As we move into the second half of 2026, our industry continues to demonstrate the resilience, innovation, and collaboration that have always defined the air cargo community.
While the global logistics landscape continues to evolve, one thing remains constant—our greatest strength is the people who make this industry work. Every shipment delivered, every challenge overcome, and every customer served is the result of countless professionals working together across airlines, freight forwarders, trucking companies, handlers, customs brokers, warehouses, and technology providers.
That same spirit of collaboration is what continues to make IACAC thrive.
This summer has already brought meaningful opportunities to connect, from our Chicago Dogs networking event to planning for our upcoming Annual Golf Outing. These moments remind us that while business is built through operations, lasting partnerships are built through relationships.
As we prepare for another busy season, we’re also excited to continue investing in the future of our association through leadership, education, and member engagement. Whether you’re a longtime member or have recently joined our community, thank you for helping make IACAC the organization it is today.
We look forward to seeing many of you on August 13th at our Annual Golf Outing.
Warm regards,
Christina Aguirre
President, IACAC
📬 Newsletter compiled and edited by Victoria Rahmanovic, IACAC Communications Committee
🗳️ 2026 Board of Directors Election: Your Vote Matters
The future of IACAC is shaped by its members.
This year, two Director seats are available on the IACAC Board of Directors, and every eligible member has the opportunity to help select the individuals who will guide our association through the remainder of the 2026–2027 Board term.
🗳️ Voting Details
Date: Monday, August 3, 2026
Voting Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (CST)
Every vote helps shape the future of our association, and we encourage all eligible members to participate.
Thank you for supporting IACAC through your continued involvement and leadership.
🌟 Member Spotlight: Avalon Risk Management
This month we’re proud to spotlight Avalon Risk Management, a trusted provider of cargo insurance, customs bonds, trade credit insurance, and transportation risk management solutions serving the global logistics industry.
For more than 25 years, Avalon Risk has partnered with freight forwarders, customs brokers, importers, exporters, and logistics providers to help protect supply chains through specialized insurance products, compliance expertise, and innovative risk management solutions.
Their commitment to education, customer service, and industry partnership has made Avalon Risk a respected leader throughout the transportation community, and we’re proud to recognize them as an active member of IACAC.
🛫 IACAC News & Announcements
📌 Welcome New Members – July 2026 Please join us in welcoming our newest members:
We’re excited to have each of you as part of the IACAC community and look forward to seeing you at upcoming events.
🎖️ Honoring a Lifetime of Service
This month, IACAC proudly recognized Jackie Johnsen and Sharon Roman with Honorary Lifetime Memberships in recognition of their many years of dedication, leadership, and volunteer service to our association.
Their contributions have helped shape IACAC into the organization it is today, and we are grateful for the lasting impact each has made on Chicago’s air cargo community.
Congratulations to Jackie and Sharon on this well-deserved honor, and best wishes as they enjoy their retirement.
📢 Industry News & Market Updates ✈️ FAA Summer Flight Reductions Continue at Chicago O’Hare
The FAA continues implementing temporary schedule reductions at Chicago O’Hare to improve operational reliability during the busy summer travel season while major airport improvements remain underway.
📢 Industry News & Market Updates ✈️ FAA Summer Flight Reductions Continue at Chicago O’Hare
The FAA continues implementing temporary schedule reductions at Chicago O’Hare to improve operational reliability during the busy summer travel season while major airport improvements remain underway.
Global air cargo demand continues to show resilience heading into the second half of the year, with international volumes remaining above 2025 levels despite ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
Continuing schedule variability in ocean freight markets is driving additional demand for expedited air cargo solutions across several global trade lanes.
🤖 Technology Investment Continues Across Logistics
Artificial intelligence, automation, and digital visibility tools remain key investment priorities as logistics providers continue improving operational efficiency and customer experience.
🚀 Hot Topics – Quick Scan
• Peak season planning continues across major global trade lanes.
• Airlines continue carefully managing available cargo capacity.
• Technology investments remain a strategic priority throughout the logistics industry.
• Operational reliability continues driving shipper decision-making.
• Chicago remains one of North America’s most important international cargo gateways.
⛳ Featured Event 2026 IACAC Annual Golf Outing
📅 Thursday, August 13, 2026
One of IACAC’s signature events returns this August!
Join fellow members, customers, and industry partners for a day of golf, networking, sponsorship opportunities, contests, prizes, and relationship building.
Whether you’re playing a full round or joining us for the networking reception, we look forward to another outstanding day supporting Chicago’s air cargo community.
We hope to see you there!
📆 2026 IACAC Event Calendar
✔ Jan 30 — New Year Networking & Karaoke
✔ Feb 17 — PuttShack
✔ Mar 12 — Patty’s Day at Pop’s
✔ Apr 13 — Behind the Scenes at Lufthansa Cargo – Members Only
✔ May 7 — Still Celebrating Cinco De Mayo
✔ June 25 — Chicago Dogs Game
✔ July — Summer Vacation ⛳ Aug 13 — Annual Golf Outing
✔ Sep 24 — Oktoberfest
✔ Oct 15 — Air Cargo Night
✔ Nov — Date TBD — Compliance Day & Elections
✔ Dec 3 — Holiday Luncheon
🤝 Celebrating Our Community: A Fond Farewell to Philippa Haaman
📸 Photo of the Month
At our July Board of Directors meeting, we had the opportunity to celebrate Philippa Haaman’s final meeting as an IACAC Director before her move back to Germany to begin an exciting new professional opportunity.
Philippa has been a valued member of our Board and an outstanding representative of Lufthansa Cargo. Throughout her time with IACAC, she generously shared her knowledge, perspective, and passion for our industry while helping strengthen our association through her leadership and dedication.
While we will certainly miss her, we are excited to see what this next chapter brings. On behalf of the entire IACAC community, we thank Philippa for her friendship, service, and commitment to our association, and we wish her continued success back home in Germany.
💡 Did You Know?
Did you know? The Boeing 777 Freighter can carry more than 100 metric tons (220,000 pounds) of cargo on a single flight while flying nonstop for over 5,000 nautical miles. It’s one of the world’s most capable long-haul freighter aircraft and plays a vital role in connecting global supply chains every day.
