Cargo Chat: New Cargo Airline Association President Beyer on FAA reauthorization

The Cargo Airline Association , an advocacy organization for the air cargo industry, is under new leadership. Lauren Beyer became the association’s president earlier this month, filling the role vacated by Steve Alterman , who held the position for more than four decades. [caption id="attachment_57137441" align="alignright" width="244"] Lauren Beyer, Cargo Airline Association president[/caption] As president of CAA, Beyer will work to lead advocacy and inform policymakers, regulators and others on the importance and operational realities of the air cargo supply chain. Beyer previously served as vice president of security and facilitation at Airlines for America , representing the largest U.S. passenger and cargo airlines to the federal government on all security, cybersecurity, cargo and passenger facilitation issues. She also led COVID-19 response efforts on behalf of the U.S. airlines. Prior to that, she was the director of aviation and surface transportation security at the National Security Council . Air Cargo Next recently chatted with Beyer about the ongoing drive to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration and legislation efforts; the state of cybersecurity in the air cargo industry; and opportunities for women in the industry. What follows is an edited version of the conversation. Air Cargo Next: What is the top issue air cargo carriers are facing as we continue to see normalization following the pandemic? Lauren Beyer: Well, it’s obviously an interesting time here in Washington, I would say, from the industry perspective. Obviously, we came out of an incredibly busy pandemic period, with air cargo carriers carrying the lion’s share of goods for medical purposes, the vaccines, etc. And it was an incredibly busy and challenging time for the industry, but one that, I’m happy to say, we obviously succeeded in, and now we’re finding the new normal. The industry, and certainly e-commerce, is continuing to evolve. The biggest item on the table right now is, of course, the FAA reauthorization . [The House of Representatives passed the bill to reauthorize the FAA on July 20; the Senate has yet to vote on this matter.] There was a lot of work that went into that bill, but ultimately, we believe that it’s a strong, stabilizing force for the future of the air cargo industry and for the FAA. We’re very interested in ensuring that the FAA in our industry can continue to lead the way and be that gold standard for aviation safety. Air Cargo Next: What is the CAA’s most effective method of advocacy in Washington? LB: We’re really proud to have developed within the last couple of years — and are going to be focusing on growth moving forward — our air cargo caucuses on the Hill. In 2019, we were able to work to help stand up the House Air Cargo Caucus, and we have over 40 members of the House who are currently part of that caucus. We’re very interested in creating a similar caucus in the Senate. It’s been a little bit delayed with the ongoing FAA reauthorization work, but we look forward to engaging on that in the future. … That will be one of our primary focus areas moving forward. Air Cargo Next: In your previous role with Airlines for America, you advocated issues related to cybersecurity. Where does the industry currently stand on cybersecurity? LB: The great thing about representing this industry is that they have long made investments in cybersecurity and have recognized the critical importance of investing in a robust framework to protect their network and their systems. There has been a tremendous amount of work on behalf of the Cargo Airline Association members over the last couple of years in partnering with the U.S. government as they have contemplated brand-new regulation on cybersecurity. … When it comes to security matters, collaboration, to find the best measures to ensure security while also not impeding commerce, is really important. And we’ve worked really hard to build that same collaboration on cybersecurity [with the Transportation Security Administration ], in the way that we have long done with physical security.” Air Cargo Next: Coming into the role following Alterman, are you looking to make any changes to the CAA? LB: Well, Steve is a legend in our industry and for very good reason. He’s been a stalwart, reliable advocate on behalf of the air cargo industry. And so, coming into this role, I have extremely large shoes to fill. But fortunately, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Steve for a number of years now, in my previous capacity. And so, it’s been a very smooth transition thus far, and I expect it to continue to be that way. Steve may have left the Cargo Airline Association as its president, but he certainly hasn’t left the industry and his force will be felt for many years to come. And the Cargo Airline Association has been extremely effective for many years at ensuring that we maintain the highest levels of safety and security expectations, but also while enabling an environment where air cargo can thrive. And so, I fully intend to take forward that same mantle. Safety and security are always priority No. 1, and that will not change under my leadership of the CAA. But every new leader has ideas for how to grow and build down the road. And so, I look forward to working with our members to identify the best way forward and how we may be able to build from here. Air Cargo Next: As a woman in the air cargo industry, where do you think the industry is in terms of opportunities for women to advance? LB: I think that there are only more opportunities to come, looking down the road. Diversity, in all of its aspects, is important for any organization and for any industry, and air cargo is no different. I’m extremely proud to be leading the organization that is the voice of the air cargo industry as a woman, and supported by a team who currently are made up of all females. That’s a unique opportunity and one that I’m incredibly excited about. Our team has long been involved in organizations such as the International Aviation Womens Association and others, and we will continue to not only participate but be strong proponents of those efforts. Join Air Cargo Next for the second annual Air Cargo Tech Summit on Monday, Sept. 18, and Tuesday, Sept. 19, at the Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place in Belgium. For more information on the summit and to register, click here .

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