An emotional Ram Menen, who steps down in three months as head of Emirates SkyCargo, summed it up well after delegates paid tribute to his massive lifelong contribution. "In 28 or 29 years, I have kept meeting the same people but with different business cards," Menen said. He was suggesting that, while senior executives switch between companies, fresh input from outside the industry is lacking.
IATA has been displaying posters at airports and events under the slogan "Air cargo makes it happen" to underscore how aspects of everyday life - delivery of essential medicines, flowers, food, the latest electronic business and entertainment gadgetry - depends on aviation. The organization pledged to continue with this campaign, with the idea of reaching out to the public and potential future employees.
"We are the industry that links the factories on one side of the world and shops on the other. We have wonderful stories to tell," said Oliver Evans, chief cargo officer for Swiss International Air Lines.
