Every flight tells a story, and Alexander’s journey in aviation is a tale of decades-long evolution and adventure. Today, as Director of Charter Services & ACMI at Cargolux in Luxembourg, he leads a team spread across Luxembourg, Houston, and Hong Kong, managing complex logistics and groundbreaking projects. But his passion for aviation began far from these bustling hubs, rooted in an unexpected twist of fate at Frankfurt Airport.
Growing up near Frankfurt, Alexander had little intention of joining the aviation industry. “I was studying marketing and communication, but my sister worked for Lufthansa, and she encouraged me to take a job at the airport,” he recalls. What started as a side job evolved into a full-blown passion: “I caught the aviation fever—and I’ve never looked back.”
Alexander’s fascination with aviation logistics led him to the charter industry. He joined a major charter broker in Frankfurt, transitioning from passenger services to cargo operations. “The versatility of this business captivated me,” he says. “Every day presents new challenges, and that keeps me motivated.”
From Novice to Leader
Alexander credits his early years in charter logistics for building a foundation of resilience and adaptability. “I didn’t have a mentor at the start,” he explains, “but my curiosity and ambition pushed me forward. I learned the importance of self-management, a skill that I still rely on today.” He later pursued a degree in Aviation Management, a pivotal step that deepened his understanding of the industry and prepared him for the complexities of a global career.
A career-defining moment came when his previous employer sent Alexander to Chicago. “It was my first big move abroad. I was managing charter operations in North America, and I had a fantastic mentor there who shaped my approach to leadership,” he recounts.
The U.S. became a second home. Alexander embraced its cultural diversity and dynamic work ethic, which, he says, “redefined my perspective on teamwork and innovation.” He credits the U.S. with instilling a "24/7 mindset" that emphasized dedication, adaptability, and a proactive approach to challenges—skills that continue to shape his leadership style today.
Alexander transitioned to Cargolux as Charter Manager for North and South America. “I didn’t plan to move to Texas, but the opportunity was too good to pass up,” he explains. Alexander contributed to significant business growth and earned the trust of both his team and headquarters.
Living in Texas turned out to be a pleasant surprise for Alexander and his family. “We quickly fell in love with the easygoing lifestyle and the warmth of the people,” he says. Adapting to the work culture came just as naturally: “It was very welcoming. The collaborative spirit in Houston matched the ambitious nature of the role perfectly.
A Culture of Support
Alexander highlights the role of Cargolux’s culture in his success: “It wasn’t a formal program, but the people made all the difference. My colleagues in Luxembourg and Houston were incredibly supportive, easing my transition into a new environment.”
A key accomplishment during his time in Houston was helping to establish Cargolux’s local presence in the U.S. “From a department perspective, we were always centralized. Everything was done in Luxembourg. And then at one point, a decision was made to establish a global footprint, and I was the first hire in the US. I was able to kind of build the office to generate more business for the company," he reflects.
When a senior position opened at headquarters, Alexander seized the opportunity. “The timing felt right—professionally and personally. It was a tough decision to leave the U.S., but family and career growth made it worthwhile,” he says.
Transitioning to Luxembourg wasn’t without challenges, but Cargolux provided me with the resources and trust to adapt,” he shares.
Leadership Development
Cargolux’s management development program played a pivotal role in preparing Alexander for his current role. “It helped me understand my strengths as a leader and provided tools to handle high-pressure situations,” he notes. “It was very interesting—lots of learning, about the job and about myself as a professional. It really helped me grow into the role.” This program, combined with his extensive experience, provided Alexander with the self-awareness and leadership tools that have been crucial in his transition from team member to department head. In Luxembourg, Alexander embraced the challenges of senior leadership, managing not just tasks but an entire department. “The role is extremely challenging. You’re way more exposed to the upper level. You have to make decisions not just for you, but for the entire department. Expertise-wise, it’s more or less what I learned over more than 20 years in the business. My teammates made it relatively easy—they accepted me from day one as the leader,” he says.
Today, Alexander oversees a growing global team and ambitious projects. “We’ve doubled our regular charter flights and expanded our footprint in Hong Kong. It’s a testament to the team’s dedication,” he says. Despite the pressures, he remains committed: “Aviation isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle.”
Alexander’s story reflects the spirit of innovation and collaboration that drives Cargolux. As he looks ahead, he remains focused on growth, both personal and professional. “This company has given me opportunities I couldn’t have imagined,” he concludes.
