60 Seconds with… Charles Drummond
Charles Drummond is CEO of AviusULD BV, a ULD manufacturing and technology company, a leader in smart and sustainable unit loaders and IoT tracking solutions. A mechatronics engineer and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Drummond has more than three decades of experience in industrial engineering, operations and logistics. He is Australian and has lived in Thailand for 14 years, where he leads multicultural teams across Asia, Europe and the US. Known for his focus on innovation, operational excellence and continuous improvement, Drummond is passionate about driving digital transformation in the air cargo industry. Outside of work, he is a keen motorcyclist, rugby enthusiast, and proud father of two.
What was your dream job as a kid?
I wanted to be a commercial pilot. I’ve been fascinated by the idea of aviation and global travel from an early age, and it seems I’m still finding my way into the world of aviation, but from a different angle.
What is the biggest change you have seen in the industry?
The steady but unstoppable rise of digitization. It has been fascinating to watch the technology move from concept to adoption, transforming how assets are managed, goods tracked, and thinking about efficiency and transparency.
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever shipped?
Unlike our products, AviusULD does not ship the goods ourselves, but I’ve always wondered how Giraffe ships.
What’s a buzzword you secretly don’t like?
“communication.” In a way, it seems a bit overdone – I prefer good old fashioned ‘communication’.
Window or aisle seat?
A window is a long distance for viewing – but a short-distance corridor, just for convenience.
What’s the best business lesson you’ve learned the hard way?
Perfectionism can be the enemy of progress. I’ve learned that getting things done and doing it over and over often beats waiting until it’s perfect.
If you could trade jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be?
Maybe Elon Musk will sit down for a day – and see how he balances such diverse, fast-moving technology companies.
What three items would you bring with you to a desert island?
AviusULD SmartULD Tag – So I Can Be Found Quickly – Fishing rod and hammock.
Tea or coffee?
Coffee without a doubt. Early in my career, I worked for a Suntory subsidiary in Australia that owned a coffee roasting and packaging business – so I developed a lifelong appreciation for a great cup.
What’s your guilty pleasure TV show or movie?
Any Tarantino movie or rugby.
What is the most interesting place you have visited to work?
It’s hard to choose just one. The great thing about our industry is the opportunity to travel all over the world, experience new places, and connect with people from different cultures. Each trip offers something unique.
If you could introduce a new regulation in air freight, what would it be?
More accountability for appropriate handling of ULD. These are critical assets, and consistent global standards of care and responsibility would make a huge difference.
What is your favorite karaoke song?
Maybe Sweet Caroline – impossible not to make the room sing.
Describe your job in three words.
innovation. Kaizen. Guidance.
What is your hidden talent?
I make a very average cocktail, and I’m a great bartender when the occasion calls for it.
If you could master one skill instantly, what would it be?
Multilingualism. I would like to be able to switch languages easily when working across cultures.
What’s something on your bucket list?
Riding a motorcycle from Alaska to Patagonia — it’s the ultimate adventure ride.
What is the best airport in the world, and why?
While I appreciate major centers like Dubai and Singapore, I value efficiency more than others. Helsinki Airport is my favorite airport when entering the EU, with smooth arrivals, quick transfers, and great Finnish drinks in the lounge.
If air cargo had a mascot, what would it be?
Hummingbird – agile, precise and tirelessly moving. They may be small in size, but they achieve amazing feats of efficiency and endurance – just like the air freight industry.
How did you get into air freight/logistics?
I came to Thailand with Brambles, the world’s largest asset pool company, following its acquisition of Unitpool in 2011 – which was my introduction to the world of ULD management and aviation logistics.
What quote resonates most with you?
Richard Branson: “Customers don’t come first. Employees come first. If you take care of your employees, they’ll take care of your customers.” It embodies the essence of sustainable success.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Listen carefully to what your customers need, not just what they say they want.
What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?
I am an adventure-enthusiast motorcyclist. My last hike was a five-day trek around Lake Balkhash in Kazakhstan – a fascinating combination of scenery, culture and endurance.
If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Anthony Bourdain for conversations and food stories, Nelson Mandela for wisdom and perspective, and perhaps Steve Jobs – for talk about vision, determination and relentless curiosity.
What is something we don’t know about you from your CV?
I’m happiest when I work with my hands – whether it’s repairing an old motorcycle, crafting something in the workshop, or mixing cocktails for friends.
