— The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has announced Jan Krems, President of United Cargo, as the recipient of its prestigious Hall of Fame Award for 2025. The honour, one of the highest in the air cargo industry, recognises Krems’ transformative leadership, strategic vision, and decades-long impact on global cargo operations.
A veteran of the industry, Krems is celebrated for steering United Cargo to become the world’s largest belly-only cargo carrier. His unwavering focus on innovation, customer-centric strategies, and operational agility has set new benchmarks for excellence across the sector.
“Jan Krems exemplifies the kind of leadership our industry needs—visionary, people-focused, and relentlessly innovative,” said TIACA Chair Steven Polmans. “His impact on air cargo spans decades, and his work continues to elevate not only the companies he leads but the entire sector. We are honored to welcome Jan into the TIACA Hall of Fame and recognize the legacy he is building.”
Krems’ dynamic leadership came into sharp focus during the COVID-19 pandemic, when United Cargo made the groundbreaking move to initiate cargo-only flights—a first for a passenger airline. This decisive action enabled United Airlines to restore international operations faster than any other global carrier. Under his direction, United operated more than 17,000 cargo-only flights during the crisis, proving the agility and resilience of his leadership team.
Prior to joining United in 2014, Krems spent nearly three decades at KLM Cargo, where he held key executive positions across multiple global markets. His roles included Vice President for Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and Worldwide Customer Service. Notably, he played a central role in the post-merger integration of Air France and KLM Cargo—aligning global operations, systems, and teams during one of the industry’s most complex transitions.
“Jan’s career has been defined by transformation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to excellence,” added Glyn Hughes, Director General of TIACA. “Whether integrating global operations or championing customer-focused solutions, he has always led with integrity and insight. His induction into the Hall of Fame is a well-deserved tribute to a truly remarkable journey.”
Krems will be officially inducted into the TIACA Hall of Fame during the association’s Executive Summit, taking place in Hong Kong from June 24–26. The event will gather global air cargo leaders to celebrate Krems’ legacy and discuss the future of an industry he has helped shape.
