The Board of Airline Representatives in Germany (BARIG) has added a second chairman to its cargo committee as it looks to expand its focus on freight.
The move will see Jorge Carretero, sales director central Europe at LATAM Cargo, and Thilo Schäfer, director cargo at Condor take on the position of co-chairmen.
“Although airfreight volumes in Germany are almost at 2019 levels, there is still significant potential for growth to be utilised, particularly in the interests of the economy,” said Michael Hoppe, BARIG chairman and executive director.
“I am delighted that with Jorge Carretero and Thilo Schäfer we have two experienced airline and logistics professionals in the lead of our Air Cargo Committee.”
The Air Cargo Committee consists of the BARIG member airlines’ cargo managers. These include more than 30 airlines with their own designated freight divisions as well as around 100 passenger airlines which transport airfreight on the lower deck.
Schäfer said: “Germany continues to be a central hub for global airfreight within the European Union (EU). However, this position should not be taken for granted as it is also under increasing pressure.
“This makes it all the more important to actively further develop the framework conditions in Germany and to sustainably strengthen its competitiveness in the European market.
”I look forward to driving forward future-oriented topics such as automation, digitalisation, and the optimisation of processes together with the BARIG Air Cargo Committee.”
Carretero added: “Logistics and airfreight in Germany are currently being confronted with many issues and challenges that will determine future developments.
“In order to create the best possible processes and framework conditions, we develop innovative and practicable solutions in the committee with the expertise of our international community.”
