Western Global Airlines CEO Jim Neff joins Cargo Facts Symposium 2026

Jim Neff, founder and chief executive of Western Global Airlines, will join Cargo Facts Symposium for the panel discussion “Tackling sourcing and procurement challenges facing freighters and engines” on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 16:00 (GMT-5).

The 32nd annual Cargo Facts Symposium will take place Oct. 21-23 at the Grand Hyatt in Nashville, Tenn., where industry leaders and decision-makers will gather to assess the latest trends and developments in the freighter sector, while sharing their insights to project the market’s growth trajectory.

View the Cargo Facts Symposium 2026 agenda.

Neff will be joined on the panel by:

• Les Cronin, vice president of sales and marketing at MTU AENA; and
• Vesa Paukkeri, chief commercial officer at CTS Engines.

They will discuss the challenges freighter operators face sourcing and procuring engines, including:

• Minimizing component, material, inventory and labor cost escalations, particularly for aging freighter types;
• Overcoming limited engine feedstock and inventory; and
• Solutions to the global parts dilemma.

Neff founded Western Global Airlines in 2013 and been CEO since then. Neff also founded

• Leasing company Neff Air in 2010;
• Cargo carrier Southern Air in 1999; and
• Engine management and leasing company U.S. Turbine Engine in 1990.

He has held positions with Burlington Air Express, Emery Air Freight and Flying Tiger Line.

Based in Estero, Fla., WGA is an all-cargo carrier that offers ACMI and charter services. The carrier owns nineteen widebody freighters, four 747-400Fs and fifteen MD-11Fs.

Cargo Facts Symposium 2026, the premier event for the freighter aircraft and air cargo industries, will take place in Nashville, Tenn., on Oct. 21-23. Find out more and register today.