Aytekin Saray, CEO of Global GSA Group, took time out of his busy schedule to consider a range of questions from Air Cargo Week about his business, the prospects he sees for the GSSA industry, and how different the world of work is now post-pandemic.

ACW: How would you describe the current level of business confidence in the airfreight industry, and what key factors are influencing it?

Global: Ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions pose real challenges, yet close, dependable partnerships remain essential in navigating this uncertainty. Momentum is building thanks to digitalisation and automation, which are enhancing visibility, efficiency and forecasting. Meanwhile, the rapid growth of e-commerce and specialised cargo is accelerating demand for faster, more agile logistics solutions. In this evolving environment, Global GSA Group is sharpening its focus – we are strengthening our core by building long-term airline partnerships and staying nimble in the face of regulatory shifts, ensuring the GSSA model not only remains relevant but becomes even more vital in a rapidly changing landscape.

ACW: Have you noticed any shifts in demand for GSSA services post-pandemic, and how is Global GSA Group adapting to these changes?

Global: Yes, there’s been a clear shift in demand for GSSA services post-pandemic, with airlines and forwarders placing greater value on flexible partners who understand local markets and can quickly adapt to shifting trade routes. At Global GSA Group, we’ve responded by reinforcing our local presence and investing in specialised teams that offer tailored solutions across key verticals such as pharmaceuticals, perishables and high-value cargo. Our ability to move quickly – backed by strong, long-standing airline relationships – allows us to meet these evolving needs with precision, demonstrating our readiness to step up and deliver where and when it matters most.

ACW: With ongoing economic uncertainties, how are airlines approaching their partnerships with GSAs? Are they becoming more selective or cost-conscious?

Global: In the face of ongoing economic uncertainties, airlines are becoming more selective in their GSSA partnerships, shifting focus from short-term cost savings to long-term value and trust. They’re looking for partners who offer more than just capacity – GSAs who bring adaptability, stability and proactive support to the table. At Global GSA Group, we’re seeing deeper collaboration through shared strategic planning and a growing emphasis on value-added services. This evolving approach plays to our strengths, as we continue to position ourselves as a reliable, forward-thinking partner ready to meet the moment with agility and commitment.

ACW: Global GSA Group recently celebrated its anniversary. How did the company mark this milestone, and what were the key takeaways from its journey?

Global: Marking three decades in the industry, Global GSA Group recently celebrated 30 years of building trust-based partnerships, adapting to change and growing alongside its global airline partners. From its early days with clients like Turkish Airlines and China Southern, the company has steadily expanded into a strategic global network – driven by determination and a hands-on approach. The milestone offered a chance to reflect on a journey defined by resilience and quiet ambition, while looking ahead with renewed focus. With a firm commitment to digital transformation and a deeply human-centric ethos, Global GSA Group is sharpening its core capabilities and reinforcing its vision for the future: a blend of innovation, local expertise and enduring collaboration that continues to deliver value in an ever-evolving industry.

ACW: Looking back at three decades of operations, what have been the biggest industry changes you’ve had to navigate?

Global: Over the past three decades, the airfreight industry has undergone transformative change, and Global GSA Group has had to continuously evolve to stay ahead. The move from manual workflows to digital tools and automation fundamentally reshaped operations, requiring agility and investment in new capabilities. The explosive growth of e-commerce has added pressure for speed and efficiency, while rising expectations around compliance, security and sustainability have brought new layers of responsibility. We’ve also seen a surge in demand for specialised cargo services – particularly in pharma and perishables – pushing us to refine our expertise. Throughout it all, the growing emphasis from airlines on flexibility, data-driven decisions and long-term partnerships has only reinforced our focus on strengthening our core and delivering consistent, value-added support.

ACW: As you celebrated your 30th anniversary, are there any strategic expansions, partnerships or innovations planned to further strengthen your market position?

Global: As Global GSA Group celebrated its 30th anniversary, we’re entering this next chapter with a clear focus on strategic growth and long-term impact. Plans for targeted acquisitions will expand our global footprint and broaden the range of services we offer to our airline partners. At the same time, new partnerships are being forged to unlock fresh opportunities in key markets. We’re continuing to invest in advanced digital tools that enhance revenue optimisation and operational efficiency – while staying true to our people-first culture. With an eye on sustainable growth, we’re committed to developing our teams and fostering innovation, all while reinforcing the essential capabilities that have brought us this far and will carry us even further.

ACW: Given the increasingly competitive nature of the cargo market, where do you see the biggest growth opportunities for Global GSA Group in the next five years?

Global: In an increasingly competitive cargo market, Global GSA Group sees its strongest growth opportunities in areas where precision, adaptability and partnership matter most. Expanding our specialised cargo services – particularly in pharma, perishables and high-value goods – remains a top priority as demand for expertise in these segments continues to rise. At the same time, we’re leveraging digital tools to drive smarter revenue optimisation and deeper, data-driven insights for our airline partners. Growth will also come from strengthening long-term partnerships through flexible, customised solutions that reflect each market’s unique dynamics. Coupled with strategic acquisitions and a service model that evolves with the industry, we’re focused on scaling in ways that are both agile and sustainable positioning ourselves for meaningful impact in the years ahead.

ACW: Are there any emerging regions or markets where you see strong potential for expansion?

Global: Global GSA Group sees strong potential for expansion in high-growth regions such as Asia, the Middle East and Latin America, where evolving trade patterns and rising cargo demand are creating new opportunities. Our expansion strategy is closely aligned with the strategic route development of our airline partners, ensuring we grow where they need us most. We’re also actively entering underserved markets through local partnerships and the establishment of new branch offices—bringing tailored, on-the-ground expertise to areas where it is most needed. In regions where regulatory agility and deep local knowledge make a decisive difference, we see a clear opportunity to deliver meaningful value and extend our reach in a way that supports long-term, sustainable growth.

ACW: How is technology playing a role in your service offerings, and what digital innovations are you investing in to enhance efficiency and customer experience?

Global: Technology is playing an increasingly central role in Global GSA Group’s service offerings, as we continue to invest in tools that enhance both efficiency and the customer experience. We are implementing AI and automation to improve forecasting accuracy and streamline operational flows, allowing us to respond more quickly and effectively to market shifts. Our investment in business intelligence tools is helping optimise cargo capacity and revenue management, delivering smarter, data-driven decision-making for our airline partners. Through collaborations with platforms like CargoTech, we’re also increasing transparency and giving customers greater control over their shipments. While digital innovation is accelerating our capabilities, we remain committed to keeping strong human relationships at the heart of everything we do.

ACW: Have you faced any challenges in hiring and retaining talent within your global offices, particularly in specialised airfreight roles?

Global: Hiring and retaining talent – especially in specialised airfreight roles – has become an ongoing challenge across the industry, and it’s something Global GSA Group takes seriously. In a highly competitive labour market, talent retention is a clear priority. Specialised roles demand not only industry-specific skills but also continuous training to keep pace with evolving standards and technologies. That’s why we invest heavily in internal development programmes, ensuring our teams are well-prepared and equipped to deliver at the highest level. Our strong company culture, combined with global career opportunities, plays a key role in reducing turnover and keeping our people engaged, motivated and aligned with our long-term vision.

ACW: With workforce shortages affecting logistics worldwide, how is Global GSA Group ensuring it attracts and retains skilled professionals?

Global: In response to global workforce shortages impacting logistics, Global GSA Group is taking proactive steps to attract and retain skilled professionals across its network. We offer extensive internal training programmes at both our headquarters and regional offices to ensure new staff are fully equipped from day one. With a library of over 50 online courses covering airfreight systems, tools and industry-specific knowledge, continuous learning is embedded into our culture. We place a strong emphasis on customer service excellence, backed by targeted skills development and hands-on experience. Just as importantly, we invest in long-term career development, ethics and employee empowerment – creating an environment where talent can grow, thrive and contribute meaningfully to the company’s mission.

ACW: Are there any regulatory or operational challenges that you believe GSAs will need to navigate more carefully in the near future?

Global: Looking ahead, GSAs will need to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory and operational landscape with greater precision. Compliance and security standards are evolving rapidly, placing added pressure on all stakeholders to stay current and fully aligned. There’s also a growing demand from partners for transparency and accurate, real-time reporting – making data integrity and communication more critical than ever. Operational efficiency and sustainability are rising to the top of the regulatory agenda, requiring GSAs to not only streamline processes but also demonstrate measurable environmental responsibility. At Global GSA Group, we recognise that aligning with international laws, anti-bribery regulations and fair competition practices isn’t just a requirement – it’s a fundamental part of earning and maintaining trust in every market we serve.