Neutral Air Partner is set to host the group’s 6th annual general meeting from the 19th to the 23rd of September at the Ritz-Carlton in the islands of the gods, Bali, Indonesia. The event is expected to gather some of the world’s leading air cargo experts and decision makers. With just a few more weeks before the actual event, we got a chance to talk to Christos Spyrou, CEO of Neutral Air Partner, to know more about the group as well as their preparations for the upcoming OpeNAP Asia.
What’s the advantage of being a neutral air partner?
We offer our members global reach and connectivity with local and independent air cargo specialists around the world, while we drive global airfreight buying power across the air cargo supply chain. See enclosed benefits for members.
Which industry issues do you think will paint the backdrop for air cargo moving forward? Capacity constraints and digitalization within the industry
How important are small- and mid-sized companies in maintaining the balance?
SME Forwarders and consolidators represent over 45 % of the global airfreight volumes, and our network is composed of leading and independent air cargo sales agents and consolidators worldwide. One of our main objectives as an air cargo logistics group, has always been to drive buying power across the air cargo supply chain, and we recently launched our Global Airline Partner program as part of our post COVID-19 plans, aiming to explore possible global or regional BSA/CPA and VID partnership opportunities with leading carriers. During the recent times have been transformed to efficient cargo brokers being able to make flexible decisions and short-term agreements with carriers and provide capacity solutions to their clients.
Why is there a need to address neutrality in the industry?
In our industry it is imperative to be partnering with selected neutral air cargo specialists and consolidators around the world without the fear that your client will be approached directly by your supplier/partner. Membership to NAP is by invitation only, and available exclusively to selected local and regional airfreight professionals. NAP partners are filtered by sub-industry specialization, sales and trade lane focus, airline procurement strength, as well as vertical and commodity expertise. Those invited have a commanding local presence, a proven track record in air cargo operations, and are screened for their service quality, compliance, and financial status.
Can you describe how the group is preparing for the upcoming OpeNAP Asia?
NAP and the team takes our members and guests to a new networking experience, by providing a unique entourage for the exchange of ideas, views, and solutions to the air cargo logistics industry’s issues. OPENAP is the perfect opportunity to promote and launch new products and services and to interact with potential and existing partners.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at the event?
Our members, most of whom we consider friends and partners. Our Asia members that we haven’t seen for 3 years and couldn’t join the Dubai21 event. At the OPENAPASIA we invite forwarders , GSAs, consolidators , airline partners, digital solutions providers to join the event, meet and get to discover the NAP experience and their Air Cargo DNA.
How many times have you been to Bali? What can attendees expect from the 3-day event?
It will be the first time our conference goes to Bali, with focus in South East Asia. This year in addition to our general agenda and networking activities, we have organized special panels and workshops, as well as corporate and promotional video interviews of our members by NAP on Air, our professional video production crew. The NAP mobile app and F2F scheduler will be giving a sophisticated and user-friendly networking experience. An amazing Bali tour, casual networking cocktail gatherings, and our 3rd NAP Air Cargo Awards Gala dinner, are some of the activities that make NAP events “pleasure, not just business.”
