Air cargo is constantly being redefined moment to moment, and as such it can be difficult to keep this ever-changing landscape in the forefront of our minds—but how else to know where we came from, how far we are going, and what we have accomplished thus far?
     FlyingTypers has compiled the best of 2013—all the stories that changed our perspectives, moved our industry forward, and enabled us to take the next steps necessary to keep this business flying.
     "Best of 2013" month to month from Flying Typers continues as a regular feature here through January 2014.

ohammed Rafie Abdulaziz Linjawi is Vice President Cargo Operations at Saudi Airlines Cargo Company (Saudia Cargo).
With over 35 years of experience in both the passenger and cargo sectors of Saudi Arabian Airlines, Mr. Linjawi continues to contribute his unmatched expertise and leadership aptitude towards sustaining seamless operational performances within Saudia Cargo.
     His extensive portfolio includes various positions as GM Industry & Arab, Station Manager, GM Pax SVS & Sales and GM Cargo & Airmail. Here, Mr. Linjawi looks back at the year that was and what lies ahead for 2013.

    “Saudia Cargo is currently handling all air cargo products, apart from express cargo. With the upgrade of our facilities, which started in 2010 and continues over 2012 and 2013, Saudia Cargo is able to handle more air cargo products at an even higher standard.
     “We are in the process of creating an express handling area in our buildings in RUH, JED, and DMM in order to deal with courier/express cargo from all the integrators that operate in Saudi Arabia. Our cool facilities are undergoing an expansion, which will increase our capacity for perishables and other temperature sensitive products. Special handling for Dangerous goods, high value, live animals, and environtainers is already available,” said Mr. Linjawi.
     “Saudia Cargo is perfectly positioned to handle both Kingdom originating and destined cargo as well as transit volumes from its hubs in JED, RUH, and DMM.
     With plans to build a new cargo center at JED, one can’t help but wonder what new technologies and systems will be infused with the design to help move Saudia Cargo further into the future of cargo handling capabilities, especially with volumes ever on the rise.
     “The new Cargo Terminal will be replacing the current one on the same site. Construction is targeted to be completed during 2015. The new Cargo Terminal will handle imports, exports, and transit volumes for the coming 20-30 years.
     “The facility will be more than double the size of our current one and will be designed to expand in the coming 30 years, with a modular design. The new cargo building will be attractive, environmentally friendly, and sustainable, and equipped with the latest cargo handling systems in order to stimulate and facilitate cargo-handling optimization.
     “Saudia Cargo is committed to green technology and practices. Especially for our new facilities (as per above), we will create an attractive and pleasant working environment for the staff and have optimized handling processes. For maximizing the air recirculation, fresh air supply will be based on CO2 metering. There will be allowance for free cooling when outdoor conditions permit.
     “Air Cargo Security is of the utmost priority to Saudia Cargo. We are compliant to all security regulations and have facilities that are monitored by CCTV cameras and security staff 24 hours a day. We have the latest cargo X-ray/screening machines in our facilities compliant with the FSA regulation.
     “Security has impacted our operation and we are complying to the latest regulation. We screen all of our cargo (export and transit to USA/EU), and customs in KSA has a 100 percent inspection policy for import cargo. Our new facilities will be a fully controlled and secured environment with the latest technology. Our current facilities are also fully controlled and secured,” said Mr. Linjawi.
     For Saudia Cargo, successful air cargo operations are defined by “efficient handling, short transit times, secure environment, integrated IT systems and a pleasant environment for our staff."
Geoffrey/Flossie

TC’s CEO Ingo Zimmer starts off 2013 with some landscape changing news, catapulting the European firm into a top position among the worldwide leading GSAs.
     “I am very pleased that after many intensive discussions, we have reached an agreement which strengthens both ATC and Platinum Cargo, offering the combined enterprise more promising market perspectives.”
     It may be one of the worst kept “secrets” as negotiations took some time to complete, but that does not diminish the big news as fast-rising ATC Group has acquired Houston-based general sales agent Platinum Air Cargo USA LLC.
     “Over the coming year, Platinum USA will gradually transition its brand and by the end of the year will operate solely under the name of its new parent, ATC,” Ingo said.
     He pointed out that both GSAs will continue to offer their partner airlines tailored global and regional cargo management and sales solutions and also that the acquisition will not result in staff cuts at ATC in Europe, or Platinum in the U.S.

Left to right Timothy Pfeil, Vice President, Sales and Airline Relations and Don Cochran, Managing Director of ATC’s new U.S. subsidiary, ATC Aviation USA.

     ATC is quick to point out that the merger between Platinum Air Cargo USA LLC and ATC will not materially affect UK based Platinum Air Cargo Holdings Ltd, which will remain independently owned and operated in the UK and throughout other parts of Europe.
     “The ultimate winner of this merger will be our airline clients,” notes Platinum’s U.S. founder and President Don Cochran.
     “They will greatly benefit from the uniform, integrated global network that our merger with ATC brings, as well as our intended IT harmonization with ATC’s global integrated IT platform.”
Ingo Zimmer is ready for the next big step:
     “Over the past ten years, Platinum has established itself as the premier GSA in the U.S,. and this team is extremely well positioned for future growth opportunities in the Americas.
     “The synergies gained from the combination of Platinum USA with the ATC Group means that Platinum USA is taking the next big leap in becoming a truly global actor.”
Geoffrey/Flossie

ATC Goes Platinum January 15, 2013
A Postscript: Having brought even more size and capability to its offering, ATC is looking toward Canada, Latin America, and Africa driving growth in 2014.

Bill Boesch, one of the greatest of all the big-time global air cargo executives our industry has ever produced, will have a night to remember on April 18th in Dallas, Texas: he will finally get his long-deserved recognition as he is inducted into The Hall of Fame of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA).
     The recognition caps a four decade-long career in air cargo, where Bill served in several top posts, including as President of American Airlines Cargo.
    

     Bill most recently completed a mission in Iraq and Afghanistan, where his work sorting out logistics for the military is credited with saving thousands of lives.
     Four Star General of the United States Air Force Raymond E. Johns Jr., who serves as Commander, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, USA, told FlyingTypers:

     “Bill did the hard, dirty, dangerous work necessary to establish effective relationships with tribal leaders and then devised a working transportation system that reliably supplied distant outposts.
     “The most compelling point, in my view, is that Bill quietly did all this while saving taxpayer dollars and the lives of U.S. service members,” General Johns said.
     More info: www.tiaca.org.
Geoffrey

Boesch Hall Of Fame January 18, 2013
A Postscript: In 2013, Air cargo finally recognized one of the most iconic dreamers and doers in history. Always up to new challenges, Bill is working to reposition and rebuild the CRAF fleet in 2014.

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his week we published a simple, beautiful letter received from and written by Ram Menen (pictured here with his lovely wife Malou) detailing his upcoming retirement June 2013. Ram has served as a major force in air cargo for the past 40 years and as key architect of Emirates SkyCargo as its Divisional Senior Vice President.
      Ram’s elegant letter, delivered at the same time as this week’s U.S. Presidential Inaugural, reminded us of one of the greatest speeches ever written, Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
     Is Ram’s “swan song” the best speech he has ever delivered (and mind you, he has delivered about 2,000+ speeches), and beyond that a stand out in air cargo history?
     We will leave that to you, dear reader, to decide.
     But Ram’s quiet, simple, self-effacing words underscore someone who genuinely cares and thinks and is proactive about people and friends.
     Simply put, Ram Menen lifts everybody.
     Undoubtedly, many other stories about Ram will continue as we work our way towards June, as thanks and good luck from well wishers and his team flow toward a man whose body of work and good-guy personality are revealed in even greater detail.
     That’s the way it ought to be.
Geoffrey

Dear Geoffrey,

     Well, sheesh, all I can say is I wish I had been in the trophy case business in Dubai during the Ram dynasty. I could have retired a lot sooner.
     Seriously, the industry is about to lose a gentleman.
     This man could have sat back and counted his coins.
     Instead he was out front on the things that matter most to us, and that is what his customers wanted. God (choose your spiritual leader here) only knows what it took to get things done in a foreign land.
     I wish I had a nickel for every person who told me "oh, Emirates gets their fuel for free..."
     Believe that if you will, but Emirates Cargo thrived because they have the goods—and that doesn't just happen.
     So, Ram, take a rest for God’s sake—then come connect with us—we will be so bored if you are totally absent.

Your pal,
Dave
(Dave Brooks served as President of American Airlines Cargo from 1998-2012, retiring in May 2012.)

Picture Perfect Retirement—David and Sue Pierce wintering in Arizona.

Dear Geoffrey,

     I have known Ram from about the beginning of Emirates, my having first visited Dubai some time during 1985.
     A key element to any Industry and Profession is to recognize both the excitement and fun that is possible, and Ram did that.
     Ram is a Coach who recognized the capabilities of people and was able to unite them to accomplish very specific objectives. I have a great business respect, but more importantly, a wonderful friendship with a fine man.

David Pierce
Regional Director Cargo Marketing, Boeing
Manager Cargo Marketing and Business Development, Emirates
Retired

Geoffrey,

     Thanks again for publishing the news we all read in the cargo world and bringing back Pumping Traffic.
     I had the pleasure of meeting Ram at the Bilbao TIACA ACF and had dinner with him and other airline executives. He was sitting next to me and was such a delightful person, aside from being obviously smart and forward thinking. It was only a few months since I’d adopted my daughter from China, and he was all ears for my story… Since then, I’ve been following all his adventures with EK and he will be sorely missed in the industry. He is someone all in the business—and outside the cargo circle—should emulate. He is astute, kind, a visionary, and has brought so much to the industry.
     As for August Martin, I believe you’ve already written about him and am glad he’s not forgotten. His story is inspiring and his contributions, not only to spreading equality and breaking stereotypes, but his kind heart towards those in need, is an inspiration to all!

Best regards,
Elisabeth Szentkereszty de Zagon
Sr. SystemForm Engineer – Network Implementation & Control
FedEx Express Europe, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent & Africa

Dear Geoffrey,

     History (somewhat unfairly) is mainly recorded in the deeds and thoughts of leaders, whereas every member of a team plays a vital role: we remember the name of the player who scored, and rarely the name of the one who made the pass.
     But in the case of Ram Menen, I have no shame in singling him out for appropriate distinction.
     I received the same simple letter which you have quoted, beautiful in its simplicity.
     It says it all in a few lines, like a zen painting: the bare fact of his decision, the extraordinary story of      Emirates since the startup, his deep appreciation for the team around him, his many connections and friendships outside his company, his choice of base and satellite (whatever those words mean for a world traveler), and of course the inseparable and loved Malou.
     Far be it from me then to spoil the charm of his simple words by a verbose gush of my own.
     I only wish to acknowledge that the man departs, but his legacy does not.
     For once let us be grateful that our agendas for the first half of the year are crammed with industry events (World Cargo Symposium in Doha, TIACA AGM in Dallas, CNS Partnership Conference in Phoenix, Transport Logistik in Munich, etc): Ram and the rest of us will need the second half of the year to recover.

Best wishes,
Oliver
(Oliver Evans is chief cargo officer at Swiss World Cargo)

Dear Mr. Geoffrey,

      It is with great shock that I read of the early retirement of Mr. Ram Menen, who is iconic in today’s air cargo business.
     I am lucky enough to have met him once in Dubai, though quite long ago during a conference; from that day on I always felt encouraged and inspired by him.
     He is a man with diverse cargo knowledge, who led the cargo business with a success beyond imagination with all its dynamism.
     We all understand that his family needs his precious time; nonetheless we, in the cargo community, are likely to miss him.
     Though it is hard to accept his decision, it is time to wish him all the best for the rest of his life.
     Meantime, I would like to express my deepest respect and admiration to Air Cargo News FlyingTypers for keeping us all abreast of the changes in our industry, not to be caught by surprise.
     Keep it up and well done!

With best regards,
Gashaw
Gashaw Haile (Mr.)
Mgr. Ethiopian Cargo Planning & Route Management
Ethiopian Airlines, Headquarters, Bole International Airport

Geoffrey,

     As news came out of Ram's impending retirement I can't say that I was very surprised.
     In speaking with Ram recently, I know that the last few years have really taken a toll on a number of executives in the air cargo industry and Ram was no exception.
     I am very happy for him to take this important next step and sure that everyone agrees that no one is more deserving of some downtime than Ram Menen.
     He has been the face of our industry for the past twenty years and his contributions are immeasurable.
     Ram has done this selflessly and for the benefit of the air cargo business and all of us who love this industry owe him a huge thank you for that.
     However, we all can be lifted by the certainty that Ram will continue to contribute to this industry even though he may officially be retired.
     I am proud to call Ram my friend and wish him all the best in the years to come.

Neel Jones Shah
Neel Jones Shah is President, JS Aviation Consulting and Chief Commercial Officer, Able Freight Services.

Dear Geoffrey,

     Ram is one, if not the best, air cargo innovators our industry has ever produced. I have known Ram since he started in our business in Kuwait and I can only marvel at his genius.
     Ram has taken a hub in an area that has a small need for origin or destination cargo and through his leadership has made Emirates the largest air cargo carriers in the world.
     He did this not by lowering the rates but by giving his customers superior service.
     In doing this Ram has led the way in many of the changes today in air cargo.
     Ram’s leadership, in my view, resulted in achieving one of the greatest feats in the air cargo industry that can be equal to innovators like John Mahoney, John Emery Sr., and Fred Smith.
     I am proud to call him my friend.

Bill Boesch

Dear Ram,

      Saw the news in "Flying Typers" about your retirement.
     Congratulations on a successful and meaningful career with EK Cargo.
     The company came a long way in a short time thanks mainly to your efforts.
     I recall when we first met in SIN in the eighties.
     Now that we're both retired who is going to give all the interviews about air cargo topics anywhere or anytime at any venue?
     Best wishes to you and Malou from Bert and I for a well deserved retirement in LUX and KL.

Your friends,
Buz & Bert Whalen
Sarasota, FL.

Dear Geoffrey,

     I have known Ram Menen from the time he moved from Kuwait to Dubai in the 80's. His contributions to the Dubai freight scene has been immense.
     Many may not know that his scope of influence stretched beyond just the aviation sector at Emirates.
     Living and operating in Dubai takes one into a multi-modal environment and together with Ram we had to work very hard to streamline the movement of the combined sea/air traffic in engaging the port, customs authority and airport civil aviation.
     Also together we sat and travelled extensively as members of the steering committees entrusted with the planning of the Dubai Airport expansion, the new Al Maktoum international Airport, the Dubai Flower Center and I know for a fact internet connectivity on board airplanes was introduced to cater to Ram.
     He believed in responding to emails the same hour he is in receipt.
     Countless times have I received an email stating " currently enroute to Sydney" or " now in Gothenburg . . . let us meet in Dubai day after tomorrow."
     This guy managed Emirates SkyCargo with a passion.
     It would be unthinkable for me that the industry should lose a professional in Ram.
     My take is you + Malou are too young to hang those boots.
     The Advanced Leadership Initiative at Harvard will have a place for you and Malou.
     You guys need to impart all this wealth of experience for the benefit of the new generation.
     Our program allows spouses to attend classes when husbands have been enrolled. Take it easy in 2013 and let us talk about 2014 . .
     Truly happy for you both . .

Issa Baluch

Dear Geoffrey,

     I can only second Oliver's comments with regard to " MR CARGO "so happy that you will be close to me (Perth WA ) so that I can keep you stacked with our fab red wine from Margaret River and most importantly can reminisce with you and Malou !
     By the way, well done Malou I didn't believe you that you could get him to hang up his ULDs _ _:) _ _

Murray Kidd

A Postscript: Everybody covered Ram Menen’s surprise early retirement after Flying Typers broke the story globally on January 18, 2013. We were struck by “Letters To Ram” sent in by our readers as originally presented January 28, 2013.

     Thanksgiving in America is held every fourth Thursday in November, and is the best of all the holidays that gather families and friends around a common celebration.
     Personalities aside, this is one holiday that is a no-pressure deal.
     Nobody gets gifts or is expected to do more than show up, eat, drink and refrain from getting too overserved so that you don’t get into a mix with old Uncle Al, or that other occasional family member that you just can’t stand.
     The occasion was created as a national day of thanks around a special meal, as (reportedly) the first Pilgrims had on November 11, 1621, one year after landing at a place called Plymouth, Massachusetts.
     Thanksgiving is now known in more modern terms for the big parade in Manhattan, New York, and other special television sporting events, especially American football, which is usually not broadcast on any other daytime Thursday otherwise.
     But the thing about Thanksgiving is that, no matter where you are from, Thanksgiving is an American thing to do.
     So in every corner of this great land, from California to the New York islands, on up into Alaska and down to Key West, Florida, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and agnostics, whites, blacks, and every color in between, all put down their differences for a day and agree that traditions of love, family, and good food are the order of the day.
     In America, when you say “Happy Thanksgiving" nobody looks back and says, “That’s not my holiday.”
     Already, people are revving up for the next holiday—newspapers and shopping channels on TV are full of ads for Christmas.
     But beautiful Thanksgiving will have none of that.
     In fact most stores that sell turkeys, the traditional meal of the day in America, are either giving them away or offering the feast birds at or below cost.
     Not a good day for turkeys, to be sure.
     But if memory serves, when I lived on the farm, turkeys were the dumbest animals imaginable.
     Anytime it rained would scurry to get them inside, and some of them would look up and drown!
     So here’s to Thanksgiving: a day of peace, quiet, and reconciliation..
     Air Cargo has done its part delivering meals to the US troops still stuck overseas, and we can all be thankful to air cargo for that.
     Some Americans pass the feeling along by working for a day serving meals in a Salvation Army kitchen or delivering food to the needy.
     But it is the small and mostly unreported concern toward each other, reflected in small gifts of food and open invitations of welcome to others, that should be recognized as an important expression of Thanksgiving.
     vIndividual acts of kindness have always been the spirit of Thanksgiving, as we gather friends and family at the table, hold hands, and sing:
               “We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing:
               He chastens and hastens his will to make known.
               The wicked oppressing
               Cease them from distressing
               Sing praises to his name
               He forgets not his own.”

      Hooray for the pumpkin pie!
Geoffrey
Flying Typers returns Monday December 1.

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