The Air Cargo News Hall of Fame 2017 award has gone to Lise-Marie Turpin, vice president, Air Canada Cargo, who retires from the industry at the end of this month.
Lise-Marie received her trophy by video link at the Air Cargo News' Cargo Airline of the Year awards, held in London.
Lise-Marie led the Canadian carrier out of the global downturn in 2008, shaping it for the future, and introducing a successful freighter partnership with Cargojet in the latter part of 2016.
Turpin was unable to travel to London due to the a demanding handover schedule to her successor Tim Strauss, but received her award in person from Air Cargo News editor Roger Hailey in a recorded ceremony from Montreal.
Accepting her award, sponsored by ground handler dnata, Turpin thanked the team at Air Canada Cargo for its innovative approach to airfreight. “I am extremely touched and honoured for this recognition. I’ve had a wonderful career in the airline industry and wonderful years in the cargo industry.
“I would not be here however, without the team at Air Canada, which has helped me all these years with their passion, energy and their innovative thinking which enabled our ability to move forward in the industry. I am very proud of them and of where the company is today.
Lise-Marie continued: “Also, many thanks to the industry. It has been a fascinating industry: the people that I have met and the friendships which have been established, which I think are unique to this industry. I really appreciated all those moments.
“There will continue to be many challenges over the years ahead but I am certain that the industry will find its way, because it is very resilient and has great people and talent.
“I wish everyone the best and I have every confidence that the industry will do very well. I will miss you so much.”
Below: Hall of Fame award sponsor: Gary Morgan, chief executive, dnata UK
Below: Air Cargo News editor Roger Hailey presenting the award to Lise-Marie Turpin in Montreal
