Des Vertannes inducted to TIACA’s Hall of Fame

Air cargo veteran Des Vertannes has been inducted into TIACA’s Hall of Fame.
Vertannes has been honoured in recognition that he fostered and led industry collaboration in e-freight, cargo security, and handling, initiated the Global Air Cargo Advisory Group (GACAG) and pushed to modernise the relationship between airlines and forwarders over a career spanning close to five decades.
During his tenure as head of cargo for IATA between 2010 and 2014, Vertannes set the industry the challenge of reducing transit times by 48 hours to “ensure customers paying the premium air transport price consistently received a premium service”.
“The Chairman’s Council selected Des for his unwavering commitment to the development and recognition of the air cargo industry and its impact on global trade,” said Oliver Evans, Chair of TIACA’s Chairman’s Council.
“His dedication, perseverance, visionary thinking, and inspiring leadership have made a profound and lasting impact on our industry. Des is also known for forging and growing friendships right across the industry, that last to this day.”
Vertannes began his career with British Airways in 1970, holding several management positions before setting up his own forwarding business in 1984, and then joining Air Canada as General Manager, Cargo in 1991.
He was chief executive with Air Menzies International, managing director at Menzies World Cargo and was Head of Cargo at Gulf Air and then Etihad Airways before joining IATA.
A year after retiring from IATA, Des became a Strategic Advisor to cloud-based IT cargo management provider, SmartKargo.
The TIACA Hall of Fame honors air cargo professionals who have played a role in the progress of aviation and have helped to shape and grow the industry.
Past winners have included James ‘Jim’ Jackson, a driving force behind the standardization of Aircraft Unit Load Devices (ULD), and Sir Peter Masefield, the former Managing Director of British European Airways and Chairman of the British Airports Authority and London Transport.
“It is wonderful to know Des in his professional capacity and even more pleasant to have him as a friend,” said Vladimir Zubkov, Secretary General, TIACA. 
“I met Des shortly after he joined IATA when he responded to an invitation from Volga-Dnepr to come to the first air cargo conference in Moscow. His statements were very professional and his vision inspired. 
“His ability to speak clearly about complicated problems, trends, and requirements was really impressive and his soft and reassuring manners made him very approachable. He made many friends then and continued doing so all over the world. Des has a wonderful ability to make friends. 
“I am delighted that the air cargo industry, through its senior and most respected representatives bestowed this prestigious award on Des and congratulate my friend warmly.”
TIACA’s Executive Summit takes place at the Turnberry Isle Resort & Golf Club in Miami, Florida, US from October 18-20.
“Des is truly deserving of this prestigious award. I have known him for many years, his ability to cast a vision and get people to rally behind it has been commendable,” said Sanjiv Edward, Chairman, TIACA.
“The air cargo industry needs leaders with an unstinted commitment to promote air cargo and Des is one of the few leaders who have passionately pursued this cause.
“My sincere congratulations to Des; it is a pleasure to have him join TIACA’s Hall of Fame.”

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Air Cargo News

Air Cargo News
Established in 1983, Air Cargo News is the leading source of news, information, interviews, analyses and reports to the global airfreight industry. Our leading portfolio includes print, digital and events that give businesses in the airfreight industry the ability to connect with decision-makers in this sector.