Jim Neff is one of the most transformative visionaries in modern air cargo.  His overriding objective has always been to chart new paths in anticipation of structural changes in the market and the environment which would reshape the industry going forward.  His remarkable contributions as a charismatic leader, inspiring mentor, accessible down to earth friend, innovator and driving force span over 50 years.

Starting in the 1970s, he spearheaded the massive domestic and international expansion of Flying Tigers, the world’s largest all-cargo airline, and in the 1980s he revolutionized the freight forwarding industry to capitalize on deregulation by perceiving and building dedicated air systems for both Emery Air Freight Corporation and Burlington Air Express.  In 1999 he created his own FAA Part 121 cargo airline, Southern Air Inc., and built it into a successful global 747 platform which he sold in 2007 while remaining CEO until 2010, followed by creating Western Global Airlines in 2013, where he has served as CEO since its founding.  Jim Neff is unique in having developed highly successful air cargo operations for both large public companies and entrepreneurial start-ups.

His deep aviation expertise also extends to the asset side, both aircraft and engines, as well as all aspects of their upgrading and maintenance. In 1990, Jim Neff founded and built one of the largest and most successful commercial aircraft engine management and leasing companies, US Turbine Engine Corporation (USTEC), specializing in engine overhauls for airlines, banks and aircraft lessors, which he sold in 1999.  In 2010, he established Neff Air, a leasing company that acquired MD-11 and 747-400 freighters which it initially leased to large international airlines, and then to Western Global Airlines starting in 2013.

Jim Neff founded Western Global Airlines (WGA) with the goal of creating an airline focused on fulfilling the requirements of today’s airlines and logistics companies, governments and agencies for custom tailored, responsive, low cost, reliable turn-key widebody freighter capacity anywhere on the globe. This is facilitated by WGA’s extensive asset base, new high tech systems, strong MRO capabilities, positive culture, and dedicated highly experienced motivated team.  Since its first flight in 2014, Western Global has become a global logistics powerhouse, safely and reliably flying its fleet of large wide body freighter aircraft to 463 cities in 143 countries on six continents for its diverse, blue-chip customers.

Neff holds a BS in Engineering from Purdue University.