Charlie McMullen is CEO of Intradco Global, a company with which he has had a lifelong connection. The business was founded by his father, Eddie McMullen, in the 1980s, and Charlie quite literally grew up in the industry. He began his career hands-on — working as a “stall man” and flying groom on DC-8s and classic 747 freighters, often spending days in the air while operating equine charters across major global trade routes.
What was your dream job as a child?
A footballer of course. I had dreams of being signed by Alex Ferguson. I wasn’t a half bad player but I never pursued it hard enough. Not many people in the industry know that my dad was actually a professional football player before moving into freight – so it’s in the genes.
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the industry?
I would say the biggest single change is the speed and visibility of information. So, how quickly can we access data and act on it? This applies across the board, from forwarders, brokers, airlines and shippers/importers. I think has already dramatically changed the competitive landscape, but this will be accelerated enormously by AI and machine learning. Some huge changes are coming for the areas of our market that are data-heavy, for instance, pricing and capacity calculations, which are giant areas of the market to disrupt.
What’s one buzzword you secretly dislike?
Alignment
Window or aisle seat?
It depends on the time of day – aisle day time, window night time. I like that you assumed I don’t fly business (which I don’t!)
What’s the best business lesson you’ve learned the hard way?
Delegation is essential, and that seniority gives little insight to someone’s actual effectiveness. Often it is the reverse.
If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be?
I could say someone like Trump or Macron just to rummage through trade secrets and restricted files, maybe pass a few bylaws. However on a more emotional level I would say a race horse trainer. I have been in the equine industry, but never really seen what is takes to create a winner.
Which three items would you bring to a desert island?
An ever-charged Kindle, if that’s allowed? Eye mask. A Swiss army knife.
What’s your guilty pleasure TV show or movie?
Peepshow – it’s not what it sounds like.
What’s the most exciting place you’ve visited for work?
I enjoy the rough and ready places. Mongolia was good fun, as is Iraq, Armenia and Somalia. Always very warm people who are always thankful for the services we are providing. That said, I have never had a better (work-related) night out than in Seoul.
If you could introduce one new regulation in air cargo, what would it be?
A more thorough accreditation process for professional flying grooms, specifically where airlines can assess the experience and quality of grooms they accept on board. We have looked at this process, and it is not as easy as it sounds.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
That’s life, Frank Sinatra
Describe your job in three words?
Creative problem solving
What’s your hidden talent?
It’s a niche, but speed over an assault course. I am happy to be tested on this.
If you could instantly master one skill, what would it be?
Computer science / AI engineering
What’s something on your bucket list?
A seriously testing endurance event. Potentially marathon d’sable or similar.
What’s the best airport in the world, and why?
From a freight perspective we love airports that give you space on let you get on with your work. Such as OST in Europe, or GSP in USA. However at the other end of the spectrum I have to give credence to Liege/LGG who have created a incredibly well connected freight hub and live animal facilities that has helped us all provider better solutions to our end customers.
If air cargo had a mascot, what would it be?
Planey McPlane face?
