Since 2023, Rüdiger Franke has been the Managing Director and CEO of Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN), having previously served as Managing Director of Zweibrücken Airport (ZQW) and Technical Director at Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport (FKB). 

What’s your most memorable moment in the air cargo industry?

The most memorable moment was by far stepping into a Boeing 747 freighter for the first time in my life. Just incredible. I can still feel that emotion very clearly, although it was in the year 2015.

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the industry?

It has to be the extraordinary surge toward e-commerce products by most companies and airports that I know. This development shows us that the industry is constantly changing and you always have to be prepared.

Tea or coffee?

Easy question! Definitely coffee.

Window or aisle seat?

It is, of course, … dramatic pause… the window seat! Just thinking about the view makes me want to get on a plane.

If air cargo had a mascot, what would it be?

In my opinion, the ant is a great example. Hardworking, fast, and able to carry a lot of weight!

How did you get into airfreight/logistics? 

During the bankruptcy of Hahn Airport, I took over as head of a cargo airport. The job came up because I already knew the airport and its processes very well.

If you hadn’t pursued a career in airfreight, what other field would you have liked to go into?

It wouldn’t be the airfreight industry, but still in logistics. I would have wanted to work at a large seacontainer port.

Looking back over your career, what would your message be to someone considering a career in logistics?

In my opinion, an educational background in the field is by far the most important thing. It’s important to understand all the processes and to navigate upcoming trends, such as ecommerce. I would also advise a healthy amount of common sense because it makes daily decisions way faster and easier.

Early riser or night owl?

I see myself as a night owl.

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

The best piece of advice I have ever gotten, is to always try putting yourself in your counterpart´s shoes. 

What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?

The most adventurous thing I have ever done was diving in the red sea. And I would definitely do it again.

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