United Cargo president Jan Krems will retire from United Airlines at the end of September 2026, concluding a four-decade career in aviation and air cargo.
Chris Busch, currently vice-president of United Cargo Americas, will succeed Krems as president and take responsibility for the carrier’s global cargo organisation.
The leadership transition was announced by Krems in a message to United Cargo customers and colleagues dated 15 August 2026. United Cargo’s official website confirms Busch’s current role and his 19-year career with the airline.
Krems has led United Cargo through a period of commercial expansion and operational development, with a particular focus on customer service, network growth, innovation and financial performance.
Reflecting on his tenure, Krems said the business had strengthened its commercial position, expanded its global reach and increased its focus on customers.
One of the defining periods of his leadership came during the Covid-19 pandemic, when United became the first carrier to operate cargo-only flights using passenger aircraft. The airline subsequently operated more than 17,000 such flights, helping maintain air cargo connectivity while passenger operations were severely disrupted.
United Cargo and the International Air Transport Association for Air Cargo (TIACA) have previously highlighted the scale of that operation. United Cargo said Krems’ leadership during the pandemic was instrumental in maintaining global supply-chain connectivity.
Krems also said United Cargo’s revenue performance had reached twice that of its nearest US competitor, although the company did not identify the competitor in the announcement.
“I am so proud of what the team and I have been able to accomplish,” Krems said in his message. “We strengthened United Cargo’s commercial performance, expanded our global reach, advanced innovation, and deepened our commitment to customers around the world.”
Krems joined United after spending 27 years at KLM Cargo, where he held senior positions including vice-president for Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East and vice-president of worldwide customer service. His career has therefore spanned nearly four decades across major developments in the global air cargo industry.
Chris Busch to take over United Cargo
Busch will assume responsibility for United Cargo’s worldwide operations, including sales and marketing, revenue management, customer service, operational performance, product development and technology initiatives.
He joined United Airlines in 2007 and has held roles across operations, revenue management and sales strategy. He became vice-president of United Cargo Americas in 2019, overseeing cargo activities across North America, South America and Latin America.
In his current position, Busch has been responsible for United Cargo’s regional sales, operations and revenue management activities, with the airline crediting him with supporting commercial growth and strengthening customer relationships.
His appointment comes as United continues to expand the role of cargo within its passenger network. Busch recently described cargo as an important contributor to United’s revenue and profitability, reflecting the carrier’s strategy of using belly capacity across its global passenger network.
Krems said Busch had the experience, industry knowledge and customer relationships needed to continue United Cargo’s development.
“I am confident that Chris is the right leader to build on the strong foundation we have created and that he will successfully guide United Cargo through its next chapter,” Krems said.
Krems will remain with United through the end of September to support the transition.
The change marks the end of a significant chapter for United Cargo, with Krems leaving after nearly four decades in the air cargo industry and Busch preparing to lead the business into its next phase.
