AboutRam C.Menen Expertise Questions related to air logistics/cargo industry including related information technology overview.
Experience RAM C. MENEN
Divisional Senior Vice President Cargo, Emirates Airline
Ram Menen is Divisional Senior Vice President Cargo, Emirates Airline.
He began his career in aviation in 1976 at Kuwait Airways. He later moved to British Airways to head its cargo operations in Kuwait. In 1984, he joined the Kuwaiti aviation group Alghanim Al Qutub Shipping Agencies, to set up and manage its airfreight-forwarding unit in Dubai. Mr. Menen has headed the cargo division of Emirates since the inception of the airline in October 1985.
Trained as an engineer, he spearheaded the conceptualisation and development of the LD-36 (AMF) type of ULD (Unit Load Device) which increased usable space on each lower deck pallet base by 33 per cent.
He is one of the founder members of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), the premier organisation for the entire air logistics business, serving as Vice President in 1993 and 1994, and as President, CEO and Chairman of the Board in 1995 and 1996.
He continues to be involved with TIACA as Trustee and member of the Presidents' Council. Mr. Menen is the current chairman of the IATA’s Cargo Committee and is also involved in advisory capacity with several organizations.
He has been a resolute champion of air logistics industry and is actively involved in the development of various IT initiatives to address the needs of the industry. He has helped focus attention on cargo as an integral part of the world trade process.
In November 2007, Mr Menen was adjudged “Personality of the Year (Air Cargo Industry)” at the Second Annual Middle East Logistics Award (MELA 2007). He was inducted into the “Lloyd’s FTB Asia Hall of Fame” at the Asia Logistics Awards in October 2006 and into the TIACA’s “Hall of Fame” in April 2005, in recognition of his efforts and contributions to the air cargo industry and for his achievements as head of Emirates’ cargo division.
In October 2003 he received the 2003 “International Ai Cargo Achievement Award” from The World Trade Centre Miami for “Excellence in Promoting East-West Trade”. In
In December 2002, Air Cargo News, USA named him “Cargo Executive of The Year”. In March 2000, Mr Menen was recognized for his efforts with a “Special Achievement Award” by the International Freighting Weekly (IFW)
November 2007
Last week i asked you suggestions regarding the career in supply chain(IT) and Air Cargo.
I have made up my mind Sir. i would like to get into Air Cargo sector. I am planning to give IATA cargo introductory exam next April.
I would like to know whether it is possible to join an Air logistics firm for an entry level job without IATA certificate or without any knowledge about Air logistics?? Because i dont want to sit idle till i give my IATA exam in April.
some people are saying that employers wont take people who dont have any knowledge about Air logistics. Is that true??.If that is the case, Please advise me what i should do from here..
Please suggest me some ways by which i can get into a entry level job in cargo..
Thanks and Regards,
Syed.
Answer Dear Syed,
Many thanks for your follow on question. At entry levels, IATA/FIATA is only an advantage --it is not mandatory. Usually most companies have their own training programme. FIATA has got its own training programme which is generally conducted by the national association of the freight forwarders. You might want to check with local freight association if there is one where you are. CILT [Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transportation] [www.CILT-international.com] is a good qualification to obtain in the long run.
In terms looking for an entry level jobs, the best way to do it is apply with all the logistics operators in your area. Multi-nationals are good companies to start with as they tend to have very structured training programme for career development. For entry level jobs, there is no pre qualification required. It is challenging times for the air cargo industry, however, I am sure if you try hard enough, there will be some company out there still recruiting.
I wish you good luck with your search and hope you do get what you want soon.
