AeroLogic Chief Ulf Weber decided to exit the Leipzig, Germany-based daughter of DHL Express and Lufthansa Cargo (50/50%) after almost eight years in office. He will take over the position as helmsman at ASL Airlines Belgium, headquartered in Liege.
For insiders, Ulf’s step doesn’t come as major surprise. After being responsible for freight carrier AeroLogic for nearly eight years the manager felt he needed a change of air. The smell of a
fresh breeze he will soon enjoy in Liege, where ASL Airlines Belgium is based, one of the diverse members of the Irish ASL Group. The Belgian carrier, whose main objective is to supply the
FedEx-TNT network both in Europe and beyond operates 26 freighters, with half of the fleet consisting of Boeing 737-400Fs. In addition, three Triple Seven freighters and four 747-400Fs belong to
the carrier as well, with two of the last mentioned flying on behalf of Emirates SkyCargo.
Securing high operational performance
Asked about his expectations 49 year-old Weber said that his main aim is to safeguard and – wherever possible – improve the already high operational performance and contribute to the carrier’s
cost efficiency. “ASL has a very experienced and highly motivated aviation team at Liege Airport, most of them former members of TNT Express,” Herr Weber emphasized. He added to this his
impression that the relationship between the Walloon airport’s management and ASL is excellent. “This positive climate is paramount to quickly solve problems should they occur, thus securing an
ongoing high operational performance.”
One of his main activities is to supply the FedEx-TNT combination European network with the required aircraft numbers and aircraft types to meet their ever-changing network schedule and volume
requirements. FedEx sold TNT Airways to ASL in May of last year following TNT’s takeover. The step was required by law, since ownership of a European registered airline by a non-EU carrier is
prohibited.
Perfect fit
“Ulf is an accomplished international aviation professional and his excellent record makes him a perfect fit for us,” said ASL Aviation Group Chief Executive, Hugh Flynn. “He is a high-achiever
in all of the areas on which we focus with our corporate values, including ‘people’ where he has always excelled in leadership and team-building.”
ASL point out that Ulf will be assisted in transitioning to his new role by Colin Grant, ASL Airlines Chief Executive, Europe. Colin has been heavily involved in ASL Airlines Belgium since the
acquisition of the then TNT Airways by ASL last year. As European CEO, Colin will continue to drive strategy and actively interact with the airline’s customers. He will support key relationships
and the coordination of support companies.
No successor nominated yet
Hamburg, Germany-born Weber is well known in Belgian aviation circles since he held a leading managerial post in Leisure carrier Thomas Cook Belgium and in his role as COO he was at the forefront
when Virgin Express and SN Brussels merged in 2005, becoming Brussels Airlines.
So far, it is not been confirmed when he’ll assume responsibility at ASL Belgium. “This depends on the decision of DHL Express and Lufthansa Cargo to appoint my successor,” he states. The search
is running.
Heiner Siegmund
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