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By Michelle Lopez
Logistics and supply chain management program students at FIU Business gained hands-on insights into the complexities of air cargo operations during a three-day experiential learning trip to American Airlines' headquarters at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in May 2025.
Sponsored by PayCargo and coordinated through a longstanding partnership with American Airlines Cargo, the visit was part of the annual PayCargo Scholars program. Nine undergraduate and graduate students explored various facets of airline logistics though executive briefings, facility tours and real-world demonstrations.
"The American Airlines campus is truly impressive. It's not just a building; it's a self-sustaining hub the size of a small city," said Greg Maloney, director of the Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management program. "Students were exposed to everything from the airline's Integrated Operations Center to their state-of-the-art cargo warehouse, giving them a comprehensive look at how air logistics functions in real time."
For Andres Llerandi, an undergraduate in the program, the experience was both eye-opening and inspiring.
"We saw everything from live lobsters to Legos coming in from Mexico," said Llerandi. "But what really stood out to me was the generosity and mentorship from the executives we met. Roger Samways, the VP of American Airlines commercial cargo, remembered my name hours after I briefly introduced myself. That personal connection meant a lot."
The visit included presentations from managers of departments such as revenue management, strategic planning and capacity forecasting, followed by a tour of the sprawling American Airlines campus, which accommodates more than 10,000 employees a day.
The days that followed took students behind-the-scenes of freight forwarding operations, the cargo facility and even the DFW Emergency Operations Center. But perhaps the most memorable experience was getting to ride onto the tarmac to watch a 747 freighter being loaded up-close.
Maloney says these immersive tours are an invaluable part of the learning experience. "Not only do students get to apply classroom concepts to real-world scenarios, but they also build connections with industry professionals who are actively hiring."
Llerandi wasted no time making sure he seized on the face time he got with executives at DFW.
"I've already made connections and stayed in touch with professionals I met on this trip through LinkedIn. These are people running global operations, the kind of leaders we aspire to be," said Llerandi.
