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Recently we were talking about a career that’s basically grown up alongside the modern air cargo market in North America.
Timothy Pfeil is Managing Director North America at ATC Aviation Services, AG.
Timothy joined ATC back in September 2006.
We inquire how he feels reaching a pretty big milestone in 2026 and he said simply:
“Twenty years: It’s a little surreal to say out loud.”
Two decades is a long time anywhere, but in aviation and cargo, where everything changes fast, that’s a real statement.
What’s it like looking back and realizing you’ve been right in the middle of ATC’s growth in North America?
“Honestly,” Timothy said, “I feel fortunate.
“There’s hard work, sure, but there’s also timing, opportunity, and a little bit of fate.
“I came in when the market was evolving, and ATC had the ambition and the model to grow.
“Being able to help build that presence in what I’d still call the biggest market in the world, it’s been an incredible ride.”
ATC today is widely seen as a leading global airline cargo general sales and service agent, a GSSA.
We asked Timothy, when you think about that journey from 2006 to now, what stands out to you most?
“The consistency of the mission,” he said.
“The tools and technology have improved, networks have expanded, and expectations are higher, but the core idea is the same: represent airline partners well, support them, and deliver the kind of service that earns trust.
“Growth is great, but it only matters if your partners and customers feel it in the day-to-day experience,” Timothy Pfeil declared.
We wondered, you’re based in Houston these days, and I’ve heard people say you’ve got that Texas way about you.
Practical, grounded, straight to the point.
Does that influence how you lead, especially when a year like 2026 in business gets a little . . . weird?
“I think it does,” he said.
“Houston’s a place where people solve problems.
“You can’t get too dramatic about things.
“You deal with what’s in front of you, you adjust, and you keep moving. That mindset helps a lot when the year doesn’t go according to plan, which, let’s be honest, happens in this business,” Timothy mused.
This year in particular has felt different for a lot of companies and a lot of leaders.
We ask, when things get challenging, how does Timothy keep his energy up and still have customers happy?
“I’ll give you my favorite line. I’ve never met a problem that I cannot outrun,” Timothy smiled.
That’s such a great mental image. Like the problem is chasing you and you’re just increasing speed.
Timothy points out, “Exactly—it’s not about pretending problems don’t exist. They do. It’s about refusing to get stuck.
“You learn, you pivot, you make the next call, you find the next option.
“If one door closes, you’re already looking for the next way through.”
We note, when you say “keep customers happy,” we’re guessing that starts with not losing sight of who you’re really serving in the ecosystem.
“Our airline partners,” Timothy declares, “are the reason we exist. “That’s not a slogan.
“That’s the truth.
“If we take great care of our airline partners, we can build strong solutions for customers, because everything connects.
“We never forget how important those partnerships are,” Timothy assures.
“All of this means you show up. You communicate clearly. You don’t overpromise. You bring options, not excuses. And you represent their product like it’s your own reputation on the line, because in many ways, it is.
“That’s what a good GSSA does. “You’re the extension of the airline in the market.”
We close by asking Timothy as he heads toward that 20-year mark in 2026, what’s the vibe for him personally? Is it a time to slow down and reflect, or is it more like, Alright, what’s next?
“It’s both,” he said.
“I’m proud of what we’ve built, and I’m grateful to the people I’ve worked with along the way.
“But I’m also focused on the future.
“The industry keeps moving, customer expectations keep rising, and we want to keep earning our place every day.
“For me it’s about appreciating the journey, and then keep going.”
Timothy Pfeil, thanks for taking the time and sharing that perspective—and that line about outrunning problems.
I think a lot of readers are going to borrow that.
Geoffrey |
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