ACE Awards Celebrate Industry Leaders for Outstanding Contributions to Air Cargo Logistics

The ACE Awards Ceremony, held at Abu Dhabi’s Cafe de Mar, brought together key players from the international air cargo industry to celebrate four individuals for their work within the sector.

The gala took place during the 3rd ACE held between the 4th and 6th of December in Abu Dhabi, UAE, hosted by Etihad Cargo.

The evening saw four awards handed out – Visionary Vanguard, Life Achievement Award, and two awards for Leader to Watch.

One of the Leader to Watch awards was given to Charles E. Sarkis, CEO of Saudi Arabia-based freight forwarder, Motion Supply Chain.

The accolade celebrates his contributions to the industry, and highlights the optimism among his peers for his future in air cargo.

“I am deeply humbled and grateful to receive the Leader to Watch Award, also blessed and honored to have shared this emotional moment among ACE’s industry peers, mentors, and friends,” said Sarkis.

“This is a very proud moment for me, as it took approximately 20 years to reach this platform. But I didn’t walk alone; I was accompanied by valuable partners and colleagues who believed in my vision and made it their mission.

“Truly, this award recognizes our efforts and dedication while motivating us to attain higher goals. I always say that ‘the SKY is ONLY the limit’, and today this award marks the beginning of a bigger dream.”

The second of the Leader to Watch awards was presented to Elodie Berthonneau, VP of Cargo Network Planning and Strategic Partnerships at Qatar Airways.

This award celebrates her impact in air cargo, having worked with three major airlines in Europe, Asia, and Middle East over the past 25 years.

Finding her start in cargo sales and business development, Berthonneau continues to contribute to air cargo years on, showing her potential to shape the future of air cargo logistics.

“I am truly thankful to receive the Leader to Watch Award,” said Berthonneau.

“This award makes me realize how much I have accomplished indeed and motivates me to continue that path along with colleagues and peers from the industry. I am committed to contribute and bring the required changes to this industry.”

The Visionary Vanguard Award was granted to Turgut Erkeskin, CEO of Genel Transport, and newly elected president of FIATA.

Erkeskin has been at the forefront of innovative strategies and transformative ideas, propelling the freight forwarding industry into new and exciting directions.

This award celebrates his position as a visionary leader in air cargo, whose influence will continue to shape the future of logistics.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the Visionary Vanguard Award,” said Turgut Erkeskin.

“This recognition means a lot to me. Receiving this award reinforces my commitment to excellence and motivates me to strive for even greater accomplishments in the future.  I am truly fortunate to be a part of such an inspiring community.”

Tushar Jani, Chairman of CSC Group and SCA Group of Companies, was presented with the final commendation, the Life Achievement Award.

This award recognises his five decades-long contribution to air cargo and celebrates his dedication to our industry.

“I thank ACE for this very special recognition,” said Tushar Jani.

“I feel loved and humbled at the same time. My success is thanks to all my colleagues in my companies and my well-wishers in the industry.”

“Our industry has finally been recognized for the critical role it has played for trade, economy, and society over several decades and I am excited about what the coming decades promises to be.”

The ACE Gala Dinner was an opportunity to applaud these individuals and their impact on the air cargo logistics landscape.

The event underscored the importance of recognizing and honoring those who continue to elevate the industry through innovation, leadership, sustainability, diversity, and global collaboration.