Lead the Future of Global Air Cargo Operations
Become a Certified Air Cargo Operations Manager
The American Certified Air Cargo Operations Manager (AC-ACOM)® is AAPSCM®’s premier management-level certification designed for professionals responsible for leading airport cargo terminals, airline cargo operations, freight forwarding, aviation logistics, warehouse management, cargo security, customs compliance, and digital cargo transformation.
The American Certified Air Cargo Operations Manager (AC-ACOM)® is AAPSCM®’s premier management-level certification designed for professionals responsible for leading airport cargo terminals, airline cargo operations, freight forwarding, aviation logistics, warehouse management, cargo security, customs compliance, and digital cargo transformation.
Advance your career. Lead operational excellence. Drive digital transformation.
Duration: 4-Day Virtual Instructor-Led Training or Self-Paced Learning
Credential Validity: 3 Years
Assessment: Capstone Project or Online Certification Examination
About the Certification
The American Certified Air Cargo Operations Manager (AC-ACOM)® is AAPSCM®’s flagship management-level professional certification designed for experienced managers, supervisors, and senior professionals responsible for leading air cargo operations, airport cargo terminals, airline cargo services, freight forwarding organizations, ground handling operations, and integrated aviation logistics networks.
As the global air cargo industry undergoes rapid transformation driven by e-commerce, digitalization, automation, sustainability, and increasingly complex regulatory requirements, organizations require leaders who possess not only technical operational expertise but also strategic management, commercial, technological, and leadership capabilities. The AC-ACOM® certification equips professionals with these competencies, enabling them to manage complex cargo operations, optimize organizational performance, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive continuous operational improvement.
The certification integrates internationally recognized best practices in aviation management, airport cargo operations, warehouse and distribution management, freight forwarding, customs and trade compliance, commercial performance, enterprise risk management, Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital transformation, sustainability, and organizational leadership to prepare professionals for senior operational and management roles across the global aviation logistics industry.
Core Competency Areas
Participants develop advanced knowledge and practical management skills in:
- Strategic air cargo and aviation logistics management
- Airport cargo terminal and warehouse operations
- Aircraft capacity, payload, and resource optimization
- Freight forwarding, customs, and international trade compliance
- Aviation safety, cargo security, and dangerous goods management
- Commercial strategy, financial performance, and revenue optimization
- Digital air cargo systems, Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and analytics
- Operational risk management, business continuity, and organizational resilience
- Sustainability, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices
- Leadership, workforce management, innovation, and continuous improvement
Professional Value
Upon completion of the AC-ACOM® certification, participants will possess the strategic, operational, commercial, and leadership competencies required to successfully lead modern air cargo organizations, improve operational efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction, strengthen safety and regulatory compliance, implement digital transformation initiatives, and deliver sustainable business performance within airlines, airport authorities, cargo terminal operators, freight forwarding companies, logistics providers, government agencies, and multinational supply chain organizations worldwide.
Why Choose AC-ACOM®?
Industry-Relevant Curriculum
The AC-ACOM® curriculum is developed around the real-world operational challenges faced by airlines, airport authorities, cargo terminal operators, freight forwarders, ground handling organizations, and integrated logistics providers. Every module emphasizes practical knowledge, managerial decision-making, and operational excellence that can be immediately applied in today’s fast-paced air cargo industry.
Globally Aligned Best Practices
The certification is developed in alignment with internationally recognized aviation, air cargo, customs, logistics, quality, risk management, and sustainability frameworks, including ICAO, IATA, WCO, FIATA, ISO standards, and global supply chain best practices. This ensures participants acquire competencies that are recognized and applicable across international aviation and logistics environments.
Management and Leadership Focus
Unlike technical training programs, AC-ACOM® emphasizes strategic management, operational leadership, commercial decision-making, workforce development, and organizational performance. Participants gain the leadership competencies required to supervise complex cargo operations, optimize resources, improve service quality, and lead high-performing operational teams.
Digital Air Cargo and Artificial Intelligence
The certification prepares professionals for the future of aviation logistics by integrating emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, predictive analytics, Cargo Community Systems, digital documentation, intelligent warehouse operations, robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), and data-driven decision-making. Participants learn how digital transformation is reshaping global air cargo operations and how to leverage these technologies to improve efficiency and competitiveness
Career Advancement and Global Recognition
Awarded by the American Association of Procurement, Supply Chain & Tourism Management (AAPSCM®), the AC-ACOM® credential demonstrates advanced managerial competence in air cargo operations and aviation logistics. The certification enhances professional credibility, supports career advancement into senior management and executive leadership roles, and strengthens opportunities for international employment across airlines, airports, logistics providers, government agencies, and global supply chain organizations.
Certification Objectives
The American Certified Air Cargo Operations Manager (AC-ACOM)® certification is designed to develop the strategic, operational, commercial, and leadership competencies required to manage modern air cargo operations and aviation logistics organizations. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be able to:
1. Lead Strategic Air Cargo Operations
Develop, implement, and manage integrated air cargo operational strategies that improve efficiency, service quality, operational performance, and organizational competitiveness.
2. Optimize Airport Cargo Terminal Performance
Manage airport cargo terminals, warehouse operations, cargo handling processes, and resource utilization to maximize productivity, throughput, and customer satisfaction.
3. Improve Capacity and Resource Management
Optimize aircraft capacity, payload planning, Unit Load Device (ULD) utilization, workforce scheduling, equipment deployment, and operational resources to enhance operational efficiency and profitability.
4. Strengthen Regulatory Compliance and Operational Safety
Apply international aviation regulations, cargo security requirements, dangerous goods standards, customs procedures, and safety management principles to ensure secure, compliant, and reliable cargo operations.
5. Enhance Commercial and Financial Performance
Improve revenue generation, pricing strategies, cost management, customer service, and financial performance while supporting sustainable organizational growth.
6. Drive Digital Transformation and Innovation
Leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, digital cargo platforms, predictive analytics, and intelligent technologies to improve operational visibility, decision-making, and organizational performance.
7. Build Organizational Resilience and Sustainability
Develop risk management, business continuity, operational resilience, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies that strengthen organizational preparedness and support sustainable aviation logistics.
8. Lead High-Performing Teams
Develop leadership, communication, workforce management, coaching, and stakeholder engagement capabilities that foster collaboration, accountability, and operational excellence.
9. Improve Operational Performance Through Continuous Improvement
Apply performance measurement, quality management, Lean principles, process optimization, and data-driven decision-making to continuously improve cargo operations and customer outcomes.
10. Prepare for Executive Leadership
Develop the strategic thinking, governance, innovation, and enterprise leadership competencies required to advance into senior management and executive leadership positions within airlines, airport authorities, cargo terminal operators, freight forwarding organizations, and global aviation logistics enterprises.
Who Should Enroll?
The American Certified Air Cargo Operations Manager (AC-ACOM)® is designed for experienced professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership, operational, and strategic management capabilities within the global air cargo and aviation logistics industry. The certification is particularly valuable for individuals responsible for managing airport cargo terminals, airline cargo operations, freight forwarding, warehouse operations, transportation networks, customs compliance, and integrated logistics systems.
This certification is ideal for:
Air Cargo and Aviation Management Professionals
- Air Cargo Operations Managers
- Airline Cargo Managers
- Airport Operations Managers
- Airport Cargo Terminal Managers
- Cargo Operations Managers
- Aviation Logistics Managers
- Aviation Operations Managers
- Air Freight Managers
- Cargo Planning and Capacity Managers
Cargo Terminal and Warehouse Professionals
- Cargo Warehouse Managers
- Distribution Center Managers
- Warehouse Operations Managers
- Ground Handling Managers
- Ramp Operations Managers
- Cargo Handling Supervisors
- Warehouse Supervisors
- Materials Management Professionals
Freight Forwarding and Logistics Professionals
- Freight Forwarding Managers
- Logistics Managers
- Transportation Managers
- Supply Chain Managers
- Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Managers
- Fourth-Party Logistics (4PL) Managers
- Multimodal Transportation Managers
- Distribution and Fulfillment Managers
Trade, Customs, and Regulatory Professionals
- Customs Managers
- Customs Brokers
- Trade Compliance Managers
- Import and Export Managers
- Border Security and Customs Officials
- Regulatory Compliance Professionals
Government and Public Sector Professionals
- Civil Aviation Authority Officials
- Airport Authority Managers
- Government Aviation Officials
- Port and Border Management Officials
- Public Sector Logistics Managers
Specialized Industry Professionals
- Pharmaceutical Logistics Managers
- Cold Chain Logistics Managers
- Express Delivery and Courier Operations Managers
- Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Logistics Managers
- Aerospace and Defense Logistics Professionals
- Military Logistics Officers
- Aviation and Supply Chain Consultants
Emerging Leaders and Career Advancement Professionals
The AC-ACOM® certification is also well suited for experienced professionals preparing for senior leadership positions, including those seeking advancement to
- Senior Operations Manager
- Director of Cargo Operations
- Director of Aviation Logistics
- Head of Cargo Operations
- Regional Operations Director
- Vice President – Cargo Operations
- Chief Logistics Officer (CLO)
- Executive leadership positions within airlines, airports, logistics providers, and global supply chain organizations
Whether you are managing daily cargo operations, leading airport logistics teams, overseeing international freight movements, or preparing for executive leadership, the American Certified Air Cargo Operations Manager (AC-ACOM)® provides the advanced knowledge, practical management skills, and globally recognized credential needed to excel in today’s rapidly evolving air cargo and aviation logistics industry.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the American Certified Air Cargo Operations Manager (AC-ACOM)® certification, participants will be able to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and leadership competencies required to effectively manage complex air cargo operations and aviation logistics organizations.
1. Manage End-to-End Air Cargo Operations
Plan, coordinate, and optimize end-to-end air cargo operations, including cargo acceptance, handling, warehousing, aircraft loading, transportation, customs clearance, and final delivery while ensuring operational efficiency and service excellence.
2. Lead Airport Cargo Terminal and Warehouse Operations
Manage airport cargo terminals, warehouse facilities, cargo handling systems, workforce deployment, and operational resources to improve productivity, throughput, safety, and customer satisfaction.
3. Optimize Capacity and Resource Utilization
Develop strategies for aircraft capacity planning, payload optimization, Unit Load Device (ULD) management, workforce scheduling, equipment utilization, and operational resource allocation to maximize efficiency and profitability.
4. Ensure Regulatory Compliance and Operational Safety
Apply international aviation regulations, cargo security requirements, dangerous goods standards, customs procedures, and Safety Management System (SMS) principles to maintain secure, compliant, and reliable air cargo operations.
5. Manage Freight Forwarding and International Trade Operations
Oversee freight forwarding activities, customs compliance, international documentation, multimodal transportation, and global trade processes to facilitate efficient cross-border cargo movement.
6. Improve Commercial and Financial Performance
Develop and implement pricing strategies, revenue optimization initiatives, cost management practices, customer service improvements, and performance measurement systems that enhance organizational profitability and competitiveness.
7. Drive Digital Transformation and Intelligent Operations
Leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, digital cargo platforms, predictive analytics, business intelligence, and emerging technologies to improve operational visibility, decision-making, and organizational performance.
8. Strengthen Organizational Resilience and Sustainability
Develop enterprise risk management, business continuity, operational resilience, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives that support sustainable and future-ready aviation logistics operations
9. Lead High-Performing Teams and Continuous Improvement
Apply leadership, communication, workforce development, change management, Lean thinking, quality management, and continuous improvement methodologies to build high-performing operational teams.
10. Lead Strategic Transformation
Provide strategic leadership that drives innovation, organizational transformation, operational excellence, stakeholder collaboration, and long-term competitiveness across airlines, airport authorities, cargo terminal operators, freight forwarding organizations, and global aviation logistics enterprises.
AC-ACOM® Virtual/Online Instructor-led 4-day Training
Select an instructor tab to view session details and full trainer profile.
Gleb Mikulich – AAPSCM® Executive Trainer | Supply Chain Strategist | Digital Transformation Leader
Gleb Mikulich is a seasoned professional with over a decade of expertise in supply chain, procurement, logistics, and digital transformation. He has collaborated with globally recognized organizations, including Accenture, Procter & Gamble (P&G), Pfizer, CNH Industrial, and Mediterranean Shipping Company, delivering impactful solutions across diverse industries.
- Industry-leading experience in Global Supply Chain Operations – Gleb has collaborated with top-tier industry leaders such as Accenture, Procter & Gamble, Pfizer, CNH, and Mediterranean Shipping Company, delivering measurable results in supply chain integration, procurement modernization, and performance optimization.
- Certified Supply Chain & Project Management Expert – Gleb holds industry-recognized credentials, including SCPro Certified (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals), and additional certifications in Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, PMP, and PMI-ACP, showcasing his multidisciplinary expertise in process improvement, agile project leadership, and operational efficiency.
- Advanced Academic Credentials in Strategy & Digital Technologies – Gleb earned an MBA from IE Business School, with a concentration in strategy, operations, and digital technologies, and pursued advanced supply chain management training through MITx, equipping him with cutting-edge insights into global logistics, data-driven decision-making, and tech-enabled supply chains.
- Recognized Leader & Emerging Talent in the Field – Gleb is the recipient of the Young Professionals Emerging Leader Award from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), and a lifetime member of Beta Gamma Sigma, a recognition of academic excellence and leadership in business education.
Dr. Jason Matyus – Advisory Board Executive Director, Training, Course Development, and Examination
Dr. Matyus is the Advisory Board Director for Course Development, Training, and Examination. Dr. Jason Matyus’s career spans many disciplines. Dr. Matyus started as a public school teacher. After leaving teaching he worked for 20 years as a business professional working for two Fortune 500 Companies. Within those 20 years, he had varying roles that touched Project Management, logistics and Supply Chain, Procurement, Corporate Trainer, and Leadership. After receiving his MBA in Leadership and Doctorate in Business Management, he spent the last 5 years in higher education. In addition to his work in business, he is also on the Board of Directors for Cornerstone Care and the Carmichaels Area School District Board of Education and currently serves on the Farmville Urban Development Board.
Séverine Boulard – AAPSCM® Executive Trainer
Séverine Boulard is an international HR consultant, trainer, and founder of HR Graff Consulting GmbH, Switzerland. With over 20 years of experience in global HR leadership roles across banking, finance, consulting, fintech, and high-growth international environments, she specializes in HR transformation, compliance, talent strategy, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness. She has led HR functions across multiple jurisdictions and is recognised for combining strategic expertise with practical, business-focused execution. Séverine delivers engaging training programs designed to translate complex HR topics into real-world leadership capability. She holds a European Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management and completed executive studies in HR Transformation through Cornell University. She trains in English, French, German, and Russian.
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