The wonderful women of Virgin Atlantic Cargo: Laura Roher

^{Posted: 25th February, 2022}

To celebrate International Women's Day 2022, we are championing the women of Virgin Atlantic Cargo; sharing their experiences and what they love about Logistics.

Tell us about your role at Virgin Atlantic Cargo…

My role as a Senior Analyst Network and Flight Planning in Cargo comes with many exciting responsibilities and every day has something new in store. In principle, I am closely working with various teams within Virgin Atlantic Cargo and our external GSAs to identify opportunities for cargo-only flights (flights operated by passenger aircraft however with no passenger and only cargo on-board) to then collaborate with the operational and commercial team in VAA to make them a reality.

If there are any changes within our environment, that are impacting our operations I communicate and coordinate required measures and our response within VAC. Another big part of my role is the planning and prioritisation of cargo on flights within the immediate future warranting commercial success of each flight while ensuring customer satisfaction and keeping with operational requirements and limitations.

"What makes cargo such an interesting field is that it is an enormous construct of global stake holders, which all play an important part in essentially keeping supply chains across the world and the global economy going."

What led you to the cargo industry? And what is it about the industry you enjoy the most?

I have been an avid enthusiast for the Aviation industry since a young age and have trained as a pilot. However, I realised there is much more to it than operating aircraft from A to B, which is why I started university studies with a strong Aviation focus. Through that and an internship within a cargo airline, I have developed a particular interest with cargo and logistics, which ultimately led me to looking for a career within VAC.

What makes cargo such an interesting field is that it is an enormous construct of global stake holders, which all play an important part in essentially keeping supply chains across the world and the global economy going. Even if something seemingly “minor” does not go to plan, it can have a long lasting impact on everybody’s daily life (e.g. shortages or price increases of certain goods). Within this construct air freight only takes up a small percentage of total freight volumes, but mainly focuses on transporting time-sensitive and more valuable goods. It enables us to quickly supply even the most remote areas with essentials, such as medicines.

What do you value most about working for Virgin Atlantic Cargo?

VAC is a great and fun place to work in. It is the people that make it so special. There are so many great and interesting individuals from many different backgrounds and each day you feel everybody is pulling on the same rope. No matter how stressful a day or situation is, everybody is always up for a laugh, to support each other and most importantly, appreciate each other.

Tell us about some women who have, or continue to, inspire you in your career or your everyday life…

It’s very difficult to pin it down to set women. I find every woman inspiring in their own way and think it is important knowing that we don’t have to follow in somebody else’s path. Every woman should follow their own aspirations, allow themselves to fail, learn out of it and thereby grow and create their own path. Equally as important as going your own way is not to judge others for their choices but to support each other in what each of us is striving for.

What would you say to a female who’s thinking about a career in the logistics industry?

Got for it! The logistics industry offers many great opportunities and different career paths – there is something for everybody. Logistics is an ever growing and evolving industry and there are constantly new fields, jobs and opportunities created, allowing each individual lots of room to grow and to diversify their own skills and career.