Friday, June 6, 2025
The air cargo industry has seen no shortage of fluctuations over the past few years - and 2025 will be no exception. Between trade uncertainty and regulation, the industry faces headwinds - but many expect opportunities for growth in several key industries. In this expert panel, you'll hear from air cargo insiders about what they're seeing now and their strategies for the future. Expect to hear about volumes and capacity, risk management plans, and how air carriers are working to collaborate with their shipper and freight forwarder partners to deliver more value and service in the months ahead.
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About the moderator:
Pina Melchionna
President & CEO
CITT
Pina Melchionna is currently the President and CEO of CITT – Canada’s Logistics Association – an organization dedicated to the advancement of the logistics profession in Canada through networking, learning and training, thought leadership and beyond. Prior to her role at CITT, Pina worked for several national banks and financial institutions, after starting her career as a lawyer. Pina has a Bachelor of Arts degree from York University, a Juris Doctorate Law Degree from Osgoode Hall Law School and a specialized Master of Business Administration in Financial Services from Dalhousie University. She completed the ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program and earned the ICD.D designation in 2015 and the Competent Board Global ESG (CBG.D.) and Climate Designations in 2022. Pina is a member in good standing of the Ontario Bar Association. She has served on the board of SGI Canada and currently sits on the board of the Royal Canadian Mint and the Raymond James Trust Company.
About the presenters:
Valerie Khalemska
Manager, National Accounts
Air Canada Cargo
Valerie is the Manager of National Accounts at Air Canada Cargo, where she oversees the company’s largest accounts in Canada. In this role, Valerie focuses on driving success for top freight forwarders in Canada by strengthening strategic relationships across the industry and is responsible for growing market share for AC nationally. Closely involved in developing and implementing commercial strategies for the Company’s cargo business growth, Valerie has developed an in-depth understanding of the current trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the air cargo market.
Valerie has over 11 years of progressive experience in the supply chain industry, having started her career at a 3PL company, where she focused on providing transportation, warehousing and distribution services to a wide variety of verticals, later pivoting to lead the commercial efforts for Drone Delivery Canada, helping businesses transform their supply chains by deploying commercially viable drone delivery solutions. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, focusing on International Law, and a post-graduate certificate in Marketing Management.
Partheepan Vasanthan, CCLP
National Airfreight Manager, Pricing & Compliance
EFL Canada
Partheepan Vasanthan is a logistics and supply chain professional with over 12 years of experience spanning freight forwarding, procurement, pricing, and operations. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Logistics and has earned the CCLP designation.
Partheepan began his career in 2013 with Expeditors and has since worked with several logistics organizations, including a European Union–funded company where he managed procurement operations.
After moving to Canada, he rejoined Expeditors and later joined EFL Global, initially in operations. His leadership and performance led to his progression into branch management, and he now serves as the Head of Air Freight for EFL/LEI Canada.
In addition to his professional role, Partheepan is actively involved in the industry and currently serves as the Chairperson for the CITT Young Professionals Advisory Group, supporting the next generation of logistics professionals.