The Pioneers of Aviation Intelligence
In the dynamic world of air cargo where data flows like jet streams, one name has stood as both compass and beacon for five decades. They aren't pilots yet navigate information skies; not freight forwarders yet connect global logistics pulses. They are Geoffrey and Sabiha Arend , the visionary duo behind Flying Typers .
A Triumph at Dallas 2025
The aviation world erupted in applause as the Arends received air cargo's highest honor—the Jim Foster Award at the prestigious Dallas Air Cargo Symposium. This wasn't merely a trophy but a medal of honor, engraved with 50 years of relentless dedication, data mastery, and industry service.
The Data Alchemists
How did they maintain razor-sharp insight through information revolutions? What alchemy transformed raw data into golden forecasts that shaped billion-dollar decisions? The answers lie in every keystroke of Flying Typers' publications and the couple's unwavering passion for aviation truth.
The Gold Standard
Established by the Airforwarders Association (AfA), the Jim Foster Award recognizes extraordinary contributions to air cargo. AfA Executive Director Brandon Fried emphasized: "This award embodies excellence—a validation of lifetime achievement." The recognition represents unanimous industry respect beyond AfA's endorsement.
Chronicles of an Industry
Flying Typers transcends journalism—it's the living archive of air cargo evolution. For 50 years, their reporting has delivered not just news but strategic intelligence. From fuel price tsunamis to emerging market earthquakes, their analysis charts courses through turbulence with data-driven precision.
Geoffrey Arend's humble remark—"Sharing these stories is our privilege, and this award suggests we occasionally get it right"—belies the monumental accuracy that made Flying Typers the industry's north star .
The Data Edge
Their secret? Treating data as aviation fuel for decision-making. By analyzing route densities, cargo economics, and regional demand patterns, they empower:
• Airlines to optimize networks
• Forwarders to refine strategies
• Manufacturers to mitigate risks
Industry Torchbearers
In his acceptance, Arend spotlighted fellow luminaries—AfA's Fried, IATA's former cargo chief Glyn Hughes , and CNS ex-president Mike White . He particularly noted Donna Mullins ' pandemic-era kindness in feeding truckers, exemplifying the sector's humanity.
The Flight Continues
Looking ahead, Flying Typers vows to maintain its data-first ethos while tracking technological revolutions, policy shifts, and market disruptions. "We'll keep earning this honor," Arend pledged, embodying the sector's relentless forward momentum.
Analyst's Perspective
Experts identify their success pillars:
• Data intuition —extracting signal from noise
• Analytical rigor —transforming numbers into wisdom
• Sector mastery —contextualizing insights
• Narrative clarity —making complexity comprehensible
Industry Implications
This recognition underscores critical lessons:
• Data literacy as competitive armor
• Specialized knowledge as market differentiator
• Collaboration as growth accelerator
The Unsung Heroine
Geoffrey specifically credited Sabiha Arend as equally deserving—the operational architect enabling Flying Typers' endurance. Her behind-the-scenes leadership exemplifies partnership power.
Horizon Scanning
As digital transformation reshapes logistics, Flying Typers' data-centric approach positions it as the industry's radar system —detecting opportunities and threats over the horizon. Their next chapter promises to illuminate air cargo's path through sustainability challenges, automation revolutions, and global trade realignments.
The Jim Foster Award doesn't mark a finale—it's a waypoint in Flying Typers' ongoing journey as aviation's most trusted chronicler. For an industry that moves the world, Geoffrey and Sabiha Arend remain the scribes who help it navigate forward.