TIACA announces 2025 Hall of Fame recipient

The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) announced that Jan Krems, President of United Cargo, has been selected as the 2025 Hall of Fame Award Recipient.

Jan Krems is being honored for his exceptional leadership, customer-centric vision, and continued innovation in the air cargo industry. Under his guidance, United Cargo has grown to become the largest belly-only carrier in the world – driven by his strategic foresight and unwavering commitment to service excellence.

"Jan Krems exemplifies the kind of leadership our industry needs—visionary, people-focused, and relentlessly innovative. 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." Stated, Steven Polmans, TIACA Chair.

Throughout his career, Jan has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovative thinking, introducing cutting-edge products and quick to market solutions that have reshaped the cargo landscape. United Airlines creative response to COVID-19 coupled with United Cargo’s bold decision to immediately launch cargo-only flights—an industry first—enabled United Airlines to resume international operations faster than any other global carrier. Under his leadership, the team operated more than 17,000 cargo-only flights, helping United navigate one of the most challenging periods in aviation history.

Prior to joining United, Jan spent 27 years at KLM Cargo, where he held a range of senior leadership roles including: Vice President Asia; Vice President Europe, Africa, and the Middle East; and Vice President Worldwide Customer Service. In this last role, he played a pivotal part in the global integration of Air France and KLM Cargo, aligning international offices, systems, and teams during and after the merger—an achievement that showcased his exceptional ability to lead through complexity and change.

"Jan’s career has been defined by transformation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to excellence. Whether integrating global operations or championing customer-centric strategies, he has always led with integrity and insight. Jan's induction into the Hall of Fame is a celebration of a remarkable journey and a well-deserved tribute to his lasting contributions to our industry." Stated Glyn Hughes, TIACA Director General.

Jan Krems will be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame during this month’s Executive Summit in Hong Kong, June 24-26.