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 #INTHEAIREVERYWHERE |
| Vol. 23 No. 44 | Wednesday November 6, 2024 |
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As Jan Krems, President United Airlines Cargo approaches a decade atop the U.S. giant legacy combination airline, we spend a few minutes here with Jan prior to his appearance next week at The TIACA Air Cargo Forum taking place at The Miami Convention Center. 
When you think about it, Jan today at age
64 is as robust, dynamic and hands on as someone half his age. Jan came
out of the KLM Cargo culture where he later rose to upper management of
the Air France KLM Martinair Cargo combine, before United Airlines made
what has turned out to be the absolutely brilliant move of bringing into
their cargo division the most innovative thought leader at any airline in
the world today.Several standouts in the Krems decade include the fact that this man is simply a superb leader of people with a fine, generous and absolutely devoted commitment to his team and airline. Jan, turning on the power, completely changed and streamlined the air cargo culture at United Airlines. But the most impactful was his handling of the cargo division during the COVID meltdown when he marshalled all the forces of the giant airline around his superb understanding of air cargo and its great potential and put the airline to work when the passengers were all at home in lockdown. Standard of the world is what Jan built for United Cargo during COVID with the rest of the airline industry quickly following suit. The payoff of the Krems leadership in cargo post COVID, is what the world of shippers discovered as legions of customers have never gone away. We asked Jan how he views United Cargo’s performance in 2024? What were the high points and challenge? “In 2024, United Cargo’s performance was outstanding, clearly outshining the competition due to our unwavering commitment to quality and excellence. “It’s a bold statement, but it’s one that stands true. “Despite the geopolitical challenges, such as restricted airspace over Russia affecting routes to India, and limitations on flights to Tel Aviv, we’ve navigated these complexities with agility and have still delivered an outstanding year. “One of the most notable high points was our revenue performance, which is a testament to our operational capabilities and customer-centric approach. Speaking of customers, our engagement has been another highlight, particularly the events we’ve hosted, like customer events in Korea and Hawaii, which have strengthened our connections and fostered lasting partnerships. “Looking ahead, the factors propelling our business are many. Our robust fleet, customer relationships, and secured fixed business due to our recognized quality are all pivotal. Despite the ongoing challenges in the Red Sea region and the broader implications of global warming on payload capacities, we are optimistic. The global economy’s growth signals opportunities for network expansion, with new destinations on the horizon. “Our organization is evolving, not just in size but also in how we serve our customers, whether it’s through e-commerce or other ventures. “However, it’s the relationships with our existing customers that remain the cornerstone of our business, and any additional capacity will be leveraged to explore new avenues like e-commerce.” What would you want attendees of the TIACA Forum to take away about United Cargo?  “At
TIACA, the key takeaway I want to impress upon attendees is the resilience
and positive outlook that United Cargo embodies, even amidst global uncertainties.
The business landscape is undoubtedly challenging, with various geopolitical
and environmental factors at play. However, it’s crucial to focus
on the positive strides we’ve made and the strength we’ve drawn
from these adversities.“We believe in the power of positivity and the impact it has on our industry. It’s not just about weathering the storm but also about finding ways to thrive within it. Our message is one of hope and determination. We want to inspire our partners and customers with a can-do attitude that reflects our commitment to excellence, no matter the circumstances. This positive approach is what sets us apart and what we hope every attendee will carry with them long after the event concludes.” What drives you the most? The joy of winning or the fear of losing? “What truly motivates me is the joy of winning. There’s an undeniable thrill that comes with each victory, a sense of accomplishment that fuels my passion for the cargo industry. I don’t harbor a fear of losing because every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. As long as we give our best effort, there’s value in every outcome. Winning is delightful, but even in loss, there are lessons that pave the way to future successes. It’s this positive mindset and continuous pursuit of excellence that drive me and, by extension, drive United Cargo to new heights.” The East Coast strike has been delayed to January. What did we learn from it? And what is your goal to mitigate a possible disruption? “The situation with the dock workers and the potential East Coast strike has been a point of focus for us at United Cargo. Our learning from this is that while we are in the air cargo business, we are also part of a larger ecosystem that thrives on stability and continuity. We don’t wish for disruptions, not just because of the potential short-term gains for air cargo, but because we understand the negative implications it can have on the country’s business landscape as a whole. “Our goal is to mitigate any possible disruption by being proactive and prepared. We are not waiting for such events to unfold but instead are working on strategies to ensure that, should a disruption occur, we can maintain the flow of goods and minimize impact on our customers and the broader economy. It’s a delicate balance, but our priority is clear: we want the country to continue to conduct business without interruption, and we are committed to playing our part in that.” Anything you have to say about 2025 new destinations? “As we look towards 2025, I’m excited about the potential of exploring new destinations. While Mongolia and Nuuk may not be on our cargo route map just yet, they are places that hold a special allure for me personally. My younger son has already expressed his eagerness to visit Mongolia, envisioning adventures like hunting with a bow and arrow. Greenland is another destination that captures the imagination with its vast landscapes and unique culture. “These destinations represent the spirit of exploration and the desire to connect with different parts of the world, which is at the heart of what we do at United Cargo. While these locations are not currently part of our cargo network, they embody the adventurous spirit that drives us to expand our horizons and explore new possibilities. Who knows? In the future, they might just become part of our ever-growing list of destinations as we continue to evolve and meet the needs of our global customers.” How do you deal with capacity shortages, infrastructure constraints, regulatory hurdles, fuel prices, technology disruptions, environmental sustainability? “In response to the many challenges we face, I’d say let’s share a drink, and then sleep on it—sometimes the best solutions come to you when you’re not overthinking at the bottom of a glass.” GDA |
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 When
it comes to the big TIACA ACF trade show in Miami next week, PayCargo that
invented a better way to pay for everybody, and really helps air cargo handle
their money better, now says it has just what you are looking for and can
discover in Booth 951 at the Air Cargo Forum. Additionally an enhanced “how to” presentation you should not miss, where the wunderkind financial resource will debut their Approach to Air Cargo at the TIACA Forum 2024 Spotlight Stage Wednesday, November 13 at 4 PM. “Compliance and risk management are more critical than ever in logistics and especially air cargo,” Mike White advisor to The President said. “With recent global events, companies are re-evaluating their partnerships to ensure every party they work with meets stringent safety and compliance standards. “From our beginnings, PayCargo has prioritized compliance and security in payment systems to support and protect our customers and partners. “We’re thrilled to introduce Gabriela (Gabby) Diaz as our new Vice President of Global Compliance, leading our efforts to take compliance and security to new heights. “At the Wednesday event, Gabby will share insights into the compliance challenges facing logistics today and the key red flags to watch for. “Join her as she shares news you can use about critical challenges to keep your business on top. “Are you confident in your company’s compliance practices? “Do your partners meet licensing and international banking standards? These are make-or-break factors in today’s challenging world,” Mike White said.
PayCargo will feature Todd Pigeon, Maggie Lelutiu, Jonathan Giffin, Juan Dieppa, and the aforementioned Mike White to share all the bells and whistles about their expanded global network and enhanced compliance capabilities. “Drop by Booth 951 and join us for Spotlight Stage Wednesday at 4 pm. “It’s your money we are talking about. PayCargo is here and wants to help,” Mike White assures. |
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They played The World Series of Baseball in America last week. Once upon a time, before the Internet, television and the global village, we Americans believed that the baseball World Series topped the world. Many of us still think that way even at a time when nearly everyone knows that the true World Series of sports happens when soccer (or football, as the rest of the world calls it) plays to determine its best. But things may change, as more American sports are enjoyed the world over. Baseball is a summer game, where watching and rooting for the “Boys of Summer” for the past 100 plus years is best enjoyed during the warm, tee-shirt friendly months and not in late October (and certainly not in early November). In 2024 The World Series of Baseball is fighting for attention. With college and professional (American) football games, soccer tournaments, hockey games, and the coming basketball season happening at the same time, the going is tough for baseball. But for this moment, for me, it’s about baseball. I have loved baseball ever since I heard my father, Franz Joseph Arend, Jr., talk about Joe DiMaggio. We were sitting next to each other one Saturday morning in a tiny barbershop in Toledo, Ohio. It was 1948. It isn’t hard to pick your favorite team when you’re a kid. You simply look up at your father to see which team he’s rooting for, and that’s the team you go with. Baseball leaves a legacy of players and a legacy of fans as well. My Dad loved the Yankees, so I did too. However, my Mother, Eleanor Jane, adored the Brooklyn Dodgers. This might not have been such a problem if we hadn’t moved to New York. Once in New York we split our time between Yankee Stadium in the Bronx and Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, where the Dodgers played. They call Brooklyn “The Borough of Churches” because if you walk ten blocks in any direction you’re bound to find a house of worship. But Brooklyn was once famous for its beloved Brooklyn Dodgers, until the team did the unthinkable and moved from New York City to Los Angeles. I loved both New York ballparks and can still remember the high arc of a baseball hit by Dodgers Duke Snider as it soared over the fence at Ebbets Field onto Bedford Avenue, just as I can still recall sitting in the bleachers (i.e., the “cheap seats”) watching the fluid motion of Edwin “Whitey” Ford, the immaculate, left-handed pitcher for the Yankees. He was so great that a sports writer at the time dubbed him “Chairman of the Board.” Most Dodgers and Yankees fans were not so nice about the other’s team. In truth, the Yankees usually won the big games (and still do), while the Dodgers lost the majority of the time. “Wait ‘til next year!” was the rally cry, as most Brooklyn Dodger seasons ended at the feet of the dreaded N.Y. Yankees. In fact, the Brooklyn Dodgers were best known amongst their fans as “The Bums.” It was meant as an endearment, but the name really stuck because the Dodgers always lost to the Yankees. Fifty years ago, when Brooklyn finally defeated the Yankees in the World Series, The New York Daily News ran a full-page picture of a cartoon bum with the caption: “Who’s A Bum! ” One year, on Mother’s Day, I bought my Mom and family tickets to the Yankees, and we all went off to spend a pleasant May afternoon inside Yankee Stadium. I knew she hated the Yankees, but I also knew that she had to watch my idol, Mickey Mantle, the great center fielder of the Yanks, hit a couple of home runs. There was not much of a reaction from Mom, I’m sorry to say, until the Boston Red Sox Player, Ted Williams, came to bat and rocketed a baseball almost clear out of this universe. My Mother almost fell out of the upper deck as she watched Williams hammer that baseball and round the bases. Baseball fans, I concluded, are seldom charitable. I watched the World Series in bits and pieces this year, mostly because I love the game. Baseball is at its best in the spring and summer, when the sport is in the midst of its 161-game schedule and your team can lose 10-0 one day, only to come back the next with a 3-2 lead. Baseball is great when the rich, dark green loamy grass of the field, rimmed in pink clay, personifies the sense of a perfect July afternoon, when days melt into weeks and months of games yet to be played. Baseball is the palm-ball pitcher Eddie Lopat floating a small white pill ninety feet. Baseball is six foot-ten Randy Johnson unleashing a 100 mph fastball at the batter as the shortstop, left fielder and seven other players shift ever so slightly in anticipation of the batter’s swing. Baseball is lyrical poetry to me, better than any other sport on earth. Despite the salaries and lurid headlines, baseball seems, to me, a kinder, gentler sport. Baseball is also the great American sporting exercise that now includes players from both Latin America and Asia. When the regular season ends, I die a little. Playoffs are great, but baseball is a relaxed center of my life for six months out of every year, not a do-or-die seven game World Series. My Dad used to say, “It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.” He may not have been the first to say it, but when he said it, I believed it. In my life, those words work not only for sports but also for life itself. Every time I say goodbye to baseball, the sports pages seem empty. I vainly search for a scrap of baseball news, but by early November there is nary a word to be coaxed from pages filled with endless hockey, football, basketball and even tennis coverage. At that point I have only Christmas to look forward to, a moment alone in front of the fireplace, admiring the tree and my new baseball book. The countdown begins with late December hopes and dreams of another year. In February pitchers and catchers will report for Spring Training. The regular season in the second month of the year may still be three months away, but like the warmth of the sun my anticipation will burn brighter as the days pass, until the great summer games are renewed on opening day in April. In 2024 just past the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated my New York Yankees in the best of seven World Series. The defeat has been unspeakable let alone writing much about it except to say: “Wait ‘til next year! That’s the eternal slogan at season’ end and marching song of every team in organized sports in the world whose fate somehow missed catching the brass ring championship last season. In baseball as in life, all good things can come again. Geoffrey Arend |
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 Vol. 23 No. 41 The Future At Your Fingertips FIATA President In The Corridors Chuckles for October 10 This BUD Is For You Johan Martin Schröder Matters |
 Vol. 23 No. 42 Lionel van der Walt Goes Digital Chuckles for October 15, 2024 From Nicolette News You Can Use S'More Spohr Takes Wings |
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Publisher-Geoffrey Arend • Managing
Editor-Flossie Arend • Editor Emeritus-Richard Malkin |
Send comments and news to geoffrey@aircargonews.com
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