Alexis Lapot is Head of Commercial Cargo at Liege Airport, where he focuses on strengthening the airport’s cargo business and attracting new operations. His career has centred on air freight, from maximising cargo aircraft capacity and profitability to working closely with Alibaba/Cainiao on the growth of its European e-commerce operations.
What was your dream job as a child?
Retired by 45. Apparently, I was an ambitious child.
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the industry?
When air cargo finally stopped using Excel for everything.
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever shipped?
The artworks. Rare, insanely valuable pieces, sometimes so huge they needed special frames just to fit inside the aircraft. I like to think David Hockney’s Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) was somewhere in there.
What’s one buzzword you secretly dislike?
“Digitalisation.” Usually announced in a PowerPoint attached to an email with an Excel file.
Window or aisle seat?
Emirates A380, upper deck, as far back as possible. I have my reasons.
What’s the best business lesson you’ve learned the hard way?
People remember how you handled a problem more than who caused it.
If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be?
My five-year-old. Incredible work-life balance.
Which three items would you bring to a desert island?
A case of Domaine Leflaive Montrachet Grand Cru, proper glassware and a battery-powered Devialet playing Mac Miller on repeat. Everything else is logistics.
Tea or coffee?
Caramel oat milk latte. Obviously kidding. Doppio. Italian regulations apply.
What’s your guilty pleasure TV show or movie?
Kenny Powers. One of television’s finest achievements.
What’s the most exciting place you’ve visited for work?
Hong Kong. One of the few places I’m never quite ready to leave.
If you could introduce one new regulation in air cargo, what would it be?
No new regulation should be approved without Commercial signing it off first. For operational reasons, obviously.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Justin Bieber, “Love Yourself.” Unfortunately, I don’t need much convincing.
Describe your job in three words?
Professional cargo diplomacy.
What’s your hidden talent?
Knowing exactly how far I can go. Then going slightly further.
If you could instantly master one skill, what would it be?
Playing guitar. I already know exactly how it should sound.
What’s something on your bucket list?
Own a Pardo 43 on the French Riviera. Ideally before it becomes age-appropriate.
What’s the best airport in the world, and why?
Cargo or passenger? I only have strong opinions about one of them.
If air cargo had a mascot, what would it be?
An ant. Always moving ridiculous amounts of stuff, never fully understanding why.
How did you get into airfreight/logistics?
Completely by accident. Then, during my interview, I stepped inside a 747F. The light bulb went on. Never looked back.
What quote has most resonated with you?
“You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky – Michael Scott – Alexis Lapot
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Take what you do seriously. Yourself, not so much.
What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?
Nice try, Air Cargo Week.
If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Anthony Bourdain, Paul Delrez and Action Bronson. I have enough mentors. I want a proper dinner.
What’s something we wouldn’t know about you from your CV?
That my CV is probably the least interesting thing about me.
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Author: Edward Hardy
