Beau Paine entered the aviation industry in 2005 with brief roles at FedEx and Toll, before joining Menzies later that same year. He began his career as a warehouse operator and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Sydney Cargo Manager in 2014. During this period, he also contributed to Menzies projects in Macau and at developing stations across Australia. In 2018, Paine assumed national responsibility for Menzies’ Australian cargo business and expanded his remit to cover the wider Asia Pacific region by 2021. His continued leadership and strategic impact led to his appointment as Global Head of Cargo in 2023, and in 2025, he was promoted to Executive Vice President of Cargo, for Menzies Aviation.
What was your dream job as a child?
Being an Aussie, everyone wants to be a sports star as a child. Then my focus shifted to becoming the next Jerry Maguire — “Show me the money!” — as a player agent.
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the industry?
Digitalisation and the reliance on email rather than picking up the phone and discussing the matter at hand.
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever shipped?
I recall loading multiple 747 freighters full of toilet paper destined for Thailand as part of relief work after the tragic 2011 tsunami. When devastation occurs, the world relies on airfreight to provide support.
What’s one buzzword you secretly dislike?
‘Synergy’, ‘navigate’, and ‘complete or full transparency’ — take your pick.
Window or aisle seat?
Aisle, for ease of access.
What’s the best business lesson you’ve learned the hard way?
People will let you down — prepare for that.
If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be?
Kelly Slater — surfing for a job? What a life!
Which three items would you bring to a desert island?
Matches/lighter, Spotify, and a bottle of wine.
Tea or coffee?
Tea for me time, coffee for work time.
What’s your guilty pleasure TV show or movie?
Gangs of London.
What’s the most exciting place you’ve visited for work?
Many, but I’m a fan of Far East Asia.
If you could introduce one new regulation in air cargo, what would it be?
Mandatory single platform use.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
“Livin’ on a Prayer” – Bon Jovi.
What’s your hidden talent?
I’m an avid snowboarder.
If you could instantly master one skill, what would it be?
Solving a Rubik’s cube — I’ve never dedicated the time to it, but I will at some stage.
What’s something on your bucket list?
A white Christmas with my family.
What’s the best airport in the world, and why?
I enjoy the ease of access and services at HKG, DXB, and DOH.
If air cargo had a mascot, what would it be?
Benny the Box.
How did you get into airfreight/logistics?
I literally fell into it as a casual worker in the warehouse while pursuing a sports career. The rest is history.
What quote has most resonated with you?
‘Tough times don’t last, tough people do.’
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Trust your instincts.
What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?
Skydiving.
If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Michael Jordan, Nelson Mandela, and my wife. The first two have been influential leaders in their own right, and understanding their journeys would be truly remarkable. My wife is the entertainer — and given my frequent travels, a meal with her is always my number one priority when I get the chance.
