Ralph van Eijk is the Head of GSSA Network and Airline Development at NAV Aero – Neutral Aviation Specialists. He brings years of industry experience and a passion for airline development to his role, helping to drive strategic growth across global markets.

How did you get into the airfreight industry?

I started straight out of college after attending the Dutch Aviation College. I began as a check-in agent at the airport, then worked for a ground handler on the passenger side. Eventually, I moved into cargo, becoming a cargo agent and loadmaster on a 747 for Korean Air Cargo. From there, I worked for multiple airlines and GSAs, and in February 2021, I started my own interim management and consultancy company.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

It doesn’t matter what you know; it matters who you know.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

I went on a world trip when I was 17, including a visit to Australia.

If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would it be and why?

My grandfather, who passed away when I was four, Dennis Bergkamp, the soccer player, and Donald Trump. I’m curious to understand Trump’s mindset and what drives him. He’s been both successful and controversial, and I’d like to get inside his head. Dennis Bergkamp is one of my favourite soccer players, a real stylist on the pitch, and my grandfather is someone I still miss and would love to reconnect with.

What’s something we wouldn’t know about you from your CV?

I worked as a bartender in a Chinese restaurant from age 15 to 21—the only non-Chinese person there!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I’d choose the power to get rid of all diseases.

What’s your proudest moment and your biggest regret?

My proudest moment is becoming a father to my two sons. My biggest regret is taking a sales job as a freight forwarder; I worked for CH Robinson for two weeks, and I realised I’m more of an airline guy. PS: No hard feelings to CH Robinson as they became my customers later on.

If there was a movie made about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role?

Leonardo DiCaprio—I like the way he portrays different characters.

What would your message be to someone considering a career in logistics?

Get hands-on experience. Go to the aircraft, see how it operates, and get familiar with the basics. Many younger people in the industry lack this fundamental knowledge, so I’d recommend employers bring them to airports, warehouses, and full freighters to learn.

How do you motivate your team?

For me, it’s all about having fun at work. I encourage everyone to come in with a smile, use humour, and not take everything too seriously.

What is the one item you can’t travel without?

My contact lenses or glasses.

Who is your role model?

My father.

What would your autobiography be called?

“Me, Myself, and I.”

Cats or dogs?

Dogs. I have two Portuguese Mastiffs.

Early riser or night owl?

I’m an early riser. I go to bed at ten and wake up at 7:30.

What’s the best and worst purchase you’ve ever made?

Best: my electric vehicle. Worst: a treadmill.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Lasagna from my mother.

What’s your most used emoji?

The winking emoji.