We posed the same questions to a pair of top managers in our business today—an airline air cargo chieftain and the executive director of a top U.S. freight forwarder organization.
     Some fun here, and a moment to kick back before the year moves forward, first at CNS in Miami, May 5-7, and then on to Air Cargo Europe in Munich, June 4-7.      Enjoy the ride!

Guillaume Halleux
Chief Officer Cargo
Qatar Airways

Go Go Guillaume

What have you been up to?
     Busy. Can’t tell though…

What are you most passionate about?
     People, working with them, working on them.

What's on your playlist?
     A wide mix of music, from Gregorian chants (helps meditation) to French rap. Also Bach and Jazz.

Name three qualities that got you to where you are today.
     Passion definitely #1
     Integrity
     Respect/care

What change would you like to see in air cargo?
     Transparency, automation. Move away from stone age (for the most part we transact today the same way we did when I joined this industry).

What do you love most about your work?
     People again.
     Driving teams to a common goal.
     My job is to create the conditions so my teams over perform.

If you could solve one problem in air cargo, what would it be?
     If I had a magic wand I would solve the Lithium battery risk.

Brandon Fried
Executive Director
Airforwarders Association

Brandon Gets It

What have you been up to?
     I’d rather not say. My wife may see this. Just kidding!
     Actually, I have spent the last month traveling to several meetings and conferences throughout the country, providing the airfreight forwarder perspective to many cargo transportation groups. Today I am on my way to participate in the Customs Brokers' annual conference in San Antonio and then to Louisville to join the U.S. Department of Commerce's Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness meeting there. It's a busy time!
     We also just moved our headquarters to the Willard Office Building, one block closer to the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue. We are really in the middle of the action now!

What are you most passionate about?
     In addition to my lovely wife and a great family, I am partial to my red 1987 Mercedes 560 SL roadster.
     Also, I really love flying around the country, spending time with Airforwarders Association members and learning how I can help clear obstacles in Washington and thus make them more successful. It's a great job that never gets boring.

What's on your playlist?
     Easier to tell you what isn’t but I am really partial to Motown, James Taylor, and smooth jazz.

Name three qualities that got you to where you are today.
     My late father was a lawyer who taught me not to be a man of success but a man of value. Hopefully, I have imparted this wisdom upon my two grown children but I am passionate about advancing the industry that has served me well. He also taught me to be nice because you never know what the next person may be experiencing.      Finally, if passionate about your job, you will never work a day in your life.

What change would you like to see in air cargo?
     None! The industry thrives when faced with change and uncertainty. Keeps us on our toes.

What do you love most about your work?
     The people! Especially the Airforwarders Association Board of Directors which comprises some of the brightest, most accomplished folks in our industry.