On the Ramp with…
Joe Lacek: Account Director, Cargo U.S. at Air Partner
When it comes to moving oversized, hazardous, or highly urgent goods, having a trusted partner to manage complex logistics makes all the difference. At Air Partner, our cargo specialists support major industries worldwide, ensuring every shipment arrives safely and efficiently and providing our customers with the peace of mind that comes from knowing their operations are in expert hands.
Behind every successful charter is the expertise of the Cargo team. In this edition of ‘On the Ramp’, we caught up with Joe Lacek, Cargo U.S. Account Director at Air Partner. Here, Joe shares how strong client relationships and a commitment to service have shaped his approach to cargo logistics, how Air Partner’s dynamic end-to-end solutions help clients stay ahead in a fast-moving market, and what companies new to chartering should know.
Can you tell us about your role at Air Partner and the industries you serve?
As Cargo Account Director, my role involves coordinating the management of our sales accounts for the Americas and supervising the entire cargo charter process – from handling client quote requests and contracts to managing flight operations and ensuring successful, on-time offloading. I also broker charters for both inside sales clients and my own clients, with whom I have built strong relationships over time.
In terms of industries, we work with clients around the globe from a diverse range of sectors, but key markets include Automotive, Oil & Gas, Humanitarian Aid, and Medical/Pharmaceutical. Recently, we have also seen growing demand in the Aerospace and Surface Mining industries.
What inspired you to pursue a career in aviation, and can you tell us about your first charter?
A close friend in aviation encouraged me to explore the industry. They saw potential in me and believed I’d thrive in the fast-paced environment, and they were absolutely right. Although I officially started my career in private aviation eight years ago, my background has always been rooted in logistics. Since graduating from university in 2008, every role I’ve held has involved some aspects of logistics, which made the transition into aviation feel natural.
My first full charter was truly unforgettable. While I initially handled smaller part-charters, my first major project was a humanitarian aid flight for FEMA. It involved transporting typhoon relief supplies from Honolulu to Saipan aboard an Antonov AN124 operated by Antonov Airlines. The sheer scale of the aircraft and the meaningful purpose behind the mission made it one of the most impactful moments of my career. I was spoiled from the start!
What I love most about this field is the dynamic nature of the work; no two days are the same, and each charter brings its own unique challenges. The missions that resonate most with me are those that make a real difference, like humanitarian aid and medical transport.
What differentiates Air Partner from other service providers, and what would you say is the company’s greatest strength?
Since I joined Air Partner in 2018, I’ve witnessed remarkable growth – not only in our size but also in our global presence, with new offices opening internationally and domestically and an expanding team of incredibly talented professionals with deep industry expertise. In Cargo, our team brings decades of experience across a wide range of locations and logistics environments, which means we’ve truly seen and done it all. That experience allows us to anticipate and resolve challenges before they impact our clients' time or bottom line.
But what really differentiates Air Partner, and what I believe is our greatest strength, is our people and the culture we’ve built. I feel fortunate to be part of a team that genuinely cares – not just about the job but about delivering exceptional service every single time. That shared commitment is really powerful.
Another key strength is our structural flexibility. As a non-asset-based charter firm, we can adapt quickly to shifting market conditions, which is an invaluable advantage in today’s fast-moving aviation landscape.
Can you walk us through what an end-to-end logistics solution looks like in Air Partner Cargo, especially when it comes to final-mile delivery?
While Air Partner has traditionally been known as a charter-only firm, we’ve evolved to meet the broader needs of our clients and offer a range of transportation solutions. Today, we can provide complete door-to-door solutions, both domestically and internationally, thanks to our global offices and extensive network of agents. Every solution is tailored to the client’s specific needs – whether that be arranging a pick-up from a shipper combined with NFO services for an AOG situation or managing final-mile delivery to a consignee after a wide-body full charter from Asia to the U.S.
A recent example highlights this capability. Late on a weekend evening, one of our charter clients urgently needed delivery of a critical part. Their aircraft was already en route to the U.S., so timing was crucial. Within an hour, our team had secured reliable drivers and had them waiting at the loading dock before the aircraft even arrived. Thanks to our team’s rapid response, the client avoided any delays or financial impact, and the cargo was delivered successfully to its final destination.
How have global trade developments impacted Air Partner’s operations and client needs in 2025?
Global trade has slowed compared to 2023 and 2024 due to factors such as unpredictable tariffs, socio-political instability, and economic stagnation in several regions. These conditions can also trigger short bursts of highly aggressive trading activity. To support our clients in these volatile conditions, Air Partner remains on high alert around the clock, providing tailored strategies and flexible options to help them stay well-positioned.
Interestingly, we’re also seeing robust growth in certain niche markets that traditionally haven’t relied on charter solutions. That has opened the door for us to develop new approaches and provide value to industries that previously weren’t part of our client base.
What role does technology play in time-critical logistics, and where do you see its limitations today?
Technology plays a huge role in logistics, just as it does in every other aspect of modern life. But in my opinion, it’s never the complete solution. In logistics, its true value lies in how it's implemented and operated by people who understand the complexities and can apply the right judgment at the right moment.
For many time-critical clients and vendors, the concerns around new technology are often the same: How quickly can it be identified and successfully implemented? Will it remain relevant long enough to deliver value? And what if it turns out to be unreliable or ultimately adds complexity? These are all valid questions – but with Air Partner’s experience, they’re not something our clients need to worry about. We integrate technology in ways that enhance, not replace, the expertise of our people, ensuring clients get the best of both worlds: expertly selected cutting-edge tools backed by the care and judgement of a dedicated team.
A Deeper Dive...
How do you build long-term relationships with customers in the cargo space?
In a word – trust. It’s the foundation of any successful relationship. Our clients trust that Air Partner will treat every shipment as if it were our own personal belongings. They trust us to deliver solutions that are not only reliable but also cost-efficient. And they trust us to overcome the unexpected hurdles and challenges that the world of logistics can bring. Our reputation and commitment to service excellence help us earn that trust early, and we maintain it by consistently going above and beyond – shipment after shipment.
What are the key demands of your role, and how do you stay sharp while balancing logistics with on-site responsibilities?
There’s never a quiet or dull moment, which is one of the things I enjoy most. I split my time between managing sales and charter operations, sourcing and contracting flights for existing clients, and driving business growth by onboarding new customers and identifying emerging markets. The role demands both strategic focus and hands-on execution, so agility is key.
The ability to work remotely from virtually anywhere is essential in this industry, as projects require 24/7 attention. Sometimes my role means facilitating a rapid response to an urgent request from the office, while other times I’m heading straight to the airport to oversee a charter personally. At the end of the day, staying sharp comes down to being fully present, adaptable, and ready to deliver for our clients, no matter where the job takes me.
Can you share a moment where being on-site made a critical difference in the success of a project?
A few years ago, we were part of a project that required dozens of flights in a very short timeframe. Our client was one of many companies competing for flights against other freight forwarders with a demanding shipper. To give them an edge, I immediately booked a 9,000-mile trip to the location and spent two weeks working directly with our client’s shipper. This shows how far we will go to ensure our clients’ success.
In the end, that hands-on presence helped our client to win a significant majority of the shipper’s flights. It also saved the shipper millions of dollars compared to projected initial costs, firmly establishing our client as a top vendor and cementing our long-term relationship.
What is your philosophy for delivering exceptional service to your customers, and as a team leader, how do you pass this on?
In sales and brokering, I believe in treating our customers and vendors even better than we’d expect to be treated ourselves. I aim for excellence in every interaction, knowing that our value is measured by the impact we have – whether that’s improving our clients’ bottom line or simplifying their operations.
As a team leader, I focus on fostering that same level of dedication across the entire team, no matter someone’s role. One of the most rewarding aspects of working at Air Partner is the shared commitment to outstanding service. It’s rare in today’s workplace, and I actively encourage and nurture that mindset, helping to ensure it remains at the heart of everything we do.
What advice would you give to companies, especially first-time clients, looking to charter aircraft?
The charter market moves incredibly fast, so my first piece of advice is to be clear on your requirements before entering the market. Being prepared to act quickly when the right opportunity arises can make all the difference. I’ve seen clients miss out on ideal solutions simply because they didn’t have the necessary details ready or couldn’t commit in time. While we can always offer a solid Plan B or C, the best results, both operationally and financially, often come from securing Plan A.
For first-time charters, my advice is also to expect the unexpected. Ad hoc cargo charters are among the most complex logistics operations in the industry. The best way to navigate that complexity is to work with a trusted partner like Air Partner, someone who can guide you through the process and help you overcome any challenges that arise.
To conclude, what’s your favorite aircraft, and why?
The AN-124 is my favorite aircraft because of its size and performance capabilities. However, the B747 freighter is an incredible workhorse that moves huge volumes all day, every day. The reliability of the global network of B747 freighters is hard to ignore.
Cargo Solutions with Air Partner
If you would like to find out more about our Cargo services, please get in touch with Joe and the Cargo team today.
