Zafer Aggunduz is the chief commercial officer at Global GSA Group, where he is responsible for leading the group’s global commercial strategy, business development and customer relations, with a strong focus on turnover growth and market expansion. Zafer first wrote his thesis for Global GSA Group in 2011 and joined the group’s marketing department in 2014. Since then, he has held several leadership roles, conducted sales performance and improved clients’ involvement.
What is your most memorable moment in the air freight industry?
Sure to sign my first GSA contract with an airline on my own.
What was your dream job as a child?
Nothing specific when I was a child, but as a teenager it wanted to become a pilot. In addition, I even applied and successfully passed all the tests at a flag carrier flight school. The first time I experienced racism at corporate level because someone in the organization threatened me to make sure the committee would block my application. Nowadays I am grateful for the day. It was a good life lesson and happy that I did not become a pilot because it didn’t suit me.
What is the biggest change you have seen in the industry?
I remember the days I started working in 2014, and the first thing I noticed was that the air freight industry was far behind to use technology. The necessary technology was available, or at least the tools could be developed, and carriers have already implemented it in their passenger department. Since then, slowly digitalization has been slowly introduced. The market was skeptical and did not expect the rapid development and market invasion. The shift to automation and sustainability is nowadays to transform the industry.
What is the most unusual thing you’ve ever sent?
Exotic animals for a wildlife conservation program.
Window or corridor?
Aisle seat. Easier access and no climb over people during long -distance flights. But cannot withstand a window chair while you go to e.g. LHR flies and has a nice city view or see the Alps while traveling to MXP.
What is the best business lesson you have learned in the difficult way?
The importance of managing my own expectations. In the air freight industry, things can change quickly, and we face unexpected challenges. By setting realistic goals and being prepared for the unexpected, I learned to stay positive and maintain momentum without feeling disappointed when things are not always going as expected.
If you could exchange a day with someone, who would it be?
Freight director at an airline. Experience the other side of the table for once.
What three items would you bring to a desert island?
My Dream Wish List: Fishing Net, Knife, Fire-Starter Kit. But reality: laptop, phone and power bank.
Tea or coffee?
Coffee in the morning, because it is an essential fuel for our rushed industry, and Turkish tea in the evening for a little peace of mind.
What is your guilty pleasure -tv program or -Film?
“The Big Bang Theory” for sure. Watched all the episodes, maybe 7-8 times. I start laughing before the funny scenes, as I already know what’s coming up.
What is the most exciting place you have visited for work?
Hong Kong, by far one of the most impressive cities in the world.
If you could set one new by -law in air freight, what would it be?
Mandate of standardized training for all cargo staff. Which requires a global baseline level of training for everyone involved in air freight. This will improve the overall quality of services in the industry.
Describe your work in three words.
Dynamic, challenging and rewarding.
What is your hidden talent?
Many everywhere and therefore not reliable on support from others.
What would it be if you could master one skill immediately?
Time management. There are never enough hours in a day in this industry.
What is something on your bucket list?
Study a marathon for a person and visit the Zhangjia National Forest Park in China.
What is the best airport in the world, and why?
Schiphol, just because it gives me the feeling that I’m almost home after traveling.
If air freight had a mascot, what would it be?
A hybrid of a muscular pigeon and the Tasmanian devil. Slightly chaotic, but always doing the job, no matter the obstacles!
