Tristan Koch has been a regular fixture in the air cargo world for over two decades, but it all started with a twist of fate. Expecting to join British Airways as a passenger salesperson, he instead found himself in the cargo building—and never left. Since then, he’s held leadership roles at BA and American Airlines before joining Awery Aviation, where he’s now focused on tech-driven transformation.
60 Seconds With… Tristan Koch, CCO Awery Aviation: Watch video online
What’s your most memorable moment in air cargo?
Coming to Air Cargo Europe in Munich for the first time. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a trade show as large or exciting as the one we have here. It’s my fifth time now and it just gets bigger and better every time.
What was your dream job as a child?
I wanted to be a professional footballer, but I was better at rugby. I didn’t get the chance to go pro, but I still watch a lot of games.
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the industry?
It might be that there hasn’t been as much change as you’d expect. If you’d asked me 25 years ago what the world would look like, I’d have imagined more progress. That’s partly why I moved into the tech side of the industry.
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever shipped?
Twenty tonnes of sand from the UK to Dubai. It turns out certain sand types from the UK and Ireland are used for making glass.
Tea or coffee?
Coffee. Always.
Cats or dogs?
Dogs. I have a terrier named Biscuit who doesn’t get on well with cats.
Describe your job in three words.
Fun, busy, exhausting.
What’s your hidden talent?
I run the UK’s largest charity beer festival, which has raised half a million pounds for blood cancer research over 20 years. One day, 2,500 people come to our village, drink 10,000 pints, and all the proceeds go to charity.
What’s the best airport in the world, and why?
Changi. There’s a great hotel and spa area where, for $20, you can swim, have a cocktail, and relax. That’s a proper airport service.
How did you get into airfreight?
It was a total accident. I thought I was joining as a passenger salesperson at BA, but on my first day they sent me to the cargo building. That was 25 years ago and I’m still here.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Be honest about what you can and can’t do—whether it’s as a person or a business. Trying to be something you’re not always ends badly.
How do you motivate your team?
Enthusiasm is key. You generate it by involving people in projects and communicating openly at all levels. At Awery, we operate like a close-knit family with flat hierarchies.
What’s your proudest moment?
This week, we signed a contract with Network Aviation Group. It was the result of 12 months of hard work and made me very proud of the team.
Any regrets?
None. I believe you make your own destiny. If you left something behind, maybe it was meant to be.
What’s the best and worst purchase you’ve ever made?
Best: An Omega watch I bought at half price when Terminal 5 opened. It’s now worth ten times as much.
Worst: Every car I’ve ever bought. I love them but, as my wife says, they’ve all been money pits.
