Krems Retires as United Cargo President

Jan Krems capped a 40-year aviation and air cargo career as President of United Cargo, with Chris Busch continuing his strategy.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Transportation

Jan Krems retired as President of United Cargo after more than 12 years in the role and a 40-year career in aviation and air cargo. Chris Busch continues the strategy Krems led at the carrier.

Why it matters

Under Krems, United Cargo is the largest U.S. combination carrier by cargo volume in 2026, and its revenue performance is solidly double that of its nearest U.S. competitors. The leadership transition carries forward that position into the carrier's next phase.

United Cargo directed roughly 17,000 cargo-only flights during the COVID-19 pandemic by using passenger aircraft as mini-freighters. The carrier's exact revenue figures relative to competitors were not disclosed in the announcement.

The players

Jan Krems

Former President of United Cargo who led the carrier for over 12 years and previously spent 27 years at KLM Cargo.

Chris Busch

United Cargo executive with 19 years at United Airlines who continues the strategy Krems established.

United Cargo

The cargo division of United Airlines, identified as the largest U.S. combination carrier by cargo volume in 2026.

The details

Krems spent 27 years at KLM Cargo and Air France-KLM-Martinair Cargo before leading United Cargo for over 12 years. A farewell event was held Tuesday, October 27, at The Standard Hotel's Lido Beach Bar in Miami, attended by several hundred people.

2025: Krems inducted into the Air Cargo Hall of Fame by TIACA.
October 27, 2026: Farewell event held in Miami.

Industry Position

United Cargo's use of passenger aircraft as mini-freighters during the COVID-19 pandemic helped establish the carrier's current cargo standing. The leadership change extends that trajectory as the carrier seeks to refine the position Krems secured.

Shippers and freight forwarders working with United Cargo may see continuity in service strategy under Chris Busch, who continues the approach Krems led. The carrier's pandemic-era use of passenger aircraft as freighters shows how capacity decisions can shape cargo availability.

The takeaway

Leadership transitions at major cargo carriers can preserve strategic direction, as Chris Busch's continuation of Krems's approach illustrates. Watching how the carrier maintains its market position will show whether that continuity holds.