The Airforwarders Association
AirCargo 2022 New Orleans, top panel January
19, included from left, Moderator Jennifer Latham, EMO
Trans; Matthew Marincic, California Sierra Express; Glyn Hughes, Director
General, The International Air Cargo Association TIACA; Sarah Chou, Southwest
Airlines Cargo; David Junkroski, PayCargo and Brendan Akamu, Able Freight.
So what did the audience think?
“Great discussion among industry experts,"
said Mike Oslansky, Principal Owner of MAWB Services.
“Their passion related to this topical
subject was wonderful to see and hear.
“The key learning for me was that
we all have a lot to learn.
“This is truly like a greenfield project
and the architectural drawings are not very clear or non-existent. However,
it’s important for all of us to find the right approach for today
while preparing to make some serious adjustments as we move forward. It
starts with a single step . . . preferably in the right direction!”
Also from the audience, Amanda Barlow, vice
president Western region, Roanoke Trade added, “the panel provided
a dynamic conversation balancing the altruistic motivation with business
needs. The intent is not the focus as long as we are moving towards a
better carbon footprint as an industry.
“A
good takeaway was getting employee buy in to support the success of a
sustainability program. For example, create an employee-led committee,
which meets monthly to manage the success of the program and its continued
development will not only lead to engagement but also involve employees
being invested in advancing a program.”
“AfA is extremely grateful to the
panel, they were open and humble in discussing this topic,” Jenni
said.
“We acknowledged the depth of the
issue and the necessity of thinking and acting on it intentionally, while
also addressing that despite complexity you need to pick something and
start there!
“It also emerged from our discussion
that there is an important role for unintended positive consequences.
“We all agree that sustainability
and social justice are inherently linked and as we drive our businesses
to be more efficient and human friendly we will have a positive impact
on carbon usage.
“We also need to come along as the
thinking shifts, and be willing to invest even if it means higher costs
within our workflows.
“Based on this panel, we can feel
positive about the future!
“Air forwarders and their service
partners, as we all know, can do anything,” Jenni added with a smile.
GDA |