ACL Airshop appoints new CEO

February 5, 2024

ACL Airshop has announced the appointment of Bernhard Kindelbacher as Chief Executive Officer, with an effective date of 1st March 2024.

Bernhard Kindelbacher has an extensive background in air cargo leadership, logistics management, business development & strategy, global operations, and full enterprise general management, stemming from his professional career for over 30 years with Lufthansa Cargo.

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His international and intercultural leadership and growth experiences include assignments as well as board functions in Europe, China, Latin America, and North America. His education includes a business degree from the University of Munich and an MBA from the University of Vermont.

Kindelbacher said: “ACL Airshop is a successful worldwide entrepreneurial team of air cargo and logistics experts with a strong High-Performance Culture. I am delighted to join this professional enterprise, to lead it forward in its next stage of growth and strategic development. We will build momentum, and take very good care of our customers and our employees. I am very happy to become part of the ACL Airshop team.”

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Steve Townes, the current CEO, will continue serving the company in an advisory role as Vice Chairman. For the past 9 years, Townes showed positive and transformational leadership which resulted in significant growth and superior market positioning. Townes, reflecting on the progress of ACL Airshop, said: “Bernhard is the right leader for this next chapter of ACL Airshop, with deep professional roots and impeccable expertise in the global air cargo sector.”

ACL Airshop is a portfolio company of funds managed by Astatine Investment Partners. Jim Metcalfe, a board member of ACL and CEO of Astatine Investment Partners, said: “We are excited about Bernhard leading ACL in its next phase. We believe he brings strategic vision that will generate financial benefits for investors, value add service for customers and new opportunities for employees. We want to thank Steve for his energy, enthusiasm and contributions as CEO.”

James Graham

James Graham is an award-winning transport media journalist with a long background in the commercial freight sector, including commercial aviation and the aviation supply chain. He was the initial Air Cargo Week journalist and retuned later for a stint as editor. He continues his association as editor of the monthly supplements. He has reported for the newspaper from global locations as well as the UK.