Nominations Open for the 2026 Rising Star Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Miami, January 21, 2026
The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 Rising Star Award, marking the second year of this prestigious recognition program.
Launched in 2025, the Rising Star Award honors outstanding individuals under the age of 35 who are making a meaningful impact on the air cargo and logistics industry through innovation, leadership, and measurable achievement. Following a successful inaugural year, the award continues TIACA’s commitment to spotlighting emerging talent and encouraging the next generation of industry leaders.
“The response to the inaugural Rising Star Award highlighted just how much talent and ambition exists within our industry,” said Glyn Hughes, TIACA Director General. “As we open nominations for the second year, we look forward to discovering and celebrating the individuals who are shaping the future of air cargo.”
The 2026 Rising Star Award will recognize a professional who demonstrates forward-thinking leadership, delivers tangible results, and inspires positive change across the global air cargo ecosystem. Nominees may come from any sector of the industry, including airlines, freight forwarders, airports, ground handlers, manufacturers, technology providers, and related service organizations.
“The Rising Star Award is about recognizing the people who are not just participating in our industry, but actively shaping where it is headed,” said Roos Bakker, TIACA Chair. “As we enter the second year of this award, we are excited to see a new group of emerging leaders whose ideas, energy, and commitment will help define the future of air cargo.”
Nominations are open to industry peers, organizations, and leaders who wish to recognize exceptional young professionals. The recipient of the 2026 Rising Star Award will be selected following a review process conducted by the TIACA Board and will be announced during the Executive Summit in Warsaw, Poland, June 1-3, 2026.
Nominations for all Air Cargo Leadership Awards are open to the entire global air cargo community. Full details on eligibility, award categories, and submission guidelines are available on the TIACA website www.tiaca.org
Nominations and Key Dates
Rising Star – April 8, 2026
The Award is available for sponsorship.
For further information please contact:
Rachael Negron
press@tiaca.org
+1 786 265 7011
Notes to editors:
TIACA is The International Air Cargo Association, based in Miami, Florida. TIACA is the unique international not-for-profit association representing and uniting all parts of the air cargo industry: shippers, forwarders, ground handlers, airports, airlines, manufacturers, IT providers. TIACA members are traditional players and new entrants, small, medium, and large companies with regional and global reach.
TIACA’s vision is a safe, profitable and united air cargo industry that embraces modern technologies and practices to sustainably and fairly serve trade and social development worldwide.
TIACA’s mission is to support, lead and unite the industry to achieve that vision; promote and encourage business, social, and technological innovation; protect the interests of its members with one voice on common interests; disseminate and enhance knowledge amongst members and the air cargo industry.
For more details visit www.tiaca.org. For regular updates, follow www.twitter.com/tiacaorg.