Atlas Air Worldwide, the parent company of Atlas Air and Titan Aviation, has announced Klaus Goersch as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). The appointment is a significant step as the company refocuses its business strategy. Frankly, the company is moving away from domestic operations and concentrating on international, long-haul cargo services.
Goersch will take over daily operations in late December, a responsibility currently handled by CEO Michael Steen. Steen has been filling both the CEO and COO roles since July, following the retirement of Richard Rolland, who served the company for 24 years.
Goersch brings decades of aviation experience, primarily from the passenger airline sector. Most recently, he served as COO at Air India. Before that, he held leadership positions at major airlines, including British Airways, where he was COO for three years, and Air Canada, where he served in the same role for nearly five years. He also spent time on the board of IAG Cargo, which oversees the cargo operations of British Airways and other airlines in the International Airlines Group.
Although his experience in cargo is limited, Goersch’s background in managing complex airline operations and regulatory compliance makes him a strong addition to the team.
Atlas Air is a key player in the global air cargo industry. The airline operates nearly 60 aircraft, including the world’s largest fleet of Boeing 747 freighters. It provides cargo services to airlines, logistics companies, shippers, and governments, handling around 12% of the world’s widebody freighter capacity.
As part of its new strategy, Atlas Air is winding down its domestic transport agreement with Amazon to focus on international routes. Demand for air cargo continues to grow globally, and the company aims to strengthen its hold on long-haul markets.
In his new role, Goersch will oversee Atlas Air’s flight, ground, and technical operations. With Goersch on board, the company is gearing up for its next phase of growth.
By leveraging their expertise and resources, Lading Logistics aims to provide efficient and reliable international shipping and logistics solutions for their clients.