Inside Saudia Airlines Cargo Company with Per Højland

We recently spoke with Per Højland, Executive Director of Network Operation at Saudia Airlines Cargo Company, Saudi Arabia's national cargo airline. He sat down to discuss their key trade lanes, the growing talent gap in aviation, tips for breaking into the industry, and more.

Per’s responsibilities include making sure they have all the contracts in place, as well as the best quality, and the right prices. 

He has over 20 years of experience in the airline industry, with a brief period in the FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) sector. His expertise spans both passenger and cargo operations.

Having essentially grown up within the airline industry, he has gained invaluable hands-on experience and a deep understanding of its evolution over the years.

When asked what quality means to him, Per explains:

“We have all the process steps measured from import to export, so when you take it from the aircraft to the cargo facility, you make it ready to pick it up, and then you actually deliver it. Each process step is measured by a certain type of KPI’s. We are promoting them to our customers to make sure they find us attractive as well.”

The company is currently focusing on e-commerce for Hong Kong and China, going to KSP, and to Europe, which is their main destination. 

He also emphasized that the majority of air cargo shipments are high-value. All the world’s 100% volume ships, trucks, rails, and air cargo represents 1% of the volume for 25% of the world's count.

When asked if they’ve ever had any unfortunate experiences, Per can proudly note that they haven’t had any, besides the occasional damaged commodity, like anywhere else.

“We are very good at on-time performance. It’s very rare for an airline to have 92% on-time performance.”

For those wanting to enter the airline industry, there isn’t a specific school or program. 

“You can learn about logistics and supply chain, but then you have to learn about the airline industry by being in the industry. Of course you can learn it, logistics is logistics, but aviation is different than trucking, from rail, and from others.”

Times have changed, and unfortunately, so has the job market. He can notice a gap in the industry when it comes to talent.

“When I started, the airline industry was very attractive. It is not as attractive anymore. As an industry, we have to attract the right people with the right skills at the right time.”

Per offers valuable insight for anyone considering a career in the airline industry, highlighting the essential skills needed to succeed.

“Some of them are based on human nature. You can have a PhD in something, but it doesn’t mean you can execute. We need people that are good hands-on, as well as planning. We also need people on a higher level, that can think strategically.”

As the aviation landscape continues to evolve, leaders like Per Højland remind us that the industry’s strength lies in its people, its adaptability, and its commitment to quality.