United Cargo’s Jan Krems, Awery Aviation Software’s Vitaly Smilianets and cargo.one’s Moritz Claussen were all recognised at the recent TIACA Executive Summit in Hong Kong.
At the event, United Cargo president Krems was inducted into the association’s Hall of Fame. Krems was recognised for his “outstanding leadership”, “unwavering focus” on the customer experience, and “continuous drive for innovation”.
"Under his direction, United Cargo has emerged as the largest U.S. combination carrier by air cargo volume — a testament to his strategic vision and relentless pursuit of excellence,” TIACA said in a press release.
"His influence continues to shape the future of the air cargo industry in meaningful and lasting ways."
Krems added: "This recognition means a great deal to me — not only as a personal milestone after nearly 40 years in this fantastic industry, but because it reflects a journey built with many people, in many places, over many years."
At the same event, Smilianets, founder and chief executive of Awery, scooped the Inspirational Leader Award.
The Inspirational Leader Award honours individuals who have "demonstrated outstanding leadership and vision while playing a key role in nurturing young talent and advancing the air cargo and logistics industry", TIACA said.
The award is judged by a panel of young professionals under 35.
"Smilianets founded Awery Aviation Software with a vision to digitally transform air cargo operations and has since led the company to become one of the most dynamic tech providers in the industry," TIACA said.
"Beyond his achievements in business, he is widely admired for his mentorship, authenticity, and advocacy for digitalisation and transparency."
“I am deeply honoured to receive this award; it reflects not just my personal journey, but the dedicated work of my teams at both Awery and CargoBooking to drive positive change for the industry," said Smilianets.
"We have always believed in the power of technology to move this industry forward, and I am incredibly proud of what my team and I have achieved together so far."
Meanwhile, Claussen, who is co-founder and co-chief executive of cargo.one, scooped the Rising Star Award.
The award recognises outstanding individuals under the age of 35 who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and impact in the air cargo and logistics sector, noted TIACA.
"Claussen co-founded cargo.one with the vision of bringing seamless digital booking and visibility to airfreight, an area long underserved by digital solutions," TIACA said. "Under his leadership, the platform has grown rapidly to become a trusted global partner for airlines and freight forwarders alike."
Claussen added: "The award really belongs to the entire cargo.one team that passionately supports industry participants every day to optimise their digital success.
"I feel grateful to be part of an air logistics industry that is breaking records and redefining standards, and this era of air cargo is surely the most exciting and personally fulfilling ever."
Elsewhere at the event, TIACA presented awards to the winners of the seventh edition of the Air Cargo Sustainability Awards, in partnership with CHAMP Cargosystems.
The winner of the corporate award was Ostend-Bruges Airport, which was recognised for its biodiversity programme — a project that "exemplifies how aviation and environmental stewardship can thrive side by side".
The initiative fosters community engagement by partnering with local governments, farmers, and beekeepers, delivering direct benefits to stakeholders while increasing environmental awareness across the region.
The start-up/small business category was won by Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics for its innovative Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics solution.
