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Suparna Airlines now connects Liège to Chongqing

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Offering the first-ever direct air cargo connection between LGG and CKG. Image: Suparna Airlines

Liège Airport has announced the start of a new regular cargo service operated by Suparna Airlines, linking Liège directly with Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. The first flight took off on 05JAN26, launching a regular schedule of flights connecting the two airports for the first time ever, and providing a direct cargo route to the major Western Chinese city. This launch marks a strategic step in expanding Liège’s global cargo network and positions Chongqing as a vital new gateway, feeding goods from Western China through Europe’s largest freighter hub.

Over the past years, Chongqing’s importance as a global supply chain facilitator for e-commerce and industrial products, has grown significantly. e-commerce parcels, high-tech goods, automotive parts, and industrial freight will be carried on board of Suparna Airlines from China via Liège, into the Western world.

In welcoming Suparna Airlines, Liège Airport has again grown its Asian network and reinforced long-term collaborations with international cargo carriers, aligning with the growing demands of global logistics and cross-border trade.

Torsten Wefers, Vice President Sales &Marketing at Liège Airport, commented: “We are proud to welcome Suparna Airlines to Liège Airport and to launch our first direct scheduled connection with Chongqing. Chongqing is an important new addition to our network and further confirms Liège’s role as the most trusted and efficient gateway between China and Europe.” A representative of Chongqing Airport management added: “The launch of this direct scheduled service to Liège marks an important step in expanding Chongqing’s international cargo network. This new connection strengthens trade links with Europe and enhances Chongqing’s role as a key logistics hub in Western China.”

RAM grows Africa footprint with CMN-DSS cargo route

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RAM Cargo continues to expand. Image: Royal Air Maroc

Royal Air Maroc Cargo has introduced a new all-cargo route connecting Casablanca with Dakar (CMN-DSS). The weekly Friday service, operated by a Boeing 767 freighter with a 45-ton payload capacity, further strengthens the carrier’s position as a key logistics link between North and West Africa. Dakar’s inclusion enhances the airline’s dedicated freighter network which serves Brussels three times a week, and Istanbul, Ouagadougou, and Bamako twice weekly each. The dedicated freighter services run alongside a wide-ranging passenger network which serves Africa, Europe, the Americas and Asia.

In addition to its Boeing 767 freighter fleet, Royal Air Maroc provides daily cargo capacity aboard its Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing 737 fleets, thus ensuring responsive and efficient transport options for both regional and long-haul markets. Casablanca hub, the center of its network, is capable of handling up to 200,000 tons of freight annually. It features dedicated facilities for perishables, pharmaceuticals, and high-value shipments, enabling fast connectivity to over 30 African destinations.

The new Casablanca–Dakar route is the latest in the airline’s growth plans, following on the heels of its recent expansions to Beijing, São Paulo, and Toronto, aligning with its goal of reaffirming RAM’s strategy 2026, and a short time later. Rita Chraibi, Vice President Cargo at Royal Air Maroc, commented: “This new freighter route marks another milestone in our long-term vision to reinforce Africa’s logistics ecosystem and bring markets closer together. Senegal is one of West Africa’s most dynamic economies, and our dedicated Casablanca – Dakar service directly addresses customer demand for reliability, capacity, and speed while advancing our goal of building sustainable and efficient air bridges across the continent.”

GGG and China Southern now also collaborate in Spain

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The planes in Spain are now often China Southern. Image: China Southern

Global GSA Group’s Spanish subsidiary, Mondial Airline Services Spain, has been appointed as general sales and service agent (GSSA) for China Southern Airlines Cargo in Spain. The company secured the tender and coordinated the successful launch of China Southern’s new direct freighter connection between Madrid and Guangzhou, which began operations on 02DEC25. The service uses a Boeing 787‑9 aircraft offering 15 tons and 80 m³ of cargo capacity per flight and operates three times weekly – on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Each flight carries a mix of general cargo and temperature‑sensitive goods, supporting regular exports such as pharmaceuticals and seafood.

Mondial Airline Services Spain now manages all sales, customer relations, and operational support for China Southern Airlines Cargo in the Spanish market, acting as a seamless extension of the airline’s global network. The new Madrid–Guangzhou link not only provides a direct connection between the Spanish and Chinese markets but also enables onward access across China, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand through China Southern’s hub at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport. This partnership reinforces Global GSA Group’s role in bridging major global trade markets and strengthens China Southern Airlines Cargo’s footprint within Southern Europe.

Aytekin Saray, Chief Executive Officer of Global GSA Group, said: “Global GSA Group already enjoys a long and rewarding partnership with China Southern Airlines Cargo in a number of European countries and is grateful to the airline for continuing to place its trust in our services. We are delighted to represent China Southern Airlines Cargo now also in Spain, and will ensure that this new routing very quickly becomes profitable through our access to state-of-the-art digital solutions offering real-time market intelligence, Mondial’s substantial local knowledge and its close collaboration with Spain’s freight forwarding community. Mondial Airline Services Spain is committed to supporting China Southern’s expansion into Spain and its team plays a critical role in aligning the airline’s global strategy with local market realities to ensure long-term route performance.”

Challenge Group counts on ECS Group in 7 more countries

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ECS Group expands GSSA coverage for Challenge Group. Image: Challenge Group

Challenge Group has extended its GSSA partnership with ECS Group, adding seven Eastern European countries – Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine – to an existing network that already includes Germany, France, Scandinavia, Singapore and Vietnam. This enlarged remit, managed through ECS subsidiary Globe Air Cargo, expands the feeder catchment into Challenge Group’s Liège hub and strengthens links to major global gateways. Operating a dense Boeing freighter network from Liège to the U.S., China, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific, Challenge Group is preparing to add Boeing 777-300ERSF aircraft to its current 747-400F and 767-300BDSF fleet, opening the door to new routes to Asia and South America and supporting charter activities. The partnership focuses on high-value verticals such as pharmaceuticals, automotives, aerospace, perishables and live animals, with bookings and customer service processed via Challenge Group’s own IT platforms. These are further supported by digital tools from CargoTech, including Apollo for business intelligence, SkyPallet for capacity optimization and Rotate for market analysis, all under the shared “one team, one aim, one drive” philosophy.

Challenge Group’s Chief Commercial Officer, Or Zak, stated: “Challenge Group is unique because we take on the logistics challenges that standard cargo service providers reject. Every transportation project is different, demanding flexibility, speed, an agile way of thinking, and – above all – professionalism, expertise, and trust. In ECS Group, we know that we have a partner capable of matching our corporate mission and network, and we are delighted to have kicked off the next step in our strategic expansion.” Jean Ceccaldi, Chief Executive Officer of ECS Group, added: “Where there is Challenge, there is always opportunity. At ECS Group, we believe in one team, one aim, one drive, and have successfully risen together with Challenge Group to transform complex cargo challenges into sustainable business opportunities across France, Germany, Scandinavia, and Asia. We are confident that our GSSA teams in Eastern Europe will also achieve significant market expansion and commercial growth for Challenge Group – particularly within its core target industries such as industrial machinery, engines, spare parts, and drilling equipment.”

Trans Global Projects gives Bremen an air freight focus

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Andreas Menzel, MD Germany & Benelux, and Tobias Teichmann, Head of Airfreight Germany, TGP, Image: Trans Global Projects

Trans Global Projects has opened a dedicated air freight department in Bremen, operating under its own IATA license to handle time-critical and complex cargo with full operational control. On the personnel front, Tobias Teichmann has taken on the role of Head of Airfreight Germany. He brings over ten years’ experience in charter solutions and engineered transport from roles at Alexander Global Logistics and Kopf & Lübben. He has also been certified as a Transport Specialist by DAV (the German academy for international trade and transport). The new team strengthens TGP’s existing air freight and charter activities in Rümlang, Switzerland, and Brazil, which focus on urgent and oversized cargo with engineered, tailor-made solutions. TGP’s air freight credentials were underlined when it received HLPFI’s Airfreight Solution of the Year for a project moving a 6‑ton slewing ring from Germany to China on a Boeing 777F, cutting more than 30 days versus ocean freight. The Bremen office, now fully operational under IATA number 23475620000, will apply the same engineering-led, problem-solving approach to deliver reliable, efficient air freight services for customers across Europe and beyond.

Tobias Teichmann, Head of Airfreight Germany, explained: “The department in Bremen gives our clients direct access to specialized air freight solutions with full IATA accreditation. It’s about speed, safety, and flexibility – delivered by a team that understands the complexity of project cargo.”

Managing Director Germany and Benelux, Andreas Menzel, underlined: “This investment reflects our commitment to Northern Europe. Bremen will serve as a hub for urgent shipments and engineered solutions, supported by Natco’s air freight and air charter expertise and our global resources.”

Colin Charnock, Group CEO, Trans Global Projects, added: “Air freight is a critical part of our strategy. By combining technical know-how with operational agility, we ensure clients receive reliable uplift and clear communication from booking to delivery.

CEAL counts on Lödige for efficient ULD-handling

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China’s first lift-and-run system supplied by Lödige Industries. Image: Lödige Industries

China Eastern Air Logistics has introduced six new high-capacity automated guided vehicles from Lödige Industries at Cargo Terminal 4 in Shanghai Pudong to automate ULD transport and create a next-generation smart cargo facility. Each 10-foot AGV can carry up to 6.8 tons and is integrated with Lödige’s Cargo Professional Suite, which uses real-time data and mobile visualization to optimize planning, guidance and tracking of cargo flows. The system reduces manual movements, dependency on fixed infrastructure and ULD damage risk, while supporting 24/7 operations and allowing staff to concentrate on higher-value tasks.

Manufactured and extensively tested in Germany, the AGVs work in sync with China’s first lift-and-run system from Lödige, increasing throughput and operational intelligence at the terminal. The project builds on earlier joint work between CEAL and Lödige, including ETV refurbishment and a TV system, highlighting their ongoing focus on innovation in air cargo logistics.

Weddy Pan, Senior Deputy Manager, Operations Quality Management Division, Cargo Terminal Business Development at China Eastern Air Logistics Co., Ltd., revealed: “Lödige’s system far exceeded our expectations, completely transforming our operational model. It has made our logistics processes more efficient and adaptable, while fully preparing us for sustained future growth. What impressed us most is how the system seamlessly integrates with existing workflows, delivering a quantum leap in operational capabilities.” Nicholas Tripptree, Managing Director of Asia-Pacific at Lödige Industries, declared: “Our AGV system is a powerful enabler of efficiency and automation in air cargo terminals. We’re proud to partner with CEAL to deploy this cutting-edge technology, helping them enhance efficiency, increase flexibility, and set new standards for cargo operations and overall terminal performance.”

Obituary: Mr. IGLU, Günther Gasthuber has passed away

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Karl Eduard Guenther Gasthuber passed away peacefully at his home in Kelsterbach near Frankfurt, on December 18, 2025, following a brief battle with cancer. From June 2008 to August 2025, he shaped the fate of the non-profit air freight consolidator, IGLU Air Cargo, founded in 2000 by the recently passed Dieter Haltmayer, founder and long-time head of Quick Cargo Service GmbH.

Günther Gasthuber  –  * 29.05.1959 – † 18.12.2025,  picture: CFG/hs

Gasthuber, who came from the Japanese agent, Hankyu Hanshin Express, “knocked on our doors and applied for the position of Managing Director of IGLU Air Cargo,” recalls Dieter Haltmayer, describing the initial contact between the two managers in his last interview with a media representative. That was 17 years ago. On August 27, 2025, Haltmayer gave a speech in honor of Gasthuber, due to the manager’s retirement, simultaneously welcoming Nouri Neller as Gasthuber’s successor and new helmsman of IGLU Air Cargo. “We were very satisfied with his work. When I said goodbye to him, Günter had tears of emotion in his eyes,” recalls a very touched Dieter Haltmayer, looking back on the last meeting of the two cargo veterans. Until his last days, Gasthuber kept his progressive cancer a secret from friends and former business partners: he was reserved, did not impose himself on others, and kept his private life largely to himself.

Just a few days before his death, Bernhard Stock, long-standing chairman of the IGLU advisory board and former air freight executive of IGLU member EMO Trans, suggested a meeting to dine together. However, it never took place.

Of the 24 freight forwarding agents belonging to consolidator IGLU, Thomas Waschke from JL Logistic GmbH, was one of Günther Gasthuber’s closest confidants. “He was very fair in his personal dealings and managed IGLU for the shareholders involved in a very professional, calm, competent, and transparent manner. And he was a very pleasant, affable person with a clear business opinion,” Waschke recalls. These are important qualities in a function that often requires diplomatic skills in the day-to-day business. This applies above all to companies that work closely together under the IGLU umbrella by pooling cargo tonnage on certain routes to benefit from favorable rates but compete in other markets. 

He succeeded in establishing close business relationships with the cargo units of leading carriers such as Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates, Turkish Airlines and others, to secure transport capacity for IGLU consignments on key trade lanes to achieve price advantages.

Günther Gasthuber, a lover of classical music, will be buried in Taipei, in a shared grave next to his wife Margo Yu-Chin Gasthuber Chao, a native of Taiwan. She passed away in the spring of 2025. The couple had no children.

A memorial event will be held in his honor, in Rüsselsheim near Frankfurt. The commemorative speech will be given by a member of the IGLU group.

Günther, RIP.  Heiner

Holy Spirit propels Hapag-Lloyd

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Hanseatic Global Terminals (HGT), the infrastructure division of shipping company Hapag-Lloyd, is to build a terminal facility for handling sea freight items in Brazil. The coastal town of Rodovia, near the city of Aracruz, was selected for the project. It is located about 600 kilometers northeast of Rio de Janeiro, in the Brazilian state of Espirito Santo (Holy Spirit). It is the first terminal operated by HGT on the Atlantic coast of Latin America.

Artist’s view of the greenfield container terminal project in Aracruz – courtesy: H-L

50/50% JV
Local partner of HGT is the Brazilian company Imetame Logística Porto (ILP), which holds 50% of the shares in the JV. It is an offspring of the Imetame Group, a diversified Brazilian conglomerate founded in 1980. Both parties have agreed not to disclose the financial details of the deal. Completion of the construction work is scheduled for 2027, with operations set to commence in mid-2028.

Under the agreement, both partners will jointly operate the new Aracruz container terminal, which will serve as a modern transshipment and gateway port facility. HGT estimates the annual handling capacity at 1.2 million TEU. The berth length is 750m, allowing two container vessels to dock simultaneously. State-of-the-art equipment for handling the steel boxes will enable ships to be loaded and unloaded quickly. Particularly important: The port’s depth of 17m allows even the largest container ships to enter and leave the harbor fully loaded, which sets Aracruz apart from other Brazilian ports.

Aracruz fills a gap
“Our joint venture with the Imetame Group and the development of a new transshipment hub and gateway port on Brazil’s east coast strengthens our terminal portfolio while addressing capacity constraints in a growth region. This investment in the port of Aracruz benefits Brazil by strengthening trade infrastructure via a port closer to consumer markets and key global shipping routes than traditional gateway ports – thereby providing several cargo-originating states an alternative and more efficient access to global markets,” said Dheeraj Bhatia, CEO of Hanseatic Global Terminals while presenting the project. He does not name the states without adequate seaport access, but they are likely to be Rondonia, Acre, Mato Grosso, Goias, and Tocantins, which are located in the Brazilian hinterland and are the source of many agricultural exports.

From a legal standpoint, Veirano Advogados advised Imetame Group on the transaction, while Demarest Advogados acted as legal counsel to Hanseatic Global Terminals.

Creating new market opportunities at Espirito Santo’s coastal area
The “Hanseatic Global Terminals Aracruz” project highlights the growing interest of major international operators in investing in strategic port infrastructure in Latin America. It reinforces Brazil’s position as a regional logistics hub.

“We are very pleased to have Hanseatic Global Terminals as a strong strategic partner for the new container terminal in Espírito Santo. Hanseatic Global Terminals possesses great expertise to offer the new terminal’s customers, importers and exporters efficient cargo handling and further strengthen Brazil’s importance in global trade. Beyond operational excellence, we are committed to developing opportunities for the region, boosting jobs and fostering the development of local businesses,” stated Etore Selvatici Cavallieri, Chairman of Imetame Group.

More terminals are to come
According to HGT, Latin America is a key strategic market for the company and its parent Hapag-Lloyd. With the new terminal in Aracruz, the operator aims to expand its portfolio while reducing capacity bottlenecks in this growth region. HGT’s goal is to expand its portfolio to more than 30 terminals by 2030. Currently, the company manages 22 strategically located terminals, focusing on efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Of these, 9 Terminals are located at the West Coast of Latin America – between Mexico (Maxatlán) and Chile (Portuaria Corral S.A.).  

According to reports, they are running well, even without the support of the Holy Spirit.

FIT is HGT’s newest member
As announced on 09JAN26, Hanseatic Global  Terminals will become the sole owner of Florida International Terminal (FIT). An agreement regarding the change of ownership was signed between HGT and Agunsa Universales S.A. (AGUNSA USA).  The vendor is part of the Grupo Empresas Navieras (GEN), headquartered in Viña del Mar, Chile.

FIT is located in Port Everglades, South Florida, serving one of the largest consumer markets globally. The terminal specializes in container and general cargo handling and provides direct connectivity to major highways and rail networks, ensuring efficient inland and intermodal transportation and access to the region’s hinterland. The companies involved have not disclosed the purchase price.

QCS launches cargo verticals strategy

The turn of the year is traditionally both a time for looking back and for delivering an outlook for the coming 12 months. This is also the case over at Frankfurt-based agent, Quick Cargo Service GmbH (QCS). According to Managing Director, Stephan Haltmayer, the mid-sized agent’s 2025 results were better, compared to the previous financial year, though he did not reveal precise financial figures. Air freight remains the agency’s strongest pillar, but ocean freight has caught up. When asked by CargoForwarder Global about the company’s main goals in 2026, he said that QCS is pushing ahead with special air cargo verticals and AI implementation programs.

QCS goes vertical – photo: CFG/hs

Vertical….
The cargo verticals strategy was recently launched. “We have transferred the pharmaceutical business from our core activities into a separate unit, which has already received GDP certification. This is crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products throughout the entire distribution process. It helps protect patients, assures customers of product quality, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements,” stresses Stephan Haltmayer.

AirMc International GmbH is the brand name, based on the AirMc freight forwarding subsidiary which originally started as a franchise initiated by agent, Air Menzies, in Germany. Due to the special nature of the pharma product line, a study by global management consultancy, Roland Berger, shows that the prospects for success are much greater when managed as separate entity. The delicate and temperature sensitive cargo commodity requires specific services and needs to be handled with utmost care.

The QCS subsidiary, AirMc, is headed by the youngest member of the family, Nico Haltmayer. This personnel decision means that a representative of the third generation has taken on a leading management role in the family run company, which was founded in 1974.

… and horizontal expansion
Last year, QCS also continued to significantly expand its Europe-wide network. New branches were established in Venice, Italy and Sofia, Bulgaria. In London, QCS ended its long-standing partnership with local agent, Corten Forwarding, in order to manage the business independently and under its own company name. The situation is similar in Slovenia, where the cooperation with the previous franchisee, Bliteb, was terminated and QCS now operates in the local market under its own brand name. “By stepping out of the franchise contracts, we have gained better control over business processes and significantly increased the connection and exchange with our own European stations,” reasons Stephan Haltmayer.

Of QCS’s EU branches, Hungary reports the strongest growth in 2025. When founded three years ago and headed by Managing Director, David Kondor, only a handful of employees sat in the Budapest office. Today, it counts 25 staff. Similar to the other European QCS branches in Eastern Europe, Budapest offers customers the entire range of freight forwarding services, from air and ocean freight to rail and road transport and customs clearance services. According to Stephan Haltmayer, the branches in Romania and Poland have also developed very positively. Lubos Lukac, Director of Development at QCS Europe, who is also head of the branch in Slovakia, is responsible for this network of newcomers, lately established across Europe.

According to Haltmayer, setting up own stations in Europe, following the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, proved to be a strategically wise move. “For the past three or four years, we have seen a trend in European industry, toward nearshoring in order to minimize investment risks. Thanks to our broad pan-European network, we are benefiting greatly from this shift in production and trade.”

Focusing on AI
Also, QCS has set its sight on Latin America, with imports and exports between the EU and countries like Brazil, Mexico or Colombia, running well. In contrast, China remains at a rather low level, says the manager.

Further to this, QCS has decided to list AI high on its 2026 agenda. “This will be one of our investment priorities,” he announces. The agent also wants to increasingly be present at trade fairs such as Intermodal in Sao Paulo, WCA in Singapore, and Global Air Freight Alliance in Kuala Lumpur.

That leaves little room for contemplative days.

Spotlight on… Jelena Babic, EMEAA Business Development Manager, NAP

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Every week, CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ gives the floor to an individual from one of the many stakeholders involved in ensuring that air cargo travels swiftly, efficiently, and safely from one side of the planet to the other. Since many individual players are stronger when they work together, air cargo eco-systems exist where various companies work together for the good of everyone in the network. Neutral Air Partner (NAP) is a prime example of a global air cargo logistics network and ecosystem. It connects specialized forwarders, wholesalers, GSSAs, charter brokers, and e‑commerce players, with the aim of boosting expertise, collaboration, and buying power across the air cargo supply chain. It supports the air cargo industry by providing neutral capacity and consolidation platforms, specialized sub‑networks, common tools and standards, and commercial programs that help independent players access scale, technology, and carrier relationships they could not easily build alone. This week, Jelena Babic, EMEAA Business Development Manager at Neutral Air Partner (NAP), talks about her function, her thoughts on the industry and gives advice to those thinking about joining it.

There’s always something new happening across our global community. Image: Jelena Babic

CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?

JB: I’m the EMEAA Business Development Manager at Neutral Air Partner (NAP) – a premier air cargo logistics ecosystem. My role revolves around expanding our membership across regions, building strategic partnerships, fostering relationships with members, and organizing our key annual and regional events such as OPENAP and our signature industry event, ACE.

I also work closely with our CEO, Mr. Christos Spyrou, and our regional teams on developing new sub-industry verticals and airline initiatives that bring even more value to our members.

In short – I connect people, ideas, and opportunities within the Neutral Air Partner ecosystem.

CFG: What does a normal day look like for you?

JB: There’s rarely a ‘normal’ day in my world! [Smiles] Between time zones, event planning, membership calls, strategy meetings, and travel, every day looks a little different. I might start my morning in Dubai (where I’m based), reviewing new member applications, then jump on calls with partners in Europe or North America, or coordinate logistics for an upcoming conference – and the next thing I know, I’m waking up in Marrakech for a site inspection ahead of our 10th anniversary event.

What keeps it exciting is the diversity of people and projects – there’s always something new happening across our global community.

CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?

JB: I’ve been in the industry for over 15 years, though my background originally wasn’t in logistics – it’s actually in sports science. After graduating and moving to Athens for my Master’s in Sport Psychology, I began looking for a job to support myself and came across an opportunity at a freight forwarding company. At the time, I had no idea what freight forwarding even was – but I immediately liked the people, the energy, and the fast-paced environment, so I decided to take the leap.

That spontaneous decision turned into a long-term passion. I started in airfreight operations, business development, and sales, which helped me deeply understand the needs of Neutral Air Partner’s members. Over time, my responsibilities expanded to include event management, too, and I quickly realized how dynamic and relationship-driven this industry truly is.

The mix of global connectivity, networking, entrepreneurship, and constant innovation fascinated me – and that’s what keeps me here.

CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?

JB: Without a doubt – the people and travel. The air cargo industry is full of passionate, hardworking professionals who constantly adapt and find solutions under pressure.

Through NAP, I have the privilege of connecting and collaborating with so many of them from all over the world – across every part of the industry, from airports, airlines, and freight forwarders to tech solution providers. Creating events where people come together, exchange ideas, and form partnerships that later grow into real business – and genuine friendships – is truly rewarding.

CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?

JB: Our biggest challenges are digital transformation and talent attraction. While technology is advancing rapidly, many companies are still catching up with systems integration, sustainability requirements, and adapting to the new generation’s way of doing business. At the same time, we need to make this industry more attractive, accessible, and visible to young professionals – showing them just how global, diverse, and impactful air cargo really is.

CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry?

JB: Be curious, stay open-minded, don’t be shy to ask questions, and build your network early on. This is an industry where relationships, integrity, and trust mean everything.

You can come from various backgrounds – logistics, sales, aviation, IT, or even sports science like me – but what truly matters is adaptability and the willingness to learn.

Training in supply chain management, air freight operations, or digital logistics can be very helpful, but nothing replaces learning directly from people in the field.

Attend events, listen, engage, and never underestimate the power of a good conversation!

CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?

JB: ‘Turbulence & Triumph’

Because no matter the challenges, this industry always finds a way to rise, adapt, and deliver – literally and figuratively.

Just think back to the COVID-19 era – every day felt like a new chapter in a story of resilience, creativity, and reinvention.

Thank you, Jelena!

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.