With just over 30 years in the cargo industry, Pierre Vander Stichelle has worked with three cargo airlines and three charter and ACMI brokers.

How did you get into the airfreight industry?

Passionate about aviation due to leading an expat life, my dad working for a UN agency, I always heard that UN managed aircraft operating missions in Africa. Loved the concept and wanted to play part in it and I did!

What quote has most resonated with you?

Nothing is permanent. Don’t stress out too much – because no matter how bad the situation is, it will change.’

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

If you want something, never stop trying. If it doesn’t materialise, take it from a different angle, if that fails, try again later. Never stop trying. 

What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done? 

I climbed the Tacul du Mont Blanc 4,248 metres above sea level (although I’m not sure I’d do it again).

If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would it be? 

Putin, Zelenski and Trump.

What’s something we wouldn’t know about you from your CV? 

Passionate about people.

What hobby have you always wanted to try but never got around

to? 

Professional alpinist.

If you had not pursued a career in airfreight, what other field would you have liked to go into? 

Aviation psychology. 

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? 

To get all world leaders that are in a conflict/at war in a room where no one is allowed to step out until peace agreements are signed.

What’s your proudest moment and your biggest regret? 

Proud to have a great family and wish I had spent more time with my loved ones.

Looking back over your career, what would your message be to someone considering a career in logistics? 

Never stop trying and believe in yourself.

How do you motivate your team? 

Treat everyone in my team with respect and find out what makes them tick and support them along their professional journey .

What is the one item you can’t travel without? 

Noise-cancelling headphones.

Who is your role model?

My dad.

What would your autobiography be called?

‘Every minute counts.’

Cats or dogs?

Dogs.

Early riser or night owl?

Early riser.

What’s the best and worst purchase you’ve ever made?

Best: Trial lesson in a glider for my son and now he’s in the Junior National Team. 

Worst: A German car (I will not mention the brand).

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it

be? 

Spaghetti vongole veraci.

What’s your most used emoji? 

Smiley face with a blink.