June often brings the workforce arrivals and departures for most industries, including air cargo. Our June issue has an example of each.
Our feature, “The answer to air cargo’s ‘leadership crisis,’” which begins on p. 30, analyzes the industry’s urgent need to bring in new blood. The article takes a close look at efforts to draw young, talented individuals into careers in airfreight. A report released earlier this year by The International Air Cargo Association offers a warning to the industry about the need to attract and retain qualified talent.
Several of the young air cargo professionals interviewed for our article believe the industry needs a major public relations effort to stress the importance of air cargo to the overall economy.
Certainly, one of the best ambassadors for the industry has been Des Vertannes, who is retiring this month as the International Air Transport Association’s head of cargo. His retirement, and that of Emirates cargo chief Ram Menen last year, clearly illustrate the need for new talent to come into the industry.
Our article on p. 24 takes a look at Vertannes, who is wrapping up a 44-year career in air cargo. Vertannes’ leadership and passion for the industry will be difficult to replace.
While he leaves air cargo during a period of major challenges for the industry, Vertannes believes better days are ahead as the industry continues to evolve. There will be major changes to be sure, but the self-described natural optimist is convinced that air cargo will have a prosperous future.
“I believe many airlines around the world and their CEOs will begin to take a positive look at cargo’s contribution in respect to their prosperity and success,” Vertannes tells Air Cargo World. “I expect we will see some vertical integration between the carriers and forwarders as well. I can see some quite dramatic changes in the third decade of the 21st century.”
As of late May, IATA had not named Des’ replacement, although IATA head Tony Tyler told a CNS audience on May 7 that the successor would be named “soon.”
Whoever the choice is, the new IATA cargo chief will have big shoes to fill.
John W. McCurry is the editor of Air Cargo World.