Philip Wei, past Chairman of China Airlines, and Bill Boesch, Vice President of Logistics, Council for Logistics Research, Inc., have been awarded places in The International Air Cargo Association's (TIACA) 'Hall of Fame' in honor of their individual contributions to the progress of the air cargo industry.


Philip Wei

Bill Boesch

They will be officially presented with their awards at the annual Hall of Fame Awards Dinner, which will take place in Dallas on April 17th 2013 during the Association's Executive Summit and AGM.

Commenting on their decision, TIACA's Chairman's Council said they had selected Philip Wei 'for his clear vision for the air cargo industry and its impact on global trade.' Bill Boesch has been recognized for 'his unwavering commitment to the development and recognition of the air cargo industry and its impact on global trade. His dedication and inspiring leadership has made a lasting impact on our industry.'

Mr Wei attained Masters degrees in Finance and Tax Law at Taiwan's National Chengchi University in 1970 and Northrop University in the United States in 1987 respectively. He joined China Airlines as Assistant Manager in its Accounting Division in 1971, starting a career with the airline that over the following 30 years saw Mr Wei rise to the position of President of China Airlines.

He held various important posts with the airline, including Manager of Cargo Sales and Services, the Americas (1982-1989), General Manager of Cargo Sales and Services in Europe (1989-1991), Regional Director of Europe (1991-1993), Vice President of Passenger Sales Division (1993-1997), Vice President of Finance Division (1997-2001), and Vice President, the Americas (2001-2002). Mr Wei was promoted to President of the airline and Director of the Board in March 2002.

Boesch has been a high-level executive in the transportation and logistics industry for 45 years. He retired as Chairman of American Airlines' Cargo Division in 1998 having served as President of the airline's Cargo Division from 1991 to 1996. In 1996/97, he served as Director of U.S. Aviation Policy for the White House Commission on Aviation Security and has worked for the U.S. Government in high level logistics and security projects. Recent projects have included the transportation reconstruction in Iraq and Afghanistan.

During his career, Bill Boesch has served as Chairman of IATA's Cargo Executive Subcommittee and as Vice Chairman of IATA's Cargo Committee. He entered the industry in 1965 with Seaboard World Airlines, rising up through its ranks to become Vice President and Director of Worldwide Sales in 1978, later assuming a similar role with Flying Tigers. In 1982, he joined Emery Worldwide as Vice President of its International Division and held the post of Executive VP and General Manager prior to joining Pan American World Airways in 1987 as Senior VP of Cargo. During this time, he assumed broader responsibilities as Pan Am's Senior Vice President for Passenger and Cargo Operations.
Created in 1997, the TIACA Hall of Fame recognizes the contribution of air cargo's most influential business leaders. TIACA members, industry organizations and the industry press are invited to nominate individuals to be considered for the award and the honorees are selected by TIACA's Chairman's Council, which includes all past chairmen and the current chairman of the Association.