Lindsay Fox, Author at Atlas Air Worldwide

The aviation industry is poised for significant growth. According to a report published by Boeing, long-term demand for newly qualified aviation personnel is strong: 649,000 new pilots, 690,000 new maintenance technicians and 938,000 new cabin crew members will be needed to fly and maintain the global commercial aviation fleet over the next 20 years.

In response to this demand, Atlas’ Workforce Development team has built important partnerships and participated in a variety of events around the country with universities to recruit our future workforce.

“Spring and fall are the seasons for heavy recruiting,” said Leisa Spears Snyder, Director of Workforce Development. “In addition to looking for talent to fill our Pathway to Success program, we are also looking for candidates for our summer internship program.”

“As two of our core values, Safety and Innovation naturally play a large role in everything we do at Atlas.” Leisa noted, “We need to think innovatively about pathway development with an eye on safety and these schools boast strong aviation programs with a concentration of safety-related curriculum. We also work with the schools to provide experiential learning for students that engages them in real world industry experience.”

On March 13, the Atlas team attended a career fair at Vaughn College in New York. Along with Lesia, Atlas Chief Pilot and 767 Captain Oscar Mendoza and Talent Acquisition Crew Specialist Karina Guevara were on hand to provide information about the Company and answer questions from students.

“We are fortunate to have hundreds of Vaughn graduates among our workforce,” said Leisa. “Vaughn College and Atlas also share a common commitment to diversity. Vaughn serves a diverse student body of about 1,300 students who are 80% minority, consisting mostly of first-generation Americans and first-generation college students. The Vaughn College team does a phenomenal job of removing barriers for students and creating equitable access to education.”

In May 2023, Vaughn joined Atlas’ University Pipeline Program, where Atlas Air recruits, trains and hires qualified graduates of Vaughn College.

The following week, the Atlas team headed to Florida for the Embry Riddle Spring Career Expo to meet and recruit future pilots.

747 Captain Robert Scheulen, 737 First Officer Wes Atteberry and 737 First Officer Cade Kennemer represented Atlas at a pilot networking event where they connected with students.

The pilots offered a unique perspective as Captain Scheulen and FO Atteberry are Embry Riddle alums. First Officers Atteberry and Kennemer are also both recent graduates of the Atlas Air University Pilot Pathway to Success program.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to get to talk with so many people who are enthusiastic about the aviation,” industry said Captain Scheulen. “We have grown so much since our early days of just one or two people standing at a small table representing Atlas. We have representatives from across the Company – including senior leaders – actively engaging with the Embry Riddle student body. This bolsters our recruiting efforts significantly. Atlas offers so many career paths within aviation and we are focused on communicating that to the students.”

In addition to the pilot event, Atlas hosted a table at the career expo, staffed by Travis Hall, Director, Tech Ops; Jeff Taylor, Talent Acquisition Specialist and Leisa Spears Snyder.

Atlas was a proud sponsor of Purdue Aviation Day (PAD), which took place on April 13. Organized exclusively by student leaders within Purdue University’s School of Aviation & Transportation Technology, PAD brings the industry and the community together in one big celebration of aviation.

The career expo, where Atlas was an exhibitor, provided students and local community members the chance to engage with industry professionals, gaining valuable insights into various career paths within aviation.

The event included numerous static aircraft displays, offering an up-close look at commercial, general aviation and military aircraft.

On site for Purdue Aviation Day were Atlas team members Brad Hubbard, Senior Structures Engineer; Chris Grable, Chief Pilot; Leisa Spears Snyder; First Officer and Purdue Alum Lauren Purnell; Sermo Barracks, Senior Manager of Reliability and Chris Jarvis, Talent Acquisition Specialist.

As the largest provider of military passenger and cargo airlift globally to U.S. service members, our commitment to the military extends beyond the missions Atlas Air operates. We actively recruit and are a significant employer of former members of the military, including many of our pilots, logistics team, ground crew personnel and members of our management team.

The DAV is dedicated to empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. Its Patriot Employer Program celebrates those employers who demonstrate by their employment policies, hiring practices and community outreach a “commitment to helping disabled veterans, military members and their families find meaningful employment opportunities.”

Evaluation criteria includes the strength of the company’s veteran recruiting and hiring efforts, retention and career-building initiatives, and company policies toward disabled veteran employees. Patriot Employers receive a digital badge to signal to clients, employees and potential hires that they value America’s veterans and what they bring to the workplace.

“The DAV is recognized widely throughout the military and veteran communities for the work they do and the services they provide,” said Chris. “I am confident that our selection as a Patriot Employer will further strengthen our reputation among service members, an important talent demographic.”

Michael Steen was a featured guest on Bloomberg Asia this week while in Hong Kong for the World Cargo Symposium, IATA’s largest event ever with 1,900 executives in attendance. Michael spoke with Bloomberg News reporters Annabelle Droulers and Haidi Stroud-Watts live from the Bloomberg studio for this robust interview about the recovery of air freight. See full interview here.

Michael provided expert commentary on macro environment topics ranging from air freight market growth, rise in cross-border eCommerce, and supply chain disruptions (Suez Canal). Throughout the interview, Michael delivered excellent message points about Atlas, including our robust customer mix, diversified business model, joint ventures with DHL (Polar) and Bain (Titan), fleet strategy and general growth plans.

Michael noted that “after a very turbulent 2023 when demand dropped significantly, the market has bounced back, and we’re basically year over year 20% better.”

Driving the demand, according to Michael, is the structural change in demand with e-commerce – the shift from B2B to B2C. And particularly in China.

“China itself represents about 30% of global air freight, so that shows the importance that China has on the global economy.”

Michael also addressed questions on the impact of geopolitical tensions. He explained that with operations in around the world, there will always be some kind of disruptions to navigate yet Atlas has remained resilient and well-positioned due to diversification – both geographically and service-wise.

Michael also spoke with Bloomberg’s print editor Danny Lee, and that coverage can be found here. (Bloomberg subscription needed to access article)

The World Cargo Symposium has provided the ideal platform to share our Atlas story and build our reputation as a leader in outsourced aviation logistics, with both the industry audience as well as the broader global audience.

Captain Bob Chisholm has worked with Atlas for over 30 years. After retiring from flying in 2014, he joined Atlas’ Miami Training Center as an instructor. Bob is now part of the HR team and interviews prospective new pilots.

I started with Atlas in June of 1993 and was one of Atlas’ first pilots. I was hired to fly the first aircraft Atlas had at the time, the 747-200 “Classic,” along with retired Captain Grant Kasischke, who now works on the Support Flight Ops team in the Chief Pilot’s office.

As a child, my father worked in the oil industry and spent a lot of time traveling abroad. At seven years old, I accompanied him on a business trip and flew on a Boeing 377 Stratocruiser for the first time. The plane had a spiral staircase that led to a lower bar and lounge. I snuck down and could see my dad singing songs with passengers as the blue of the Pacific Ocean showed through a window. This moment had a profound impact on me and I knew immediately I wanted to have a career in aviation.

My parents lived all over the world due to my father’s job – Japan, Pakistan and Sweden. My brother and I remained in the States to attend school, but traveled back and forth every Christmas vacation and during the summer. Flying was a luxury and I loved every moment of those flights.

Once I was older, I joined the Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). I was in the Air Force for 22 years where I flew Boeing’s 707 out of Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. I wasn’t sure I was ready to retire from the Air Force but a colleague of mine had gone to fly for Atlas and loved it. I decided to pursue the opportunity. I interviewed on a Thursday and began my career with Atlas the following Monday.

From my grandmother’s front lawn in Long Island, New York, we could see beautiful Boeing 707s flying into Idlewild Airport (now John F. Kennedy International Airport). I was already passionate about aviation but watching those planes land reinforced my interest in becoming a pilot.

I always loved flying our troops back home from various deployments from around the world. During those flights, as soon as we’d enter U.S. airspace, I’d make an announcement and welcome the troops back home to America. You could hear the cheers from the plane from the flight deck.

I’ve also gotten to see some great sights over the years. One in particular was during a flight from Belgium to Nigeria in Africa, which took us straight down the middle of the Sahara Desert. I recall seeing the incredible land of dust and sand, with nothing prominently visible in any direction for hundreds of miles. After a while, we could see ahead to the tops of thunderstorms just below the horizon in the rainforest of the Republic of the Congo. As we flew south, those tops rose higher and higher on the windscreen. It was truly an amazing sight to see massive thunderstorms over a tropical rainforest while flying over one of the driest regions on earth

I’ve flown Formula One race cars; fish from Chile; asparagus from Peru and flowers from Ecuador and Colombia. Flying for Atlas gives a person tremendous job satisfaction.

What is your favorite part about being an Atlas Pilot? What made you want to come back after retirement?

I retired from flying in 2014 and am now in my ninth year working with the Training Department and Human Resources teams. I work with many Atlas retired pilots, many of whom have been here since the early days.

I’ve absolutely enjoyed my time flying for Atlas. When I started with the Company, I was coming into the ground floor of a new venture. I helped write the Company’s Flight Ops manual 31 years ago. I knew our first CEO Michael Chowdry. He was outstanding in leading our Company. He took the time to meet and spend time with crew members from all around the world. Michael cared about his employees and in my opinion, laid the groundwork for today’s focus on the employee experience.

I consider the pilots at Atlas to be the best pilots in the world. We have the best ground staff too. I didn’t want to retire as a pilot but I love my job now with the hiring department and I plan to stay as long as I can.

I’ve been playing chess for about 65 years and my goal is to someday beat my seven-year-old granddaughter.

Black History Month is an annual celebration that highlights the accomplishments of the Black and African American community and acknowledges their pivotal role in shaping U.S. history. Throughout February, as part of our observance of Black History Month, InsideAtlas will be featuring the stories of our Black colleagues throughout the Company. This week, we invite you to get to know First Officer Wryan Bailey.

Tell us about your journey to Atlas. How did you get here, how long have you been at the Company?

I started my aviation career as an OH-58D Kiowa Warrior Army Helicopter Pilot. When I got out of the Army, I transported workers to and from the oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. During that time, I bought my first airplane to facilitate my personal transportation to the Gulf – my work schedule was two weeks on, two weeks off. I then went from flying Bell 407s to a type-rated captain in the King 350, flying overseas; eventually upgrading to the DeHavilland-8 series aircraft flying in various parts of the world. After a stint in Afghanistan, I wanted a job which would allow me to be home more often. I always wanted to fly freight, and I had two dear friends already flying for Atlas. So, it was a natural step and has turned into a final landing spot for me. I have been flying for Atlas for going on 3 years.

What’s your favorite part about working in aviation? And what is your favorite part about your job?

My favorite part about working in aviation is the vastness of it. There are so many different styles of flying and careers in general in the aviation field. Seeing various parts of the world, meeting all kinds of people, and still having time for family and my hobbies are what I love about being an aviator; and particularly being in this job.

You will be judged by your steep turns from here on out.” A DPE gave me this advice while testing for my helicopter ATP. It has turned out to be true and critical in my career – it helped me get a job recommendation on the spot.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their career in aviation?

Take your time. Yes, the airlines are great, and you can be in the right seat at any carrier in two years. Go learn to fly. Get a job for a season in Alaska or fly floats in the Bahamas. Explore a little and learn in different environments. You might find a corporate gig being home every night is a better life than just chasing the title of Captain at some major line.

Hunting and conservation are not just passions, but obsessions. Deer, ducks, turkey, raccoon… you name it. I enjoy being President of the Nashville Sportsman Club to support my passion and the hunting community in Middle Tennessee.

Being a Black American, every month and day has meaning to me. It is significant because I can trace my lineage back to slavery. The sacrifices my ancestors made back then I still carry with me today. My ancestors bought land after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. My family still owns that land today. I proposed to my wife on that land. I hunt on that land. My children, the 6th generation, play and learn about conservation and how to farm on that land.

In Maya Angelou’s poem “Still I Rise,” “I am the dream and the hope of the slave.” Knowing what my ancestors went through, being a 747 First Officer and newly selected member of the training department of Atlas Air, I know I am a living presence of their wildest imaginations and dreams.

I hope I inspire others, especially youth, to think of the past as fuel to accomplish their dreams, to make their ancestors proud.

The care – from a simple sick call-out to a major home emergency while you are in Incheon.

A team of seven Purdue University Aviation students recently spent two weeks in the Miami Training Center (MIATC) gaining real-world experience as part of their capstone project – defining problems and designing solutions.

The students worked on four projects within the MIATC: Pilot Hiring Data Analytics, Flight Operations Master Calendar, Jet Transition and Atlas Air Writing Style Guide. Each team had 20 minutes to present their findings to Flight Ops leadership.

“The capstone project, established as an integral component of Purdue’s Aviation Program, reinforces the significant contributions future talent can make on a well-established organization, such as Atlas,” said Leisa Spears-Snyder, Director of Workforce Development, Talent Acquisition. “Collaboration like this, between industry and education, is essential for the development of the industry pipeline.”

Atlas 777 First Officer Lauren Purnell and Captain John Schumacher are both Purdue Alumni and were instrumental in making this program happen.

“I’m so incredibly proud of what these students accomplished in just under two weeks,” said Lauren. “We gave them four challenging projects, with very lofty goals. Not only did they complete the projects, but they greatly exceeded our expectations with their deliverables. I hope this is the start of their professional journey with Atlas — we would be lucky to have any one of these students join the Company.”

“My experience at Atlas Air was a truly unique and unparalleled opportunity that left an unforgettable mark on my professional journey,” said Kyle Choi, one of the Purdue students who took part in the program. “The unique atmosphere and dynamic environment at Atlas Air provided me with insights and skills that have significantly contributed to my personal and career growth. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of such a remarkable experience. I am confident I will carry the lessons learned at Atlas Air with me throughout my future endeavors.”

Black History Month is an annual celebration that highlights the accomplishments of the Black and African Americans community and acknowledges their pivotal role in shaping U.S. history. Throughout February, as part of our observance of Black History Month, InsideAtlas will be featuring the stories of our Black colleagues throughout the Company. This week, we invite you to get to know Leslie Ann Reece.

Tell us about your journey to Atlas/Polar. How did you get here and how long have you been at the Company?

I am from Trinidad and Tobago. I immigrated to the United States with the goal of becoming a pilot one day. I started out working for one of Atlas’ service vendors and eventually, I moved over to Atlas Ground Ops. I was hired as a station rep and then I was promoted to supervisor, then assistant manager. Shortly after, I was promoted to Station Manager for JFK for Polar.

What is your favorite part about working in aviation? And, what is your favorite part about your job?

Atlas is such a diverse company. You get to meet people from all over the world. We all put our ideas together and work as one. I always say, ‘There is no ‘I’ in team.’ We all pick up the slack.

As the station manager and as a woman, I love that I get to boss all the guys around. LOL.

As a female in this industry, the best advice I’ve received is to never undermine the power of what a woman can do. Always stay focused and do what you need to do. If there is something you want, stay focused and go for it!

So many people I have met in this industry have encouraged me, I have lots of support and connections, especially with women in the industry.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their career in aviation?

I would tell someone to stay curious and be committed to learning. The aviation industry is vast, and it continues to evolve. There are so many opportunities to learn. Be your own cheerleader! Push yourself and use all the tools you have. There is a lot to learn, keep going. Work hard, play harder!

It is just a thrill for me to see where I am now! I have so many role models like Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman to hold a pilot’s license. She is such an inspiration to me, as are the groundbreaking achievements of the Tuskegee Airmen, the African American military pilots who fought in World War II. I like to know that I can be a role model to someone coming up in the industry.

Black History Month means a lot to me. It all goes back to the Black aviators I mentioned before who paved the way. This month shows us that no matter your color or race, you can put your mind to something and accomplish it. I hope this month represents that we are all the same, no matter our color. If we both have cuts, we both bleed.

I have loved my job since my first day! When I was a little girl, my friends were playing with dolls, and I was playing with airplanes. I love that I have a job in aviation. Sometimes I get emotional that I am not the one flying the planes, but I think one day I will take flying lessons. I know I would be great at it!

Each year, starting in January, air cargo volumes blossom with tonnes of flowers taking flight to be presented as bouquets. Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest holidays of the year for florists and the weeks leading up to this holiday are one of Atlas’ busiest peak seasons. In the United States, 80% of flowers imported are from Colombia.

This year, there’s more love in the air, when it comes to Atlas’ operation. On January 17, Atlas began operating a 767 filled with flowers out of José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) and into Miami International Airport (MIA).

“This was a logical next step for us,” said Arian Castellanos, Senior Manager Ground Ops Systems and Technical Solutions. “We’ve always had a strong presence flying flowers out of Bogotá, which is the largest market interms of volume. Expanding our Colombia operation into Medellín, the second largest flower market in Colombia, ensures we can meet the demand.”

Frank Diaz, Senior Director Sales and Marketing added, “Bogotá produces mostly roses, but Medellín is a warmer climate, which provide different kinds of flowers like carnations and peonies. We used to take flowers from Medellín, pack them on a truck and ship them to Bogotá to fly to Miami but with the addition of this route, we can fly them out of Medellín, which saves time and allows them to arrive fresher.”

The 767 is also a new fleet type for our South America Operation and came at good time to serve Atlas’ flower peak.

“With our flower flights from Bogotá, we fly a 747,” said Frank. “Since Medellín is a smaller market, with less volume, we are able to leverage our 767. It’s exciting to bring in a new fleet type into the region as well serve a new market.”

In addition to creating a new market, the route has also grown the import business into Miami.

“Previously, we were importing flowers from Quito and Bogotá to Miami,” said Arian. “The expansion into Medellín increases our flights into the station and we now operate five flights a week on this route.”

“We are committed to this market,” said Frank. “Mother’s Day (in May) is our next peak and although the volume will drop after that, we will continue to fly flowers from Medellín. We are committed to meet the demand of the Colombian market and maintain our presence year-round.”

Key participants who made this route possible include Jorge Rosales, Senior Director of Security PAX, Latin America, Santiago Char, Atlas Air Station Manager in Bogotá and our local sales staff in Colombia.

Tell us about your journey to Atlas. How did you get here and how long have you been at the Company?

My journey to Atlas started in 2007, when I was working on 747 freighters for Evergreen Eagle and an industry colleague suggested that I apply to be a Flying Loadmaster with Southern Air. I was hired and over the next seven years with Southern Air, I learned how to overcome all kinds of challenges that can arise through loading and offloading 777 and 747 freighters. When Atlas bought Southern Air, I had an opportunity to return home to my family, so here I am today, working as a Loadmaster for the best and greatest freighter company in the United States – Atlas Air.

What is your favorite part about working in aviation? And, what is your favorite part about your job?

My favorite part of working in aviation is that no two days are the same. And it’s never boring – there are a myriad of challenges on a daily basis – from oversize freight, floating Unit Load Devices (ULD) and much more. When it comes to my job, I love the challenge of figuring out how to position the ULDs to balance out the aircraft.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? When in doubt, always ask questions. And when it comes to inspecting the aircraft, be thorough and keep safety top of mind. What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their career in aviation? Learn everything that is related to your job, and then learn all you can about the aircraft and the people that service the aircraft. What are some things you’re passionate about? Being able to share my knowledge with loadmasters and ground staff that are just starting out with Atlas. What does Black History Month mean to you? Black History Month is every month to me, I am always promoting self-respect and respect for all. What do you love most about working at Atlas?

The collegial atmosphere that JFK management has cultivated for me, and my colleagues is fantastic. Management is always promoting teamwork. The work we do is stressful and knowing that I can count on my team for support is very reassuring. At JFK, I know and believe, it takes a team.

Atlas Air, official sponsor and travel charter partner to the Miami Dolphins, recently invited Dolphins offensive lineman Robert Hunt to take his skills off the field and into the flight deck to experience what it takes to be a pilot. Fans can watch Hunt as he swaps his cleats for wings in a special behind-the-scene feature, released today.

Hunt joined Atlas Air 747 Fleet Captain Thomas Vize and 747 Captain Joe Masone, in one of Atlas’ 747 flight simulators to learn flying fundamentals, from takeoff to landing. The experience blended the worlds of aviation and sport, two professions that both require an immense amount of training, focus and execution.

“It’s always our great pleasure to fly Rob and his teammates as our passengers, and now we had the amazing experience to fly alongside Rob in our 747 training simulator,” said Captain Vize. “It was incredible to see how much our crew has in common with professional football players. Rob works with his team in one of the most challenging environments, running play after play with a high level of success and safety. Same here at Atlas, where our core value is Safety and we fly over 60,000 flights a year to deliver for our customers. It takes a team to win, both on the field and in the skies.”

Atlas is proud to fly the Miami Dolphins throughout the football season around the US and internationally, transporting more than 150 players, coaches and support staff along with their luggage, equipment and cargo in Atlas’ custom VIP Boeing 747-400.

The Distinguished Employer Award is presented to a company in the aviation industry that has demonstrated an overall commitment to the students of Vaughn College in the following ways:

The company’s dedication to education through internship programs
The continued commitment to the hiring of Vaughn College graduates
Financial contributions to the college in support of The Fund for Vaughn College, Scholarship programs.
Financial support towards student run initiatives such as the Student Leadership Society, The Student Experience Fund, a specific club or organization and continued support towards further advancing diversity as stated in our Core Values.

Atlas has a proud and long-standing partnership with Vaughn and has worked with the institution on various programs including; the University Pipeline program, sponsoring their golf fundraising event, attending their annual galas, and hosting Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo, President of the college, as a speaker with the Atlas Air Worldwide Women’s Network for an International Women’s Day event.

Located in Queens, N.Y., Vaughn College is adjacent to LaGuardia Airport. Many members of the Atlas family across the organization were able to attend the reception including LaVerne Bowman, Vivian Cordero, Julia Crupi, Katia DeLoose, Sara Felder, Shelby Hodgson, Leisa Spears-Snyder, Heili Springsteen and Miyako Tomimasu.

Leisa Spears-Snyder, Director of Workforce Development, Talent Acquisition, and Sara Felder, Vice President, Associate General Counsel accepted the award on behalf of Atlas.

“I was honored to represent Atlas at the reception,” said Sara. “We have such a wonderful partnership with the college. Ten percent of our workforce in our New York office are Vaughn College graduates with even more working in other offices. Several of our employees are now teaching at Vaughn and countless more have mentored Vaughn students over the years. This month, we launched our first external mentorship program, where our colleagues serve as mentors to Vaughn College students.”

Said Leisa, “Our partnerships with top tier aviation programs are invaluable in creating equitable access to opportunities within Atlas for underrepresented groups. Vaughn College has done a fabulous job maximizing collaborations to ensure opportunities for their students, many of whom are first generation college and minority students. In May of 2023, Vaughn joined our Pilot Pathways to Success program. It’s truly an honor to work with them.”

Check out photos from the event below:

Spending years as a combat Army medic meant trauma was a part of Thomas’ daily life. His return to civilian life was marred by post-traumatic stress disorder. Thomas was anxious, depressed and withdrawn. He felt worthless and thought about suicide all the time.

Sadly, many of United States veterans struggle similarly to Thomas. Every day, approximately 20 Veterans die by suicide and K9s For Warriors is working to change that. As the largest provider of military passenger and cargo airlift globally to U.S. service members, our support for U.S. service members, veterans and their families extends beyond each mission through partnerships such as the one we have with K9s For Warriors.

In keeping with our commitment to improving the lives of others, Atlas closed out 2023 with a significant donation of $30,000 to K9s For Warriors. This was part of a matching campaign that was promoted on Instagram, featuring Thomas with his service dog Titan, an Atlas-sponsored dog, and Gary Wade, Senior Vice President, Security. In this Instagram video, details on the match campaign were provided, along with Gary’s insight into Atlas’ commitment to K9s for Warriors, “There’s nothing that makes you feel better than giving – that’s what it’s all about – and that is ingrained in the Atlas ethos. That’s what we believe in.”

“K9s for Warriors helped me be the father I needed to be for my children and the husband I needed to be for my wife…K9s gave me the gift of the life I wanted to live again.

“All that was made possible from the generous support of Atlas Air. Atlas has gone above and beyond to make sure not only my life has been saved…but that I’m thriving in this new life. They have gone above and beyond to help other warriors as well and pair them with service dogs.”

At the end of the one day campaign, funds raised plus Atlas’ contribution totaled just shy of $60,000.

“That is the cost for us to pair two Warriors with their Service Dogs,” explained Carly Braun, Development Manager, Corporate Partners. “Or it covers about ten Warriors’ needs during their 21-day, residential training with us. It also equals 150 Warrior K9 essential packs to get the veterans started caring for their dogs. As you can see, there are multiple ways to say, major impact. We are so grateful to Atlas for their support.”

To date, Atlas has sponsored three service dogs – Atlas, Titan and Polar – who have been matched with Warriors Zoe, Thomas and Joey respectively. For those interested in supporting K9s For Warriors, please click here.

Today, our Company announced it has taken delivery of a Boeing 777 Freighter, which we will operate on behalf of our customer MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA. Under the previously announced long-term ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, insurance) agreement, we are now operating four 777 Freighters on a global basis for MSC, enabling MSC to expand its reach and capacity for its customers. The inaugural 777F was delivered in November 2022, with the second and third 777Fs being delivered in July and November 2023, respectively.

This aircraft will complement the existing weekly service, including a route from Hong Kong (HKG) to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW).

“The delivery of this fourth 777 Freighter that we are operating for MSC marks an incredibly exciting milestone of our long-term strategic partnership,” said Richard Broekman, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Sustainability, Atlas Air Worldwide. “We value our partnership and look forward to building upon our relationship with MSC as the company continues to grow its air cargo solution for its customers.”

“This latest 777 Freighter delivery represents a pivotal moment and significant milestone for our company as it marks the completion of our first set of aircrafts in partnership with Atlas Air. This new and enhanced fleet will empower us to elevate our offering, ensuring enhanced support for our valued clients and a stronger presence in the market” said Anders Matikka, Vice President, Air Cargo, MSC.

The 777 Freighter is the longest range and most capable twin-engine freighter flying, known for its high reliability, fuel efficiency and lower maintenance and operating costs. It has a range of 4,970 nautical miles (9,200 km) and a maximum structural payload of 235,900 pounds (107 tonnes). The 777 Freighter also meets quota count standards for maximum accessibility to noise‑sensitive airports around the globe.

Awards are given in seven different categories and winners are selected through a combination of member voting and deliberations by the industry adjudication panel. Atlas Air was named Cargo Charter Operator of the Year, triumphing over a select group of competitors, each known for excellence in this challenging and dynamic segment of the air cargo business.

Graham Perkins, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, EMEIA attended the awards ceremony and said, “I was very proud to receive this award on behalf of our Atlas Air Global Charter Sales Team – a group of outstanding professionals dedicated to our customers!”

This is the third of four Boeing 777 Freighters that Atlas Air will operate for MSC, which will complement the existing weekly service and add an additional route from Hong Kong (HKG) to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW). The fourth aircraft is expected to be delivered later this year.

“The delivery of this new 777 Freighter is a proud moment for Atlas and testament to our long-term strategic partnership with MSC,” said Richard Broekman, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Sustainability, Atlas Air Worldwide. “We are proud to support the ongoing expansion of MSC’s air cargo solution by providing additional speed, flexibility and reliability to their existing network. We look forward to this third 777 Freighter entering into service for MSC, and will welcome the arrival of the fourth later this year.”

“This latest 777 Freighter delivery accounts for a strategic addition to our MSC Air Cargo fleet, enabling us to address the market’s constantly changing demands and reinforcing our commitment to enhancing trade connections for our clients. We are driven by innovation and bound to keeping up with digital transformation while offering air freight of top-quality services worldwide,” said Jannie Davel, Senior Vice President, Air Cargo, MSC.

MSC enters the air cargo industry with the longest range and most capable twin-engine freighter flying, known for its high reliability, fuel efficiency and lower maintenance and operating costs. The 777 Freighter has a range of 4,970 nautical miles (9,200 km) and a maximum structural payload of 235,900 pounds (107 tonnes). The 777 Freighter also meets quota count standards for maximum accessibility to noise‑sensitive airports around the globe.

Invests in Modern, Fuel-Efficient Aircraft to Serve Long-Term Airfreight Demand Growth

Today, our Company announced it has ordered two new Boeing 777 Freighters driven by ongoing strong customer demand for dedicated large widebody airfreight capacity, particularly for cross border e-Commerce shipping.

The two new 777 Freighters, which were booked earlier this quarter, are expected to be delivered in the second half of 2024. This strategic investment underscores the Company’s commitment to growing its 777F platform, and for providing leading-edge aircraft and service offerings to its customers, as well as creating more long-haul flying opportunities for its pilots.

As previously announced, the Company most recently ordered four 777 Freighters in 2021, which are placed on a long-term ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, insurance) agreement with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA. Three of these aircraft have been delivered, with the fourth 777 expected to be delivered in December 2023.

“We are excited to add these aircraft to our leading world-class fleet. These come at a time when retirements of older widebody freighters will significantly increase and when the introduction of new widebody freighter capacity will be limited. We have a deep pipeline of prospective customers interested in these 777 Freighters, and we’re confident in our ability to place them under long-term agreements,” said Michael Steen, Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide.

Mr. Steen added: “We have a strong and resilient business model that is highly diversified, with strong support from our investment partners, which combined with our unique market position will allow us to deliver our strategic growth plan.

This investment is consistent with our disciplined approach to capital allocation and meets our strict return guidelines for investing in aircraft. We anticipate this transaction will drive strong earnings and cash flow for Atlas, while providing value to our customers.”

The investment also serves as a testament to Atlas’ commitment to environmental stewardship. These new 777 Freighters – the highest payload and longest-range twin-engine freighter – deliver high reliability with less fuel use, a reduction of emissions, and a smaller noise footprint.

“We value our long-standing relationship with Atlas Air as the carrier expands its fleet and strengthens its position as one of the world’s leading air cargo operators,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “The best-selling 777 Freighter is one of the most capable twin-engine freighters flying, and provides Atlas with the capacity, fuel efficiency and operational flexibility to move cargo and goods for its customers.”

Atlas Air hosted CSI Aviation at its Global Operations Center in CVG to formally kick off their Pilot Pathway Program. The Program is open to all pilots who enter and complete training with an Atlas partner training facility or a College or University and are referred to CSI Aviation as part of the Atlas Air Runway to Giant Pathway program. The Program will also be open to current and future CSI Aviation pilots who have completed two years of service with CSI Aviation. As a partner, Atlas Air will guarantee referred CSI pilots that meet all hiring requirements an interview for Atlas Air’s First Officer training program. Upon successful interview, program pilots will be offered a First Officer trainee position on the fleet of Atlas’s choice.

Additionally, Atlas Air will provide CSI Aviation with connections to Atlas Air pilots no longer eligible for Part 121 commercial operations.

“Our partnership with CSI Aviation opens up a pathway to equitable access to opportunities at Atlas,” explained Leisa Spears-Snyder, Director, Workforce Development. “It’s important that we offer multiple pathways to Atlas to meet the different requirements of the diverse workforce we are interested in attracting. This partnership will help strengthen the pipeline for a talented, diverse workforce.”

Leisa and the Atlas team met with William “Rock” Collins, President and Chief Operating Officer, Ian Dagley, Vice President, Flight Operations and Alex Katkov, Director, Flight Operations for an introduction, lunch and tour of Atlas’ state-of-the-art Global Control Center.

Jeff Carlson, Senior Vice President, Flight Operations, Matt Sturgis, System Chief Pilot and Jamie Handley, Vice President, Express Operations shared an overview of Atlas’ Flight Operations, while Kurt Albrecht, Regional Chief Pilot, Althea Arvin, Senior Director, Supply Chain Operations, Greg Kappen, Senior Director, Flight Operations and Ryan Piper, Senior Director Crew Scheduling & Training also shared their perspectives to further the CSI team’s understanding of Atlas’ operation and diverse portfolio.

“We are so proud to partner with such an outstanding organization and look forward to working together to create opportunities for pilots,” said Leisa. “The CSI partnership is the perfect career bridge to Atlas Air for early career pilots.”

Pilots selected for interviews with Atlas Air must meet these and other criteria:

For complete details and to determine eligibility, prospective candidates should contact Leisa Spears Snyder at Atlas: Leisa.Snyder@AtlasAir.com and/or Tisha Ray, Recruiter, CSI Aviation: ray@csiaviation.com.

Former Atlas Air Captain Dave Heemstra retired as a 747 pilot in August 2021, but his aviation career is still going strong!

Since retiring from flying, Captain Heemstra has been serving as a Duty Pilot for Atlas. He was recently recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. This award is named in honor of the Wright Brothers, who built and flew the world’s first successful motor-operated airplane in 1903. The brothers were also the first to invent aircraft controls that made fixed-wing powered flight possible.

The award recognizes pilots who have demonstrated professionalism, skill and aviation expertise by maintaining safe operations for 50 years or more. Recipients are presented with a certificate and a lapel pin and are listed in the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award – Roll of Honor.

Karen Henriques, Senior Manager System Chief Pilot, works closely with Captain Heemstra in his Duty Pilot role and shared what an asset he is to Atlas.

“Dave is always prepared. He never hesitates to go the extra mile. Whatever comes his way, he will stay with until it gets resolved. Even if the issue is outside his area of focus, he will not stop until he has identified a solution. He is a fantastic member of team and an all-around wonderful guy.”

When asked what receiving the award meant to him, Captain Heemstra said “Reflecting on my over fifty years in aviation, I find myself profoundly grateful to God for the extraordinary gift of flight. It has been a privilege to embark on not one, but two immensely fulfilling careers – first in the United States Air Force and later with Atlas Air. Receiving the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award marked the pinnacle of a rich and fulfilling career in aviation. I am humbled by the recognition and grateful for the countless memories that this journey has afforded me.”

Below is the nomination letter, written by Captain Heemstra’s wife Cheryl for the Master Pilot award, which details his aviation background and captures why he was chosen for this very prestigious honor.

Nomination of Captain David L. Heemstra for the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award

I am honored to submit this nomination for my husband, Captain David L. Heemstra, for the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. As his wife, I have witnessed firsthand his unwavering passion, dedication, and exemplary career in aviation. It is with great pride that I share his remarkable journey and accomplishments, which make him an ideal candidate for this esteemed recognition.

Growing up in Sheldon, Iowa, David’s love for airplanes took root during his childhood. Consuming every book about aviation in the town library, he nurtured his dreams of taking flight. His journey commenced on February 1, 1969, when, as a Boy Scout pursuing his Aviation Merit Badge, he embarked on his first airplane ride in an Alon Aircoupe A-2. This experience ignited his passion further, leading him to accomplish his solo flight in the very same aircraft. Little did he know that this experience would shape the trajectory of his life and instill in him an unwavering commitment to aviation.

During his high school years, David’s enthusiasm for aviation found a supportive mentor in his Industrial Arts teacher, Merwin Foster, who was also a licensed pilot. Recognizing David’s potential, Mr. Foster recommended him for a part-time job at the Sheldon Municipal Airport, where he worked diligently at M&B Flying Service, receiving invaluable training on aircraft maintenance and flying lessons from CFI Elmer Muecke. His dedication paid off, as he soloed a Piper Cherokee PA-28 at the age of 16, followed by soloing the Aircoupe just three days later. On his 17th birthday, he earned his Private Pilot License, and by his 18th birthday, he had obtained his Commercial Pilot License, subsequently adding a Multi-Engine rating. David’s commitment to excellence extended beyond piloting, as he also pursued an Airframe & Powerplant Mechanics License after receiving a letter of recommendation from A&P IA Merlin Bock, his supervisor at M&B Flying Service.

Eager to further his aviation career, David enlisted in the United States Air Force after high school. He excelled in Aircraft Maintenance School, graduating at the top of his class. As a crew chief on the B-52 Stratofortress in the 410 Bombardment Group at KI Sawyer AFB, MI, he continued his private flying endeavors while actively seeking opportunities to enter the cockpit of larger aircraft. In 1978, he volunteered for Flight Engineer duty and was subsequently stationed at Norton AFB, CA, in the 15th Military Airlift Squadron. This is where we met.

During his tenure, he flew as a Flight Engineer on C-141A/B cargo aircraft for ten years, serving as a flight simulator instructor and examiner. Additionally, he authored a script for a Cockpit Resource Management training film, “MAC 249, what are your intentions?”, which played a vital role in promoting more synergistic flight operations within the United States Air Force and the Australian Air Force. Simultaneously, David pursued higher education through Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, earning a BAS in Professional Aeronautics with a remarkable GPA of 3.7 in 1990, followed by a MAS in Aeronautical Science with a GPA of 3.9 in 1992, leveraging the educational benefits offered by the G.I. Bill.

Following his tenure at Norton AFB, David was stationed at Hickam AFB, HI, within the 89th Military Airlift Wing. As a Flight Engineer on VC-135 aircraft, he contributed to VIP transport operations for the nation’s military leaders. His passion for aviation extended beyond his military duties as he volunteered as an Aviation Merit Badge Counselor for local Boy Scouts, offering them unique experiences such as touring VC-135 aircraft or visiting the Air Traffic Control Center nestled within the crater of Diamond Head volcano. Hickam AFB served as his final assignment during his commendable 20+ years of service in the United States Air Force.

Upon retirement from the Air Force, David joined Atlas Air as a Flight Engineer on the Boeing 747aircraft. Eager to broaden his horizons, he acquired his Instrument Rating, Airline Transport Rating, and both CFI and CFII certifications. Committed to sharing his knowledge and expertise, he actively served as a CFII, Advanced Ground Instructor, and Ground Instructor Advanced Instrument at the Fort Meade Flying Club and Navy Annapolis Flight Center in the Washington D.C. area during his spare time. Remarkably, he has maintained his CFII License to this day. Seizing the opportunity to upgrade to First Officer, David participated in numerous 747 pilot training flights and dutifully supported 747 simulator operations as a Flight Engineer, preparing himself for the coveted promotion. When Atlas Air initiated the recruitment of First Officers, he was fully prepared and emerged as an exceptional candidate, seamlessly transitioning to this new role.

David’s passion for aviation extends beyond his personal accomplishments. In a heartwarming gesture, he selflessly offered flying lessons pro bono to Gary Cusimano, his son’s sixth-grade teacher, who shared his fascination with aviation. Within a mere 13.7 hours, Gary successfully soloed under David’s guidance, earning his Student Pilot Certificate, cementing David’s reputation as an exceptional instructor.

On October 8, 2002, David attained a 747 Classic Type Rating and subsequently acquired a 747-400 Type Rating. He achieved the pinnacle of his career when he was promoted to Captain on April 2, 2014, commanding flights on the 747-400/-8 and LCF, Boeing’s Dreamliner, truly exemplifying his expertise and versatility. Notably, David’s final flight held great significance, as he chose to fly a military charter passenger flight from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, to Baltimore Washington International Airport, transporting 251 service members. In a delightful twist of fate, the flight duration was precisely 7 hours and 47 minutes, a poignant conclusion to his remarkable journey. His esteemed colleague and friend, Captain Tony Baca, documented this memorable flight in a YouTube video, serving as a testament to David’s enduring legacy.

Having devoted 27+ years to Atlas Air, David’s exceptional achievements include operating almost all models of the 747 (excluding the SP) and occupying various seat positions—an extraordinary feat. Despite reaching the mandatory retirement age, Atlas Air recognized David’s immense value and invited him to continue contributing to Flight Operations as a Duty Pilot. In this capacity, he utilizes his piloting and maintenance expertise at the Global Command Center near Cincinnati Airport, serving as a liaison to facilitate effective collaboration between airline crews, flight dispatchers, crew schedulers, and aircraft mechanics, ensuring optimal operational and safety outcomes.

Throughout his remarkable career, David’s passion, commitment, and expertise have left an indelible mark on the aviation community, earning him the utmost respect and admiration from his peers and colleagues. His enduring legacy, characterized by exemplary piloting skills and an unwavering commitment to inspire and mentor fellow aviators, reflects the true spirit of aviation. Guided by his faith, David’s dedication extends to his family and fellow airmen, making him widely recognized as “a Pilot’s Pilot” embodying professionalism, skill, and expertise.

As I have personally witnessed his journey, I firmly believe that David epitomizes the ideals and legacy of the Wright Brothers, with his immeasurable impact as a consummate professional and mentor. It is with gratitude that I express my trust in your recognition of Captain David L. Heemstra’s exceptional contributions, rendering him highly deserving of the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. By acknowledging his profound achievements, you not only honor his remarkable career but also inspire future aviators for generations to come. I extend my heartfelt appreciation for considering this nomination and providing the opportunity to recognize a pilot who has made a significant difference in the aviation industry and touched the lives of many.

Atlas and Polar leaders took center stage last week at The Air Cargo Americas & Supply Chain Americas Show and Conference in Miami.

Vincent (Vince) Ryan, Polar’s Senior Director, Global Key Accounts, kicked off the general session, welcoming attendees to the conference and highlighting the importance of connecting with each other during the event.

“Making Connections is Polar’s purpose,” said Vince. “Connecting our customers’ cargo with its destination, of course, but equally important to us is connecting with each other… with our peers, our partners, and our customers. Today we are proud to continue to make connections with all of you.”

Vince invited attendees to join him and his colleagues at the Polar booth, which was designed as a coffee bar for attendees to connect with each other while enjoying a hot beverage.

Atlas’ Richard Broekman, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Sustainability, followed Vince with a captivating keynote that emphasized the role air cargo plays in keeping global supply chains moving.

“While only about 1% of global trade volume goes by air, airfreight represents 35% of global trade value,” said Richard. “That is almost $7 trillion of value. Air cargo is a powerful enabler of international trade. It provides fast and efficient access to global markets. And it is driving increased innovation and efficiency in supply chains.“

Richard highlighted Atlas operations and touched on global industry topics including historic cargo growth, freighter retirements, production, passenger demand, digitization and sustainability.

“While airfreight provides a lot of value and is critical to the global economy, it is also an emissions intensive industry,” said Richard. “Transporting freight over long distances, requires a lot of energy and energy dense fuel which makes ours a hard to abate industry. We need to take our collective responsibility and work together on reducing supply chain emissions for our end customers.”

On the second day of the conference, Polar’s Milind Shah, Director, Technology & Business Solutions, joined the “Cargo Platforms Ascend: Unveiling the Trends in Online Cargo Booking” panel. Brandon Fried, Executive Director of The Airforwarders Association, moderated the panel, which focused on the transformation of the logistics industry with the advent of online cargo booking platforms.

Joining Milind on stage were Tristan Koch, Chief Commercial Officer, Awery Aviation Software; Chris Mazzeo, VP Global Operations, Amerijet International Airlines; Olivier Houri, Executive VP & Chief Revenue Officer, SmartKargo; and Edip Pektas, Founder, AirBlox. The panel explored how real-time demand governs operations and the cutting-edge portals that are revolutionizing the global forwarding community, as well as the transformative power of digital solutions to reshape the traditional logistics landscape.

In support of digitization, Milind highlighted transparency as a benefit to customers and the industry overall, “We should not shy away from sharing information, transparency benefits us all – customers, partners & employees alike.”

On the third and final day of the conference, Richard Broekman returned to the stage and joined Juan Carlos Liscano, Vice President for Miami, the Caribbean & Latin America, American; Bruce Brecheisen, Executive Vice President, Seaboard Marine and Cristina Oñate Vice President, Marketing & Product Development, LATAM Cargo for the “Embracing Sustainability in Freight Transportation: Overcoming Challenges and Driving Change” panel.

Moderated by Mark Szakonyi, Director & Executive Editor, Journal of Commerce, the panel discussed the challenges to achieve a path to sustainability in the freight transportation industry. The session shed light on how transportation and logistics providers are proactively responding to government regulations, environmental concerns, and shifting industry trends. By reevaluating their operations and embracing innovative approaches, these providers are paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.

“We can only decarbonize by closely working together with all stakeholders in the supply chain,” explained Richard. “Our customers look to us for solutions to help them reduce their scope 3 emissions related to their supply chain/logistics. We need to develop service offerings that address that need.”

Aviation industry leaders gathered in San Diego last week at Cargo Facts’ annual symposium to share insights and analyses on developing market trends while providing an outlook on the air cargo industry

Michael Steen (second from right) with fellow panelists at the opening session of the Cargo Facts Symposium.

CEO Michael Steen took the stage for the opening panel session, “The global freighter market: Where is air cargo headed in 2024 and beyond?” The panel provided a glimpse into market trends and the growth potential of the freighter market worldwide.

Michael got the opportunity to open and close the panel and touched on topics regarding the status and outlook of the global freighter fleet as well as Atlas’ fleet strategy and continued customer diversification.

Regarding widebody capacity, Michael offered, “There are approximately 650 widebody freighters in the world today and approximately 125 of them are older than 30 years. This includes MD-11Fs and some of the earlier 747-400 production and converted freighters. We will consequently see a large number of retirements over the next five years, which is something we haven’t seen for two decades. This will coincide with a continued growth in airfreight demand and the planned new production and conversion capacity coming into the market will not be enough to fill the gap.”

Other speakers on the panel included Andres Bianchi, Chief Executive Officer, LATAM Cargo; Fatih Cıgal, Senior Vice President of Cargo Marketing, Turkish Airlines; Richard Corrado, Chief Executive Officer, ATSG; and Diogo Elias, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, Avianca Cargo.

Later in the morning, Eamonn Forbes, Chief Commercial Officer of Titan Aviation Leasing, participated on the panel, “Freighter leasing: Implications of the growing order backlog.”

Eamonn Forbes and the freighter leasing panel at Cargo Facts Symposium.

Eamonn was joined by Pablo Aguirre, Chief Commercial Officer, Nexus Aviation Ventures and Shelley Raina Talwar, Vice President of Airline Strategy and Analysis, Avolon. The group discussed building momentum on the new generation of freighters, investing in and becoming early adopters of new programs, and provided an update on capital costs and their implications for the lessor community.

When discussing if Titan would potentially invest in A321 freighters and add more 737-800Fs to its portfolio, Eamonn said, “We’re generally open to it. We aren’t actively converting narrowbodies right now; we see probably a little bit of oversupply at the moment so we’re not rushing into it, but I think down the line we’ll be having more 737-800s, whether they be Boeing, AEI or IAI. And certainly on the A321, I would see us playing in that market down the line as well.”

The Future is Bright for Tomorrow’s Aviation Professionals