2005 Hall of Fame Recipient

Ram C. Menen - Senior Vice President Cargo
Emirates Airline  

Ram C. Menen was inducted into the TIACA 2005 Hall of Fame in recognition of his efforts and contributions to the air cargo industry and for his achievements as head of the cargo division of Emirates Airline which is now recognized as one of the fastest growing and most dynamic airlines in the world. Additionally, his efforts have encouraged the development of Dubai as a major international air cargo hub. He has been a driving force in bringing changes to the industry and in raising the profile of air cargo. He is a staunch supporter of complete liberalization of both the cargo and the aviation industries.

Ram C. Menen began his career in aviation in 1976 at Kuwait Airways and later directed the cargo operations in Kuwait of British Airways. He joined the Al Qutub shipping Agencies in Kuwait in 1984 where he managed its airfreight-forwarding unit in Dubai. Trained as an engineer, Mr. Menen was responsible for conceptualizing and developing the LD-36 type of Unit Load Device (ULD) which increased usable space on the lower deck pallet base by 33 percent and is widely in use with various airlines.

Mr. Menen received a Special Achievement Award from International Freighting Weekly in 2000, and in 2002 Air Cargo News USA named him Cargo Executive of the Year. He received the 2003 International Air Cargo Achievement Award from World Trade Center Miami for “excellence in promoting East-West trade”. Air Cargo World magazine listed him in 2004 as one of fifteen of “Air Cargo’s Most Influential Leaders”, and World Trade magazine named him in 2004 one of the “Fabulous 50” institutions and individuals who are transforming world trade.

He was one of the founding members of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) and was President and Chairman of the Board 1995-1996. He continues active involvement with TIACA as Trustee and Member of the Chairman’s Council. He also is a member of the IATA Cargo Committee. Mr. Menen encouraged the development of new Information Technology (IT) to meet the needs of the air cargo industry. He was involved in the decision by Emirates Airline to place the first order with Airbus Industries for the A380 freighter which will transport 150 tons on three decks for up to 10,400 kilometers.

Mr. Menen has been an outspoken advocate for the liberalization of international air cargo policies and expanded access to air cargo markets as a means of economic development.