Vital Views 1975-2016  

    The year 2016 marks our 41st year in the world of air cargo news reporting—first as Air Cargo News and now as FlyingTypers.
   In 2016 we are fortunate to present the writings of the 102-year-old Richard Malkin, who remains the first air cargo reporter in history (circa 1942) and now serves as FlyingTypers' Senior Editor.
     Here Richard recalls the views of executives over the four decades.

Michelle DeFronzo, principal, IMEX Cargo, explained: “A general sales agent is an extension of the airline. In order to make the relationship a success both has to work in partnership as a strategic alliance with the carrier focusing on shared expectations, communications, joint marketing efforts and accountability.”

Dieter Alheit, CEO, Union Transport GmbH and vice president, German Freight Forwarders Association, stated: “By now it should be clear that the ups and downs in export and import tonnage occasionally make business rather troublesome—especially as trends in freight tonnage are not predictable, despite the most painstaking market observations. Quite a lot depends on political and economic developments throughout the world.”

Guenter Eser, director general, International Air Transport Association , on a new era of change: “The motor of this change is embedded in a pair of interlinked factors. The first of these is the impact of automation on shipping by air; the second, a virtual revolution in product marketing, stimulated by the dramatic rise of the various express services.”

Kazoo Kumagai, president, K.K. Hazardous Materials Services, Inc., suggested: “More government regulation should be directed toward the shippers from whom cargoes originate. However, it is good to see that certain forwarders begin to check the valid handling certificates of their shippers before they received their shipments. There must be teamwork among the shippers, forwarders, and airlines in order to achieve the safe transport of dangerous goods. Of these groups, the shippers play a primary role. They must recognize this role and prepare themselves accordingly.”