It is a time-honored tradition – a parent hands over a vehicle’s key to his child. But recently in Everett, Washington, that rite of passage reached new heights. When Eric Blanco gave his daughter Sylvia Blanco the key, it wasn’t for a car – but for a brand new Boeing 777 Freighter.
“Over the years my dad has consistently encouraged me. He has always reminded me the hard work will pay off,” said Sylvia, an Atlas Air First Officer. “To get the key from him was certainly a special moment in both of our careers.”
Eric with FO Blanco aboard a brand new Boeing 777 Freighter.
“The entire experience was absolutely amazing,” said Eric, a Boeing engineering manager. “I can sit and watch airplanes take off all day. Watching Sylvia operate one of the most advanced aircraft was simply spectacular.”
First Officer Blanco, along with Captains Luis Esquivia, James Lance and Verne Yoder delivered the airplane – 760GT – from Everett, Washington, to Hong Kong, where it entered service. Atlas Air is operating the aircraft on a new transpacific route connecting Asia to North America for CMA CGM Air Cargo. The aircraft is the third Boeing 777F to be operated by Atlas Air on behalf of CMA.
“This was my first Boeing delivery flight,” said FO Blanco. “It was an absolute honor to be part of the distinguished crew – a memory I will cherish forever.”
FO Blanco on the flightdeck of a Boeing 777 Freighter with her father, Eric Blanco
Eric said the flight is a highlight of his 28 years at Boeing. “I’m proud of Sylvia’s accomplishments, regardless of what airplane she flies. But this is a little more special.”
This isn’t the first time the duo has bonded over their shared passion for aviation. Father and daughter went to aviation instrument ground school together.
“It is what every parent dreams of,” said Eric. “It’s a tremendous blessing to watch her enjoy the fruit of all of that hard work.”
Last week, members of the Atlas team attended Air Cargo China, the largest industry event for air logistics in China, to meet with clients, have meaningful sales conversations and build upon Atlas’ global footprint, specifically in the Asia Pacific region.
The event took place at the Shanghai New International Expo Center for the 20th year, where over 700 exhibitors displayed their offerings across an expansive 50,000 square meters of exhibition space. The show served as a vibrant marketplace of innovation and collaboration for global logistics and the airfreight industry.
During the conference, Alvin Tay, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Asia Pacific, spoke on the “Trans-Pacific Air Cargo Trade – Is the Best Yet to Come?” panel. Alvin and fellow industry thought leaders discussed the trends shaping the uptick in demand and the challenges in the transpacific air cargo market.
Alvin Tay (second from right) on the panel “Trans-Pacific Air Cargo Trade – Is the Best Yet to Come?”
“We are not having the so-called traditional air freight demand cycle right now, as demand is mainly driven by e-commerce traffic,” said Alvin. On geopolitical risks, he mentioned “We believe in globalization. Air freight is very nimble and resilient. There is a lot of demand for e-commerce, and every day people continue to buy online. In addition to this, we continue to move other items like perishables and pharmaceuticals. Overall, air freight continues to play an important role in the global economy.”
Alvin concluded, “I think the best is yet to come and the second half of this year is going to be very interesting for airfreight.”
Also attending the event were Brian Munson, Vice President, Global Charter Sales, Tracy Khan, Director ACMI Sales and Business Development, Isabella Hui, Assistant Manager, Revenue Analysis & Partnership Programs, Carrie Lau, Senior Director Sales, Wil Leung, Manager, Charter Sales, APAC and June Tse, Supervisor Marketing & ACMI Services.
“It was fantastic to see the turnout at the event, with most of our customers and several prospective clients in attendance,” said Brian. I have been attending this show for more than a decade, and this was the largest I have ever seen.”
The discussions at the show, spanning the entire spectrum of logistics services, were highly insightful, focusing on the expectations for Q4 and the overall market outlook.
“We’re poised for significant growth and success in Q4 and beyond,” said Brian. “The event was a testament to the continued importance of our presence in the Asia-Pacific region. We are excited about the future and the potential it continues to hold for Atlas.”
Exactly one year ago, a group of passionate employees came together with a shared vision of creating a supportive space for our LGBTQ+ colleagues. This vision led to the formation of PRISM, Atlas’ first LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG).
The mission of PRISM is to promote a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion through continual learning. PRISM is focused on ensuring LGBTQ+ employees feel seen, heard and valued within the Company through offering support, outreach and education.
Rudy Gruenke, PRISM Co-Founder
“The launch (of PRISM) received amazing support from many different departments. It was really inspiring to see everyone come together and provide a much-needed resource here at Atlas for the LGBTQ+ community,” said Rudy Gruenke, CVG Facilities Manager and PRISM Co-Founder as he reflected on the ERG’s early days.
Over the past year, the group has hosted a number of virtual events, including two powerful Lunch and Learns.
In March, the group hosted with Mason Dunn (He/They), Director of Education & Research at the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Mason shared an overview of current political and legal issues affecting LGBTQ+ people as we head into an election year.
Lunch and Learn with the Stonewall Speakers
A few months later, PRISM heard from Lynn Discenza (She/Her/Hers), Shannon Hansen (She/Her/Hers) and Kristian Moreau (They/He) from the Stonewall Speakers, an all-volunteer speakers bureau comprised of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender people and their allies. The choice of Stonewall in the organization’s name is a tribute to the historical Stonewall Rebellion of June 1969, recognized as the start of the Gay Rights Movement in the United States.
Cincinnati members of PRISM attended the Cincinnati Pride Festival and Parade On June 22. This festival has a long history – more than 50 years! – of supporting the city’s LGBTQIA+ residents.
“Plans are in the works for more events and opportunities to connect later in the year,” Rudy added.
For more information about how we Care for Our People, visit https://www.atlasairworldwide.com/sustainability/people/.
Last week, nearly 30 Atlas Air employees from the White Plains office, spanning Finance, Ground Ops, HR, IT and Legal, boarded a bus and went back to school.
The group spent the day at the PEARLS Hawthorne School in Yonkers, New York taking part in Junior Achievement (JA) in a Day. Through this program, volunteers teach a business-focused curriculum designed to strengthen the connection between classroom learning and future career success.
This year the Atlas team taught 16 classes, including three special needs classes, reaching over 350 elementary school students. Atlas has partnered with the New York chapter of the organization for over 15 years and recently expanded its support to include local programs in Cincinnati, Miami and Hong Kong.
“I loved being a part of this and helping to mold and teach the kids,” said Jafari Wade, Ground Operations Passenger Coordinator. “They were a joy to be around. I look forward to participating in more of these types of events in the future.”
This meaningful day was led by George Kopcsay, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Debbie Diachenko, Executive Assistant, Treasury, whose shared passion for this program shines through to all volunteers and students.
“Every year that I participate in Junior Achievement, I am reminded of the incredible influence we can all have by stepping into a classroom for just one day,” said George.
He continued, “This program has such a lasting impact on our local community, schools, students and every Atlas employee that takes the time to participate. I am filled with immense pride to work alongside colleagues who prioritize this kind of work. Their commitment to making a difference is inspiring.”
Programs like Junior Achievement bring together the Atlas Air community in the spirit of service and help fulfill our mission to care for the world we carry. We are proud of our amazing employees who take time out to participate in volunteer initiatives like this.
On the occasion of Incheon International Airport’s (ICN) 23rd anniversary, Michael Steen shared remarks with other aviation leaders, all sharing a common commitment to delivering safety, quality and excellence.
“We have enjoyed growing together with ICN Airport for the last 20 years,” said Michael. “In that time, Atlas has expanded its fleet from 20 freighters to 112.”
Michael continued, “As we pursue our vision to be the world leader in outsourced aviation logistics, Atlas now operates in over 300 airports in over 70 countries. In the last year alone, we operated 63,000 flights.”
“To serve this rapidly growing industry, we believe strongly in the capability and the potential growth of ICN as one of the world’s most efficient airports for freighter operations. We value having this critical presence in Korea as they strengthen their competitive position serving the worldwide aviation MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) industry. We also welcome the Korean government’s Open Sky policy, which will serve to further increase the global competitiveness of ICN.”
The Korean government played an integral role in supporting Atlas pilots and maintenance engineers during the pandemic by granting entry permission, allowing the global supply chain to continue moving while the rest of the world came to a halt. Michael specifically extended appreciation to all involved in allowing Atlas to continue on the flight path to success.
Michael also recognized our long-standing partnership with Sharp Technics, a dedicated FAA Certified MRO company located at ICN that provides heavy maintenance services for wide-body aircraft. Together in a joint venture, Atlas and Sharp Technics established the successful ground handling business, AACT (Atlas Air Cargo Terminals), which will expand from two to three terminals in 2026.
“It has been critical for us to secure a strong MRO capability to operate our freighters,” said Michael. “Our partnership with Sharp Technics has enabled us to further streamline maintenance planning with their integrated approach to serving our fleet.”
Further capitalizing on the success Atlas has experienced at ICN, Michael announced construction beginning for a wide body maintenance hangar with four bays. This $120M investment will support Asia-based operations for Atlas, as well as freighter operations, globally.
Aviation industry leaders gathered in Singapore for the 12th iteration of Cargo Facts Asia to take a deep dive into the dynamic landscape and unparalleled potential of the Asia-Pacific region.
Eammon Forbes speaking on a panel at Cargo Facts Asia
This year, the event featured sessions that enabled attendees to understand the current industry demand and evolving economic landscape, while also gaining insights into the rapidly growing express market. Attendees also explored the latest trends, current challenges and vast opportunities specific to the Asia-Pacific region.
Titan’s Chief Commercial Officer, Eamonn Forbes, spoke on a panel focused on freighter leasing landscape in Asia. Eamonn shared his perspective on the growing lessor interest in the latest generation of freighter conversions. Additionally, he discussed the impact of new production delays on the lifecycle of legacy assets earmarked for conversion, due to passenger operators extending leases, and how market fluctuation influences the number of aircraft a lessor will make available for conversion.
Moderated by Robert Luke, Senior Associate Editor, Cargo Facts, the panel also included Tan Boon Keng, SVP, GM & Head Aircraft Leasing Aviation Asset Management Commercial Aerospace, ST Engineering and Nuno Leal, Chief Marketing Officer, World Star Aviation.
Atlas’ Alvin Tay, SVP, APAC and Brian Munson, VP Global Charter Sales also attended the conference. With an attendee audience representing the most dynamic cross-section of the Asia-Pacific air cargo sector, it was an ideal time to meet with key customers and network with industry leaders and decision-makers from leading organizations.
“At Cargo Facts Asia, every conversation we engage in is an opportunity to build bridges and lasting partnerships,” said Brian. “Our participation is a clear statement of our dedication and collaborative growth and international connectivity. Additionally, at Atlas, we have always defined our strategy by foresight and agility. By participating in Cargo Facts Asia, we are placing ourselves at the forefront of the market, keeping up with shifts and trends that keep us ahead of tomorrow’s challenges.”
For more news from the Atlas Air Worldwide Team, visit http://www.atlasairworldwide.com/category/tailwinds-blog/our-team/.
To learn more about Cargo Facts Asia, visit https://cargofactsevents.com/asia/.
747 First Officer Michelle Phale and 767 Captain Jenny Breaux at 2024 Women in Aviation International Conference
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Atlas continued to elevate female voices by attending the 35th Annual Women in Aviation International Conference in Orlando, Florida, and connecting with female pilots out on the flight deck.
Women in Aviation International (WAI) is dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation career fields, so it’s no coincidence that its annual conference takes place during Women’s History Month.
In its 35th year, this year’s conference included inspiring keynote speakers, professional development seminars, and education sessions, all focused on encouraging women to explore a career path in aviation.
(L to R): Yovankha Untracht, 747 First Officer Michelle Phale, Kevin O’Reilly, 767 Captain Jenny Breaux, and Karina Guevara
Atlas Air was a contributing sponsor and hosted a well-attended and interactive Industry Briefing. 767 Captain Jenny Breaux, 747 First Officer Michelle Phalen along with the Crew Talent Acquisition Team of Kevin O’Reilly, Yovankha Untracht and Karina Guevara, spoke to career opportunities at Atlas, as well as the Company culture.
When describing key takeaways from the conference, Captain Breaux shared, “It was inspiring to be surrounded by so many like-minded women and it is abundantly clear that interest in aviation is on the rise. Thankfully, the avenues for women to pursue a career in aviation are becoming more accessible with each new day, and I am proud to work at a company that provides these opportunities, and more.”
Echoing this sentiment shared by Captain Breaux are 737 Captains Dorothea Flockenhaus and Deanna Stack.
Earlier this month, on International Women’s Day, the two spoke about their experience working at Atlas, their passion for aviation, and how women like them have paved the way for future generations of female aviation leaders. Take off an inspirational journey with Captains Flockenhaus and Stack by watching the video below:
Caption: Female Atlas Air 737 Captains Dorothea Flockenhaus and Deanna Stack instill perseverance and determination in young women interested in pursuing a career in aviation.