SWA Cargo 2025 Tells It Like It Is

     If there is one thing that has been a constant at Southwest Airlines (SWA) Cargo or elsewhere it’s fielding top executives that tell it like it is.
     The interview tradition we have noticed over the years at SWA is to have simple straight forward answers to our questions, delivered without uncertainty, whilst these pronouncements are chock ‘o block with determination and hope.
     Air cargo media learned and appreciated straight from the shoulder, right from the heart dialogue from Wally Devereaux, who served as top cargo boss at SWA almost forever, an amazing 23 years at the carrier before retiring earlier this year.
     Positioning that culture, when you think about it, goes back to roots of course, that must include airline founder the great late Herb Kelleher.
     Plain-spoken and right to the point,  you never had to wonder what was on dear Herb’s mind.
     Once during an interview about air cargo Ol’ Herb rolled up his sleeve and revealed with a smile an SWA Cargo Tatoo on his arm.
     Talk about a message guy in words and pictures!
     Now here is Brian Kilburn, SWA head of cargo who, minus “the tats.’ opens the conversation during our brief encounter this week declaring outright:
     “I have been drinking from the fire hose since I moved into this position in April!
     “And while I am loving every second, there is so much to do!”
     Ah, the feeling of fresh air in the room, we are thinking.
     “Was not in Miami Last week,” Brian says,” however members of our Cargo Team were in attendance with bells on because we are all wound-up and ready to go!
      “Southwest Cargo today lives the culture, with an incredible team in place of people, that has not, and am hopeful, will never change,” Brian said.
     “We deliver an extremely reliable product while extending the hospitality, personal relationships, and pride that our customers know and luv.
     “And our network, tail-to-tail connection processes, and attractive drop/recovery times makes shipping with us better than ever,” Brian declared.
     “We intend to grow, and are excited about our roadmap that is unfolding for 2026 and beyond.
     “Southwest Airlines is going through major improvements and investing in our business.
     “A great example is the implementation of bag fees, a hope that, that move will impact air cargo.
     “With that change – as an airline we have seen an expected reduction in the number of checked bags.
     “That is pure opportunity for Cargo (space/weight in the bins), and we want our shipping partners to know that we are on the program to utilize upgraded cargo capacity aboard all of our flights.
     “After taking reins for air cargo in April what struck me most then – and even now – is how tight-knit goes the SWA Cargo family.
     “As example the tenure of our Cargo Employees is incredible.
     “Their professionalism is off the charts.
     “Our people love Cargo, and love each other”, Brian smiled.
     “SWA team members come here to work and stay.
     “They all know each other, their families, their likes and dislikes . . . it is an incredible culture and it is tangible.
     “I am so thankful to be a part of it.
     “As we went through organizational changes in the spring and I moved into cargo, I am also leading the Provisioning and Ground Support Equipment teams at SWA.
     “All three teams have similarities, and all are also very unique, whilst undergoing significant change.
     “Getting it right and implementing fresh tested strategies and laying out future plans are my focus now.
     “What has been surprising in a climate of change is the passion and excitement around unfolding opportunities.
     “The teams are not fearful – they are dedicated and ready for what’s new and for what’s next.
     “It is an exciting environment with energy amd focus.
     “Our future is very much in the air cargo business and to that end we are laser focused on opportunities to provide solid value to our customers, which will include new capabilities.
     “Stay tuned—all us at SWA Cargo believe the best is yet to come,” Brian Kilburn promises.
 Geoffrey Arend

     At The Miami Convention Center as Air Cargo Americas met last week, an unexpected fast-moving cold snap may have lowered temperatures outside, but inside the mammoth Miami Beach arena, the warmth and welcome and great Latin Spirit that is always the signature note of this biennial event continued in 2025.
     Here the logisticians from EMO Trans Inc. USA are pictured as the company founded in Germany in 1965 celebrated its 60th year in business in 2025.
     EMO Trans USA was established in Germany by company founder, Eckart Moltmann (retired), and in the USA in 1972 by (the late) Joachim (Jo) Frigger who opened the first EMO office in North America at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
     Until his passing in 2021, Jo at the helm, becoming CEO and President of EMO Trans, serving for 50 years in total, whilst guiding the company to greatness with the growth and success of the EMO brand in USA that was, and is still today the biggest market in the world.

     Today EMO Trans USA, headquartered in Garden City, New York operates 30 offices where the privately held company employs a  diverse and highly motivated workforce of over 400 top-notch industry experts.
     The EMO Trans contingent at Air Cargo Americas last week included Ray Milian - Branch Manager Miami, (host office); Brett Ullrich - Airfreight Procurement; Carola Dawson -IT Analyst and Tommy Heisley - Airfreight Manager Ocean and Air, all representing EMO Trans USA.
     “Air Cargo Americas was a great show,” Ray Milian enthused.
     “Lots of people, constructive conversations and networking.
     “The cordial welcome vibe at this confab has always been the constant of Air Cargo Americas,” Ray Millian said, adding:
     “The show was fabulous — a great opportunity to connect with peers, vendors, and industry partners.
     “It’s always valuable to exchange ideas face-to-face and gain perspective on current market dynamics, stay in tune with innovations shaping the future of airfreight,” Ray said.
     “EMO Trans is a family-owned global logistics company built on relationships, reliability, and personalized service.
     “We take pride in combining the resources of a worldwide network with the flexibility and responsiveness of a local partner.
     “Our company of logistics specialists continues to deliver a personalized touch and a level of service tailored to each customer’s specific needs.
     “In an environment where many forwarders are becoming increasingly transactional, EMO stands out for our consistency, transparency, and commitment to long-term relationships.”
We wonder what Ray Ray does, when not at a trade show and he leaves no doubt:
     “As Branch Manager of EMO Trans Miami, I oversee day-to-day operations across our region and support our other stations and offices with logistics solutions throughout Latin America.
     “Our focus is on operational excellence, collaboration, and driving sustainable growth for our customers and network partners.
     “Our goal last week,” Ray continued, “at The Miami Convention Center was to further strengthen relationships with our current carriers and partners, while engaging with new ones to create fresh opportunities for collaboration and growth.
     “What we heard from conferees at Miami is some skepticism in the market due to ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
     “Many have noted the absence of the traditional “peak season” surge we’re used to seeing.
     “Still, despite the cautious outlook, there’s a shared sense of resilience and optimism as the industry looks ahead to 2026.
     “Our position is to go the extra distance to make sure everything matches up and really works both ways.”
     “'Success by Performance' is much more than the slogan that has, for years described our close-knit quality driven privately-held company.
     “EMO Trans looks forward to many more years of growth and building quality, no excuses, whilst enhancing Success by Performance Partnerships Worldwide,” Ray Millian concluded.
GDA/SSA