Yulia Celetaria brings over 18 years of leadership in air cargo, pharmaceutical logistics, and clinical trial supply. She has developed global pharma corridors and led complex cold chain projects across Europe, the USA, APAC, CIS, and the Middle East. Her past roles at AirBridgeCargo Airlines and Early Health Group shaped her deep industry insight, from airline to shippers’ perspective. Most recently, she launched the Healthc’Air brand to help global carriers and logistics stakeholders build or enhance their pharmaceutical product offering with compliance, precision, operational and commercial focus.
What’s your most memorable moment in the air cargo industry?
The sound of a 747 freighter’s engine powering up at FRA airport- the very first to break the silence after days of Iceland volcanic ash grounded Europe in 2010. After a still, quiet airport, that roar wasn’t just noise- it felt like a heartbeat restarting.
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the industry?
Shift from “move it fast” to “move it right”. The real change hasn’t been in procedures- its in mindset, its about responsibility, not just about speed and volume.
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever shipped?
Not the strangest, but the most nerve-wracking: clinical trial medications for rare disease with no margin for error. If one checkpoint fails, the entire study could collapse. High-pressure pharma at its finest.
What’s one buzzword you secretly dislike?
“Global coverage’. Sounds impressive- until you realize it means 3 stations and a WhatsApp group. And maybe “synergy”: a mystical approach everyone agrees on the meeting…to go off to do their own thing right after.
Window or aisle seat?
Window- only right side, parallel to the wing.
What’s the best business lesson you’ve learned the hard way?
Know when to move on. From people, projects, partnerships, and wrong decisions. Time is like cargo- don’t let it sit idle on the tarmac.
Which three items would you bring to a desert island?
– One active container (solar panel powered) – emergency beachfront office
– (although not technically an item) One reliable forwarder to find the solution to bring me back before the weekend
– Coffee. No explanation needed. I have standards.
What’s your guilty pleasure TV show or movie?
Avengers. It’s relatable. Building pharma corridors is like managing multiverses sometimes
What’s the most exciting place you’ve visited for work?
Home, after 23 consecutive days of business travel around the world (FRA-ORD-LAX-ICN-NRT-SVO-FRA) a few years back
If air cargo had a mascot, what would it be?
A bee. Quick, industrious, strategic, and essential for human survival
What’s your proudest moment and your biggest regret?
Proudest: Seeing the growth of pharma product built from scratch- from a vision to a globally scalable solution. It’s like watching your cargo baby graduate with honours.
Biggest regret: Not negotiating the official title “Pharma Queen”. A branding opportunity missed.
Looking back over your career, what would your message be to someone considering a career in logistics?
It’s slightly terrifying, highly unpredictable, oddly satisfying and strangely addictive. Go for it.
What is the one item you can’t travel without?
A valid visa- and yes, I speak from experience. Nothing humbles you faster than getting denied boarding in full business attire, holding a latte, and realising you’re going nowhere. Just double check. Always.
What would your autobiography be called?
Air. Cargo. Coffee (you can see the trend with coffee here).
Cats or dogs?
Cats. Elegant, independent, and quietly plotting to rule the world..
