With over 30 years of experience in global air cargo logistics and freight forwarding across eight nations and four continents, Christos Spyrou has gained deep exposure to diverse markets and cultures within the industry. His expertise spans several key areas, including advanced airfreight consolidation management, neutral airfreight wholesale, gateway planning, airfreight product design and implementation, global networking, and effective sales and sourcing strategies for professional airfreight forwarders and consolidators. As the Founder & CEO of Neutral Air Partner (NAP), Spyrou leads a premier global ecosystem of leading air cargo architects and aviation logistics specialists. NAP is dedicated to delivering innovative cargo solutions to the supply chain and the logistics and aviation community. With a network of over 400 air cargo logistics partners in 150 countries, NAP ranks among the largest air cargo service providers worldwide.
How did you get into the airfreight industry?
Raised in a family deeply rooted in the air cargo industry, I developed a passion for airfreight, logistics, and its people. My father was the first cargo manager for Olympic Airways, hired by Aristotelis Onassis in 1957. Five years later, he founded the first and oldest IATA-certified airfreight organisation in Greece, representing global giants such as AEI, Emery, Amerford, UTI, and various airlines as a GSA. I began immersing myself in the business at the age of 16 during summer breaks, and, by 18, I pursued studies and internships in air cargo and logistics in the UK and USA. In the early 2000s, I seized the opportunity to move to China during the peak of the airfreight industry. There, I mastered the BSA/CPA/EQ consolidation and procurement business model, which was relatively unknown to Europeans at the time. I went on to establish several organisations specialising in neutral airfreight wholesale and brokerage, master co-loading, and commercial freight forwarding.
What quote has most resonated with you?
“Screw it ! Let’s do it.“
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Better asking for forgiveness than permission.”
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I will always cherish the fearless and adventurous road trips to Mexico and Central America with friends during my teenage years.
What’s something we wouldn’t know about you from your CV?
My adventurous business stories and life in China in early 2000.
If you had not pursued a career in airfreight, what other field would you have liked to go into?
Sports and football management.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Flying.
What’s your proudest moment and your biggest regret?
Proudest moment is the birth of my two daughters, and biggest regret that I did not spend much and quality time with my father before he died.
If there was a movie made about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role?
From my hair style, I would say Bruce Willis.
What would your message be to someone considering a career in logistics?
In logistics, the phrase “the world is your oyster” rings true; nothing beats the feeling of building companies and having friends around the globe with an open mind.
How do you motivate your team?
With global travels and experiences.
What is the one item you can’t travel without?
Shaver.
Who is your role model?
My father.
What would your autobiography be called?
The Air Cargo Logistics of Life.
Cats or dogs?
Dogs.
Early riser or night owl?
Night owl – I hate early mornings.
