As of 1st June 2024, Jettainer has been under the new leadership of Dr Jan-Wilhelm Breithaupt, an experienced air cargo executive.
Dr Breithaupt steps into this position with a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in the industry, having served in various senior capacities for over two decades. His appointment comes at a significant moment as Jettainer celebrates its 20th anniversary as a global leader in Unit Load Device (ULD) management services.
Dr Breithaupt’s extensive background, paired with his familiarity with Jettainer’s product from the customer perspective, leaves him well-prepared to lead the company through its next phase of growth and innovation.
Reflecting on his career, Dr Breithaupt recounted his academic and professional experience: “I am an engineer for production management and completed my PhD in production logistics.
“Over the past 24 years, I have worked with the Lufthansa Group, the last 15 of which were with Lufthansa Cargo, managing global fulfilment, customer service and driving digitalisation in air cargo. In that role, I was a customer of Jettainer, which gave me a unique perspective on operations.
“This shift from a customer to the CEO allows me to bring first-hand customer experience into the company’s leadership.”
Dr Breithaupt also expressed his gratitude for his predecessor, Thomas Sonntag, as he steps away from a role he’s held for five years: “Thomas is an excellent negotiator. “He successfully navigated Jettainer through challenging periods, including the Covid-19 pandemic. His ability to find pragmatic solutions and maintain reliable partnerships has been invaluable.”
Vision for the future
Dr Breithaupt outlined his vision for Jettainer over the next five years, emphasising the importance of staying ahead of industry trends: “It’s difficult to define a detailed vision after just three weeks in the role, but there are clear areas of focus.
“Cool chains and technological advancements in cool transport are areas where we see significant potential. Additionally, digitalisation remains a key priority, particularly the integration of tracking devices to optimise ULD management.”
Innovation is at the heart of Dr Breithaupt’s strategy for Jettainer.
“I have many ideas, but I’m currently in the phase of listening to my team, customers, and suppliers to identify the most promising opportunities. In a few months, we will have clearer plans to share.”
A major focus in the digital field for Jettainer will be the IATA One Record initiative, a project aimed at modernising information exchange.
“It’s crucial for us to move away from outdated systems developed by our grandparents and adopt more efficient methods of data transmission. The official implementation date set by IATA is 1st January 2026, and we are committed to aligning our ULD management with this initiative.”
Challenges and opportunities
Addressing the challenges ahead, Dr Breithaupt acknowledged the competitive nature of the industry: “I love working with people, inspiring teams, and driving them to new heights.
“Leading Jettainer, a well-established company, through its next chapter is both a challenge and a privilege. The responsibility is more direct and intense, but it’s incredibly rewarding to work with customers and this dedicated and professional Jettainer team, bringing in new ideas and views.
“Competition is healthy as it drives us to continually improve. Understanding customer needs and anticipating future demands are critical. We must also balance providing innovative solutions with offering reliable services at competitive prices.”
As for opportunities, he highlighted Jettainer’s investment in proprietary software for active ULD management: “Our software, developed in-house, is a key asset. We are committed to enhancing its capabilities, leveraging mobile devices, and exploring new technological advancements.”
