Executives to watch in the air cargo industry

The continued success and growth of the air cargo industry does not happen by chance — it is driven by the executives in all branches of the supply chain making smart and innovative decisions. Air Cargo Next is highlighting 12 executives who are successfully guiding their companies through today’s challenging air cargo market. These standout airfreight execs are pushing technological boundaries with new use cases, impacting the industry’s approach to sustainability or serving in key advocacy positions with the power to bring about positive change industrywide. Lauren Beyer, president, Cargo Airline Association [caption id="attachment_57137441" align="alignright" width="132"] Lauren Beyer[/caption] Lauren Beyer in July became president of the Cargo Airline Association , an advocacy organization for the air cargo industry, replacing Steve Alterman , who held the position for more than four decades. In the role, Beyer leads advocacy and informs policymakers, regulators and more on the operational realities of the air cargo supply chain. Beyer previously served as vice president of security and facilitation at Airlines for America , representing the largest U.S. passenger and cargo airlines to the federal government on all security, cybersecurity, cargo and passenger facilitation issues. Prior to that, she was the director of aviation and surface transportation security at the National Security Council . As technology advances, cybersecurity becomes increasingly important. Beyer previously told Air Cargo Next she is working to promote better collaboration on cybersecurity between cargo airlines and government agencies, including the TSA , in much the same way as exists with physical security. Barry Conlon, CEO and founder, Overhaul [caption id="attachment_57138318" align="alignright" width="159"] Barry Conlon[/caption] Risk management solution company Overhaul is using AI in new ways, led by founder and Chief Executive Barry Conlon . Overhaul recently adopted RiskGPT as a part of its line of software solutions for cargo theft aversion. Similar to how AI-driven ChatGPT scrapes the internet for information, RiskGPT software uses AI to synthesize information regarding cargo theft . The Overhaul response teams use this information on where a crime may be occurring and can more quickly identify a corrective path, Overhaul previously told Air Cargo Next . Conlon is also the founder and former CEO of FreightWatch , now supply chain visibility company Sensitech . He is a former member of the Irish Defense Forces , Irish Special Operations Unit, Army Ranger Wing. As industry leaders look to AI for solutions, Conlon is leading the way in showing how the industry can leverage the new technology. Kirsten de Bruijn, executive vice president of cargo, WestJet [caption id="attachment_57138320" align="alignright" width="185"] Kirsten de Bruijn[/caption] Kirsten de Bruijn , who became executive vice president of cargo at WestJet in April 2022, has been doing all the right things to navigate the air cargo market’s current difficulties. WestJet and AI solutions provider Wiremind have partnered on a new initiative centered on improving capacity forecasting through AI, with a proof of concept initiated in April. That same month, WestJet and the GTA Group launched three Boeing 737-800 converted freighters to operate between Halifax, N.S.; Calgary, Alberta; Los Angeles; Miami; Toronto; and Vancouver. De Bruijn, who has negotiated ground-handling contracts for cargo and passenger operations, previously held leadership positions with Air France KLM Martinair Cargo and Emirates . As de Bruijn continues to helm cargo operations at WestJet, Air Cargo Next expects to see continued savvy choices from her, especially in the spheres of increased digitalization, cargo operation expansion and route diversity. Brian Hodges, managing director of strategy and planning, American Airlines Cargo [caption id="attachment_57136516" align="alignright" width="165"] Brian Hodges[/caption] American Airlines Cargo has made great strides in digitalization in recent years, and Brian Hodges , managing director of strategy and planning since October 2022, is a driving force in this effort. Hodges is responsible for digital and modernization initiatives, channel and distribution strategy, future business planning and content marketing. Hodges began his career with American in 2008 and has since held positions across the airline, including in alliance strategy and corporate development. Within cargo, he has led teams across revenue management, business development, marketing, sales planning and customer insights. During the pandemic, Hodges oversaw the carrier’s cargo revenue management team as it worked to improve digital processes. AA Cargo joined Freightos ’ WebCargo platform in March 2022 to introduce digital booking options and real-time rates and capacity to freight forwarders. Hodges has long affirmed his belief in next-generation modernization for the cargo industry, most recently as the fireside chat speaker at Air Cargo Tech Summit 2023. His tech-forward mindset leads Air Cargo Next to expect expanded digitalization across AA Cargo operations in the near future. Celine Hourcade, managing director and founder, Change Horizon [caption id="attachment_57137618" align="alignright" width="181"] Celine Hourcade[/caption] Since its founding by Celine Hourcade in 2019, management consultancy Change Horizon has become a key organization in the industry in relation to sustainability , and supporting aviation and logistics organizations with their sustainable corporate strategies. As founder and managing director, Hourcade has a nuanced understanding of sustainability goals and needs, coupled with a clear vision of the steps needed to achieve net-zero emissions in the future. Hourcade, who has more than two decades’ experience in the aviation industry as the former head of cargo transformation at IATA and transition director of TIACA , also co-founded Women in Aviation and Logistics (WAL) in 2021 with Meantime Communications founder and Chief Executive Emma Murray . WAL addresses inclusivity in airfreight and looks to create actionable change. The organization has successfully completed one mentorship program and launched another in March, among other initiatives. Christine Klemmer, chief innovation officer, Jettainer [caption id="attachment_57137894" align="alignright" width="198"] Christine Klemmer[/caption] Safety, especially when it comes to dangerous goods transport, remains a top industry concern, and unit load device (ULD) provider Jettainer has been working with its partners to ensure that safety. Most recently, Jettainer, along with ULD manufacturer Satco Inc. , began offering the fire-resistant AMX container, which can contain a fire for six hours — giving aircraft pilots and crew the time needed to land safely amid a fire from, say, lithium batteries . Affirming Jettainer’s commitment to innovation, the company appointed Christine Klemmer as chief innovation officer in July to drive digital and non-digital innovation. Klemmer heads a new department that aims to enhance services through AI applications and tracking solutions, according to the company. Klemmer joined the company in June 2021 as head of business and portfolio development, a role in which she remains. Steve Magirias, CEO, Drone Delivery Canada [caption id="attachment_57138326" align="alignright" width="184"] Steve Magirias[/caption] As drones become more advanced, their use within the cargo industry is increasing. Steve Magirias , chief executive of Drone Delivery Canada (DDC) since February 2022, is rapidly advancing DDC’s operations. Through contracts with various branches of the Canadian government and companies including DSV and Halton Healthcare , DDC has been testing and operating its drones to transport supplies within the military, to deliver medical supplies and products to hospitals, and to move cargo at Edmonton International Airport (YEG) on behalf of last-mile logistics solutions providers. DDC continues to invest in new drone technology, recently testing its Canary remote-piloted aircraft along its Care by Air route. The Canary, newer than Care by Air’s current drone, the Sparrow, was able to complete the route more quickly, more efficiently and more quietly. Yvonne Makolo, CEO, RwandAir [caption id="attachment_57138327" align="alignright" width="176"] Yvonne Makolo[/caption] Yvonne Makolo , who has served as CEO at Rwandan national carrier RwandAir since April 2018, became the 81st chair of the IATA Board of Governors for a one-year term in June — the first woman to assume the role. In her work with IATA, Makolo is positioned to be a leading voice on key industry issues, such as sustainability and safety. Makolo began her aviation career in 2017, when she was appointed RwandAir’s deputy CEO in charge of corporate affairs. Prior to that, Makolo spent 11 years at telecommunications company MTN Rwanda , ultimately rising to the positions of chief marketing officer and acting CEO. As Africa looks to play a larger role in global air cargo, Makolo’s leadership at RwandAir is key. The carrier announced in May the launch of a regional hub in Kigali, Rwanda, in partnership with Qatar Airways Cargo , and in November took delivery of a B737-800SF dedicated freighter to launch operations within Africa and the Middle East from Kigali. Ryan Petersen, CEO and founder, Flexport [caption id="attachment_57138325" align="alignright" width="188"] Ryan Petersen[/caption] After six months away from Flexport , founder Ryan Petersen returned as CEO very publicly this month after former CEO Dave Clark ’s abrupt departure. Petersen has spoken openly about the need for the logistics company to rein in its spending and return to its customer-driven roots. Approximately one week after Petersen retook the helm, Flexport launched a solution with instant access to financing, freight, fulfillment and replenishment to major marketplaces and retail stores. The solution provides one-click access to more than 20 supply chain services on a single page, the company said in a release. Powered by AI, the solution offers replenishment injection directly into Fulfillment by Amazon , Walmart Fulfillment Services and more than 15 wholesale channels, including Costco , Target and Nordstrom . Customers also have access to last-mile delivery through Shopify , which Flexport acquired in May. The company also launched Flexport+ this month, a membership program that offers supply chain financing, priority shipping services and access to supply chain experts, according to the release. Petersen has wasted no time settling back into his old role and appears eager to make big changes to the company, both managerially and through its products. Rafael Sotelo and Martin Machin, co-founders, Quantum-South [caption id="attachment_57138321" align="alignright" width="162"] Martin Machin[/caption] [caption id="attachment_57138322" align="alignright" width="163"] Rafael Sotelo[/caption] While AI and Internet of Things have been recent buzzwords in the effort to digitalize the industry, Quantum-South co-founders Rafael Sotelo and Martin Machin are looking to add quantum computing to airfreight. Quantum computing combines computer science, physics, mathematics and quantum mechanics to solve problems more quickly than traditional computing solutions in cases with myriad outcomes. Tech startup Quantum-South developed a solution using a quantum annealing platform to optimize how cargo is loaded into ULDs on a freighter or passenger aircraft. Quantum annealing uses intrinsic quantum physics to help solve larger problems. In addition to their roles at Quantum-South, Machin is chief commercial officer for tech company Championsys and Sotelo is director of research at the Universidad de Montevideo. Through their startup, they are working to bring a new kind of digitalization to the industry through carriers such as IAG Cargo and Amerijet International . Joost van Doesburg, head of cargo, Royal Schiphol Group [caption id="attachment_57138319" align="alignright" width="176"] Joost van Doesburg[/caption] Eyes remain on Royal Schiphol Group (RSG), the operator of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), as a Dutch government decision to cut flight slots at AMS moves forward. Slot cut critics, who have filed a lawsuit against the government, are calling the move shortsighted and argue that it will undercut the Netherlands’ economy, especially as it will invariably result in less airfreight moving through the country. This is where Joost van Doesburg , head of cargo at RSG, comes in. He and his team, while disappointed with the slot cuts — especially as AMS already has a shortage of available slots for freighters, are working to promote airfreight quality over quantity . In hopes of forestalling the government action, AMS has also been looking into CO2 and noise reduction methods, such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and banning older planes, which would invariably include many freighters. Van Doesburg, who joined RSG in March, has been in the industry in various capacities for many years: serving on the Netherlands Trade Union Confederation ; being manager of public affairs for the Dutch Airline Pilot Association ; serving as airfreight policy manager for the European Shippers Council ; and being secretary of the Council of Air Shippers . Air Cargo Next looks forward to seeing van Doesburg’s strategy in the coming year to keep AMS a top cargo airport — it ranked as the 18th busiest cargo airport in the world by 2021 figures. Rob Walpole, vice president, Delta Cargo [caption id="attachment_57138324" align="alignright" width="188"] Rob Walpole[/caption] Rob Walpole has been driving innovation in digitalization, sustainability and advocacy as vice president of Delta Cargo for the past four years. Delta Cargo implemented software-as-a-service solutions provider IBS Software ’s iCargo digital booking platform in December and launched an SAF program in January 2022. Under the sustainability program , Delta Cargo works with shippers and freight forwarders to calculate the company’s emissions output based on historical data, then develops a proposal based on the customer’s sustainability goals. Prior to his current role, Walpole served for approximately one year as vice president of cargo operations and logistics at Delta Air Lines and, before that, in leadership roles at DB Schenker and DP World . Walpole has clearly taken a cutting-edge approach to technology, making digitalization and sustainability a priority at Delta Cargo.

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