Jason Berry “Mr. Air Cargo” at Alaska Air, for many seasons, got upped last September to Executive Vice President at the Alaska Air Group, Inc. parent company level, while also maintaining his role as President of Horizon Air.
     At the same time, who came along in a puff of smoke, but the cargo pro, Ian Morgan, named Alaska Airlines Vice President of Cargo to lead the charge and nearly 600 employees who make up Alaska Air Cargo.
     But while Ian, who keeps his toothbrush packed and ready to go at once across the wide Pacific or to myriad USA destinations on short notice, Jason while building the team across the board steps back into the spotlight and shares his take on the future of his expanded airline company.
     “Our differentiator are our people,” declares Jason, “whether your freight is flying on Hawaiian or Alaska aircraft, it will be handled by people who truly care about you and your cargo.
     “We’re a people business, and that isn’t changing with this combination.
     “Additionally, our combined network provides exponential opportunities for our customers that simply didn’t exist before.
     “We can connect our customers to the world, and we’re just getting started.
     “One huge unlock with the combined airline is the fact that we can use Alaska’s extensive North American network to link up with Hawaiian’s Pacific widebody operations.
     “Our customers can now move cargo from Asia to some of the largest cargo gateways in North America by air without the need to truck.”

On Challenges As 2025 Continues

     “Our focus is on controlling what we can control.
     “We’re delivering long-term plans that will benefit our customers and our business regardless of any near-term economic impacts.  
     “The one thing I’ve learned in my nearly 30-years in cargo is that we have to be prepared for anything, leveraging nimbleness and adaptability over rigid structures.
     “Our industry from Fairbanks to Fort Lauderdale is never static.
     “Facing challenges must be addressed head on.              
     “Serving remote communities in Alaska and the unique requirements in the Hawaiian Islands makes us naturally more flexible and resourceful than most carriers.
     “Our ability to pivot quickly puts us in a strong position when it comes to dealing with shocks to the industry.  
     “Much like the passenger operation,” Jason Berry said,”the next three years will be transformational for Alaska Air Cargo.
     “We’re launching an international long-haul gateway out of Seattle with initial flights to Tokyo and Seoul, and we couldn’t be more excited to pack those bellies with cargo.
     “We are learning a lot from our new colleagues at Hawaiian about serving these international markets, and I’m confident cargo will be a strong additive to the eventual 12 passenger long-haul destinations from Seattle.”  

In The Air Everywhere 

     “First, let’s dispel right away that as an airline we are just up into the air from the corner of the State of Alaska.
     “Alaska Air Cargo serves 130 destinations across North America, and now, the Pacific Rim.
     “We were forged in the State of Alaska, and we take our responsibility to those communities seriously, but we also can get your freight anywhere you want it to go.
     “Be brave, don’t be afraid to take on new challenges, stay curious, true to yourself, and trust your instincts.”

Who Do You Admire & Why

     “As I get older and now have children of my own, I admire my mother even more and more. As a single parent, she put everything else in life aside for my sister and me. She taught me to work hard and to never give up even when it looks like the odds are against you. This philosophy has worked in business and in life.  
      “I’m naturally an optimistic person. I believe we can achieve remarkable things when everyone is aligned and working together.
     “Sometimes it may appear to be a daunting task, but you can never underestimate the power of a team that is all rowing in the same direction.  

Air Canada Was A Life-Endearing Time

     “My time at Air Canada was thrilling, to be a part of an incredible organization with amazing people. My time within Air Canada is a cherished moment in my life. I forged life-long friendships with amazing people, and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work alongside them.  
     “The return to Alaska Air was easy-peasy, like riding a bicycle.
     “While some names had changed, the culture and core of what makes Alaska Air Group special was still intact and thriving.
     “My biggest surprise was to see how much the company had grown and to learn of the Hawaiian combination made it even more exciting to be part of a company primed and ready to go global.”
Geoffrey Arend