The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) announced that four new members have been appointed to serve on the Board of Directors broadening the industry expertise of the current Board makeup.

Following a year of internal re-organization and the changing of its governance structure, TIACA said Liana Coyne (Coyne Airways); Bob Chi (SATS Ltd); Manel Galindo (WebCargo); and Hendrik Leyssens (Swissport) has been appointed as Board Members. 

(L-R: Bob Chi, Liana Coyne, Hendrik Leyssens and Manel Galindo).

TIACA noted that each new Board member has been vetted by the Executive Committee to ensure that the candidates not only share the association’s vision for the air cargo industry but also is in line with the mandate that was set by our Trustees to have a Board that fairly represents the membership by industry sector and region. 

“The last year has shown the world the value of the entire air cargo supply chain and what can be achieved when organizations collaborate effectively with a common purpose. TIACA is the only global association that encompasses the entire supply chain within its membership and we are proud to have such a representative Board steering the Association in tackling the critical issues the industry faces”, said Steven Polmans, TIACA chairman.

"The new Board members bring a wealth of experience and knowledge from their respective industry sectors and are eager to get to work," he added.

Liana Coyne is the Chief Operating Officer of Coyne Airways – Coyne Airways is the pioneering non-asset-based cargo airline specializing in scheduled and chartered lift to niche destinations including Armenia, Georgia, Iraq, Afghanistan and around the Caucasus, Central Asia and Africa. 

Manel Galindo is co-founder, WebCargo - WebCargo digitizes freight sales, pricing, and booking for thousands of logistics providers and carriers around the world. 

“I’m thrilled to join TIACA’s Board to help do just that, collaborating with other players from across the value chain to turn digitalization into an asset,” Galido said.

Bob Chi is the Chief Operating Officer, Gateway Services. SATS Ltd is a ground handling operation that covers all Gateway Services operational units, covering cargo handling, passenger services, baggage and ramp handling as well as security services. 

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to be part of the TIACA Board, especially during this time, where the air cargo supply chain is certainly playing a pivotal role in the recovery of the aviation industry. While the Air Freight industry transforms itself through digitization and in the face of unprecedented growth in the eCommerce, pharma & perishables trades flows, I believe TIACA will provide a good platform for open dialogue amongst key stakeholders on all matters affecting our industry,” Chi said.

Hendrik Leyssens is the VP of Global Operations, Cargo of Swissport International – a global airport ground services and air cargo handler.  

Polmans said as part of the organization's “transformation program,” representations across the supply chain is vital. 

“It is imperative that our Board represents the entire supply chain and we are working to ensure that this mandate is fulfilled. These new Board members fill roles within our Board that have been underrepresented in the past. We look forward to the insight and expertise each of these industry leaders will bring to the table,” he said.

Early this year, former Director-General of The International Air Transport Association (IATA), Glyn Hughes, also joined TIACA — taking over the newly created role of Director-General.