A major leadership transition is underway within international aviation. United Airlines has officially announced that Jan Krems, President of United Cargo, will step down at the end of September following a distinguished career spanning more than four decades in global air logistics and passenger network operations. Chris Busch, who currently serves as Managing Director for Cargo Americas, has been appointed as the incoming Vice President of Cargo to guide the airline’s logistics division into its next growth phase.
The transition marks the conclusion of a twelve-year tenure at United Cargo during which Krems reshaped how passenger belly capacity is utilized to support global supply chains, international trade, and tourism-related cargo transport. Under his leadership, the division emerged as a top commercial performer among major United States flag carriers, regularly outperforming industry peers while establishing new benchmarks for operational reliability and customer partnerships.
Building Commercial Strength Through Passenger Network Connectivity
Unlike dedicated freighter operators, United Airlines relies primarily on the lower-deck belly space of its widebody passenger fleet to move international cargo across its extensive global route network. This hybrid model connects major tourism hubs and commercial centers across North America, Europe, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region.
Throughout his presidency, Krems prioritized long-term commercial relationships with international freight forwarders, logistics partners, and cargo customers. Rather than taking advantage of fluctuating market demand to maximize short-term rates, the division emphasized rate stability, service consistency, and trust. This strategic positioning ensured robust cargo volumes even during broader economic shifts, providing crucial revenue that supported the expansion and sustainability of United’s international passenger flights.
The economic synergy between passenger travel and belly cargo plays a pivotal role in global tourism infrastructure. Cargo revenue generated from international long-haul routes frequently enhances route profitability, enabling airlines to maintain year-round passenger service to seasonal tourist destinations, cultural capitals, and island economies that rely heavily on air connectivity.
Operational Innovation and Crisis Management During Unprecedented Challenges
One of the defining chapters of Krems’ leadership occurred during the global disruption of air travel in 2020. As passenger travel temporarily slowed, United Cargo responded rapidly by converting passenger aircraft into mini-freighters. The airline operated roughly 17,000 cargo-only flights, transporting essential medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, temperature-sensitive groceries, and urgent retail goods across continents.
This agile operational shift provided vital financial support that helped stabilize the airline during a critical period in aviation history. The initiative demonstrated the crucial role that commercial airline fleets play in maintaining global logistical pipelines when traditional supply chains face severe constraints.
In recognition of his contributions to air transport, international supply chain development, and executive leadership, Krems was inducted into the International Air Cargo Association Hall of Fame in 2025. His background includes 27 years at KLM Cargo and Air France KLM Cargo, where he led integration efforts and regional operations before joining United Airlines in 2014.
Strategic Investments in Modern Logistics Facilities and Operational Resilience
Under Krems’ direction, United Cargo expanded its specialized transport portfolio to meet growing demand for high-value freight. Key growth categories included temperature-controlled pharmaceutical products, fresh agricultural goods, and luxury perishables that serve the hospitality and tourism sectors worldwide.
To support these high-yield cargo categories, the airline invested in state-of-the-art ground infrastructure across key gateway airports. In 2024, United Cargo opened a massive 165,000-square-foot cargo facility equipped with extensive cold-storage capabilities near Newark Liberty International Airport. This facility serves as a vital gateway for transatlantic trade, connecting European producers with North American consumer markets.
The division’s primary hub structure centered around Chicago O’Hare International Airport, along with international gateways in Newark, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington Dulles, and Houston, provides seamless connections to global destinations. Combined with extensive interline agreements and dedicated road feeder networks, United Cargo established an integrated distribution framework capable of moving goods efficiently across world markets.
These investments yielded substantial financial returns. In recent financial reporting, United Cargo recorded quarterly revenues of $527 million, reflecting a 22.6% increase year-over-year, driven by strong international volume growth and expanded belly capacity utilization across long-haul routes.
A Smooth Executive Transition to Lead Future Aviation Growth
As Chris Busch prepares to assume the leadership role, the carrier is positioned to maintain its strong market presence while exploring new digital and operational innovations. Busch brings 19 years of executive experience at United Airlines, having successfully led commercial growth strategies, customer partnership initiatives, and operational execution across the Americas region.
In his new role as Vice President of Cargo, Busch will oversee all aspects of United Cargo’s global organization, including global sales, revenue management, customer service operations, product development, and technological modernization.
Official statements from United Airlines leadership emphasized gratitude for Krems’ decades of dedicated service and expressed full confidence in Busch’s ability to drive future innovation. The seamless transition ensures that United Cargo will continue to serve as a vital link in global air transport, supporting international trade, tourism supply networks, and global economic connectivity for years to come.
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