In a world increasingly supported, and at times overwhelmed by artificial intelligence, genuine human connection, integrity, and the courage to take responsibility are becoming rare and therefore highly valuable.
At 4RCargo, we actively cultivate a culture of continuous learning. We believe that staying relevant is not a one-time effort, but an ongoing process of growth, professionally, intellectually, and personally. The ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn is no longer optional. It is essential indeed.
In an industry driven by speed and technology, those who combine expertise with authenticity and the courage to think independently will not only succeed – they will shape its future.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
OP: ‘The Invisible Engine of Global Trade’
Many thanks, Olga!
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.
