ATSG’s Leadership Reinforcement and Strategic Growth in Air Cargo

The air cargo sector is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by surging e-commerce demand, supply chain reconfigurations, and the need for fuel-efficient freighter solutions. In this dynamic environment, Air Transport Services Group, Inc. (ATSG) has positioned itself as a strategic player through a combination of leadership reinforcement, fleet innovation, and workforce development. The recent appointment of Greg Mays as President marks a pivotal step in accelerating operational excellence and aligning the company with long-term profitability goals.

Greg Mays: A Proven Leader in Aviation Operations

Greg Mays brings a wealth of experience to ATSG, having spent over two decades in aviation leadership roles. Prior to joining ATSG, Mays served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Sun Country Airlines, where he oversaw the airline’s successful Initial Public Offering (IPO) in March 2021. His leadership ensured the safe execution of growth objectives across safety, operations, and technical departments, demonstrating his ability to manage complex challenges while scaling operations [1].

Mays’ career also includes senior roles at Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and The Boeing Company, where he contributed to engineering projects like the International Space Station program. This blend of operational and technical expertise positions him to drive ATSG’s strategic vision, particularly in optimizing its freighter fleet and expanding into high-growth markets [1]. His appointment signals a commitment to operational rigor, a critical factor in an industry where efficiency and reliability are paramount.

Fleet Innovation and Global Expansion

ATSG’s aircraft leasing strategy has been a cornerstone of its growth, with recent developments underscoring its role as a leader in the air cargo sector. In August 2025, the company delivered its second Airbus A330-300 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion to ULS Airlines Cargo in Istanbul, Türkiye. This aircraft, with a payload capacity of 62 tonnes, was converted by Turkish Technic in collaboration with Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH (EFW), reflecting ATSG’s partnerships with industry specialists to deliver modern, fuel-efficient solutions [1].

The company has also expanded its footprint in Central Asia by signing lease agreements for two Boeing 767-300 freighters with My Freighter Cargo Airlines of Uzbekistan, increasing its fleet in the region to five aircraft. These moves align with ATSG’s goal of supporting e-commerce growth in emerging markets, where logistical infrastructure is still developing [4].

A critical milestone for ATSG came in January 2025, when it announced a pending acquisition by Stonepeak at $22.50 per share—a 29.3% premium to its pre-announcement price. This transaction, part of Stonepeak’s North American infrastructure investment strategy, underscores confidence in ATSG’s fleet and its relationships with e-commerce and supply chain operators [5].

Workforce Development: Building a Talent-Driven Future

ATSG’s long-term success hinges not only on its fleet but also on its ability to cultivate a skilled workforce. The company’s AirborneTech initiative, a 12-month program for employees to earn aviation maintenance technician licenses, exemplifies its commitment to upskilling. By aligning training with industry needs, ATSG ensures its workforce remains adaptable to technological advancements and operational demands [1].

The company also emphasizes community engagement, such as its sponsorship of the 2025 Ohio 4-H Achievement Award for Workforce Development and participation in events like Girls in Aviation Day. These efforts reinforce ATSG’s role as a corporate citizen invested in nurturing future talent [2]. Additionally, the integration of AI and digital tools into workforce development—such as automating 60% of repetitive tasks—highlights ATSG’s focus on productivity and cost efficiency [3].

Strategic Synergy for Investors

The combination of Mays’ leadership, ATSG’s fleet innovation, and its workforce development initiatives creates a compelling case for investors. Mays’ operational background ensures that the company can execute its growth strategy with precision, while the expansion of modern freighters and international partnerships taps into the $120 billion global air cargo market [4]. Meanwhile, AirborneTech and AI-driven training programs reduce long-term labor costs and enhance operational agility.

For investors, the timing is favorable. ATSG’s pending acquisition by Stonepeak at a premium valuation reflects institutional confidence in its strategic direction. As e-commerce continues to reshape global trade, ATSG’s ability to provide scalable, sustainable freighter solutions positions it to capture market share and deliver consistent returns.

Conclusion

Greg Mays’ appointment as President is more than a leadership change—it is a strategic reinforcement of ATSG’s commitment to operational excellence and innovation. By leveraging his proven track record, expanding its fleet with cutting-edge technology, and investing in a skilled workforce, ATSG is well-positioned to thrive in the booming air cargo sector. For investors seeking exposure to a company at the intersection of logistics, technology, and global trade, ATSG presents a timely and well-justified opportunity.

Source:
[1] ATSG Announces New Executive Team as Part of Bold Vision to Become the Leading MSP Platform [https://www.wivb.com/business/press-releases/cision/20250211NY16055/atsg-announces-new-executive-team-as-part-of-bold-vision-to-become-the-leading-msp-platform/]
[2] Working At ATSG | ATSG Inc [https://careers.atsginc.com/us/en/about-atsg]
[3] AI Trends and Predictions 2025 From Industry Insiders [https://www.itprotoday.com/ai-machine-learning/ai-trends-and-predictions-2025-from-industry-insiders]
[4] ATSG Expands Global Reach with New Leasing Agreements [https://avitrader.com/2024/07/03/atsg-expands-global-reach-with-new-leasing-agreements/]
[5] Insights - KippsDeSanto [https://www.kippsdesanto.com/insights/dealview-top-10-ma-deals-q4-24/]