Michael Steen, the CEO of Atlas Air Worldwide, participated in a fireside chat with Lauren Beyer, the President of the Cargo Airline Association, at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Aerospace Summit. This event, held in Washington, D.C., gathered government and industry leaders from around the world to explore the latest developments, trends, challenges, and opportunities in the aviation and space industries.
The summit’s theme, “Innovating the Skies, Connecting the World,” provided a platform for Steen and Beyer to delve into the pivotal role of air cargo in shaping global commerce and how the cargo industry was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Steen emphasized that air cargo stands at the heart of the global economy and supply chain. With a fleet of over 100 aircraft, including Boeing 747s and 767s, Atlas Air Worldwide played a critical role in delivering essential goods and services to customers and communities worldwide.
Steen shared how Atlas Air Worldwide adapted to the unprecedented challenges and opportunities posed by the pandemic, including shifts in demand, disruptions in the supply chain, travel restrictions, and health and safety protocols. He underscored the company’s flexibility and resilience, attributable to its diverse business model encompassing charter services, ACMI leasing, dry leasing, and passenger operations.
The CEO commended the dedication and professionalism of the Atlas team, particularly the pilots and ground staff, for their unwavering commitment to keeping the global supply chain operational during the crisis. The company successfully transported vital supplies like personal protective equipment (PPE), vaccines, medical equipment, e-commerce products, and humanitarian aid to various destinations.
Steen expressed optimism about the future of air cargo, anticipating sustained growth driven by sectors like e-commerce, express delivery, pharmaceuticals, and others. He highlighted Atlas Air Worldwide’s preparedness to meet this growing demand, thanks to its modern and efficient fleet, strategic partnerships with leading airlines and customers, and its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
events.uschamber.com, atlasairworldwide.com
