From the Cockpit with Modern Logistics’ CEO Cristiano Koga

Brazil-based Modern Logistics is set to become the latest 737-800 freighter operator in Latin America when it takes its first by yearend. Modern this month also appointed Cristiano Koga as its new chief executive. Koga most recently served as vice president of FedEx Express South America and has more than twenty years of experience in management, international trade, logistics and shipping. [caption id="attachment_56863588" align="alignright" width="450"] Modern Logistics’ new Chief Executive Cristiano Koga. (Photo/Modern Logistics)[/caption] Koga succeeds Chief Financial Officer Mario Fernandes da Costa, who served as interim CEO and will take on the position of chief transformation officer. Cargo Facts caught up with Koga to discuss his strategy as the company embarks on the next phase of expansion. What follows is an edited version of the conversation. Cargo Facts : What are your main priorities and objectives for Modern Logistics? Cristiano Koga: The company is at its best momentum since the creation of the business ten years ago. We have a well-defined strategy to develop and grow in select vertical sectors such as health care, high tech and e-commerce, aligned with a significant investment in our digital capabilities to offer an unparalleled value proposition to the market. My other priorities are to keep developing our most valuable asset: our people. I also hope to expand our footprint to other geographical regions and make a difference in the market by offering logistics as a service to those verticals. CF : What do you hope to bring to Modern from your experience at FedEx? CK: With more than twenty-three years of experience in the supply chain and transportation industry, I expect to add significant value to our key stakeholders — customers, employees, shareholders and communities we serve — and lead our five-year strategic plan. We are implementing this across the enterprise to unlock the full potential of our business, servicing our customers and delivering high standards of quality. CF : What is the state of freighter demand within Brazil? CK: Brazil is one of the largest economies in the world with a territory the size of Europe. The demand for our end-to-end services and unmatched value proposition will remain strong and compelling. In today’s supply chains coming out of the pandemic, leading industries in different verticals are looking for service providers that can offer digital capabilities such as end-to-end track and trace, online proof of delivery, picture of the delivery, system integration between 3PL and shippers, predictive analytics and, more importantly, operational reporting that will enable them to make informed decision about their supply chains. CF : How would you compare the challenges of domestic Brazilian freighter operations with international? CK: The challenges are very similar for both domestic and international. These include strict service requirements, a high level of reliability, risk management, consistency of information and complete end-to-end visibility in the supply chain. In this regard, Modern Logistics is very well positioned to exceed market expectations and to capture incremental market share in the verticals I mentioned. CF : How big do you see Modern’s 737-800F fleet getting, and do you think it makes more sense to just stick with one type? CK: We are very thrilled to have the full support from the board to keep investing and accelerating the modernization of our current fleet. It shows the long-term commitment to our customers and employees. We are focused on bringing on our first two 737-800s for now, but our original expansion plan calls for two more by 2026 for the start of our international freighter services. Management is always evaluating opportunities to have the best-in-class assets that enable Modern Logistics to provide an even better service with high standards of sustainability using a more modern fleet. The first Cargo Facts LATAM takes place May 15-17 in Panama City. Register today.

From the Cockpit with Modern Logistics’ CEO Cristiano Koga

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