Remi, Manager Corporate Security

As a journalist keen on discovering the world of corporate security in the aviation industry, I sit across from Rémi, Manager Corporate Security at Cargolux. As our conversation unfolds, I begin to understand that corporate security isn’t just about fences, badges, or cameras—it’s about people.

“Security is sometimes seen as a burden,” Rémi tells me. But we’re here to protect people. We need them to play along—and they shouldn’t see us as a threat, but as an ally.” That statement lingers. I didn’t expect such a people-centered philosophy from a department often associated with protocols and restrictions.

But as Rémi continues describing the work of his team, I realize that, at Cargolux, security isn’t just about control—it’s about trust. Cargolux’s Corporate Security department plays a crucial role in keeping the company’s people, property, and information safe in an increasingly complex world.

A Career Built Across Borders and Departments

Rémi’s own journey through Cargolux began in the export department, then moved into flight operations, corporate training, and, finally, security. “I discovered the world of aviation security when I joined Learning & Development as a security instructor,” he says. “And I fell in love with it. The impact you can have by implementing security measures—it’s meaningful.”

Today, as Manager Corporate Security, Rémi oversees access control, background check requests, CCTV and intrusion systems, as well as the physical security of Cargolux’s premises. Clearly, the job is far from static. “There’s no such thing as a typical day,” he laughs. “I come in with a plan, and by the time I arrive, that plan is already obsolete.”

There’s something reassuring in hearing that even security professionals operate in a state of constant adaptation. In a company as global and dynamic as Cargolux, flexibility is clearly as vital as vigilance.

From investigations and security breaches to project coordination and interdepartmental meetings, Rémi’s role is dynamic and reactive anchored by a deep understanding of how security connects to every other part of the organization.

Protecting People, Property, and Information

Rémi’s department is responsible for the protection of “all Cargolux physical assets,” including facilities, employees, sensitive information, the aircraft, customer goods and indirectly, the general public.

The work is divided into several areas: physical security, which Rémi manages, quality control, risk assessment, security training and security investigations are overseen by other colleagues of security department.

On the physical side, his team ensures secure perimeters, manages security guard contracts, installs and maintains surveillance systems, and oversees access points across all facilities. “We want to keep the devil out of the house,” Rémi says with a smile, but he’s not joking.

That “devil” could take many forms: an intruder attempting unauthorized access, a terrorist attack, a disgruntled former employee, an activist targeting aviation, or even someone looking for information for future sabotage or industrial espionage. “We’re an airline,” he adds. “We can be a target for all kinds of reasons.”

I hadn’t considered the sheer variety of threats that could loom over a cargo airline—not just the dramatic, headline-making ones, but the quieter, more subtle breaches that can ripple through operations. It’s sobering.

There’s also a more invisible side to his job: protecting company data. While a dedicated cybersecurity department handles digital threats, Rémi’s team plays a critical supporting role. “We’re in charge of physically securing access to servers and IT systems,” he explains. “That means monitoring access, implementing CCTV, and having procedures ready in case of breaches.”

And when it comes to the aircraft themselves? “Absolutely, we ensure aircraft security while parked, write procedures for sealing and security searches, and monitor access zones around the planes.”

Every Employee Has a Role

When asked about the biggest challenge in promoting a culture of security, Rémi doesn’t hesitate “Every employee has an impact on security, but people don’t always perceive the risks.” Building a strong security culture in this environment takes time and repetition. “We recently launched a security campaign to remind people that they play a big role,” Rémi says. “Everyone must wear their ID visibly, avoid blocking access-controlled doors, and never let unidentified people in.” He emphasizes the importance of reporting anything suspicious. “We encourage people to challenge politely—or report it if they don’t feel comfortable doing that,” he says. “Reporting is mandatory.” One recent incident illustrates this perfectly: “An employee spotted a drone flying over our premises. Instead of assuming it was harmless, they called us immediately. That’s exactly the kind of reflex we’re trying to build.”

Facing Modern Threats, Building for the Future

Rémi speaks with clarity about the evolving nature of threats: geopolitical unrest, cyberattacks, insider threats. “The insider threat is one of our biggest concerns,” he says. “Many recent attacks in the industry were facilitated by people on the inside—either willingly or under pressure.”

They encourage staff to remain vigilant toward behavioral changes in their surroundings. “Radicalization doesn’t only happen in a religious sense. People can go through rough times patches and become a threat unintentionally. We ask our people to stay alert and report if something feels off.”

Technology is already playing a role—and will only grow in importance. “We’re increasing our CCTV coverage, renewing our intrusion systems, and working on digitalizing background check procedures,” Rémi says. While they don’t yet use AI directly the department collaborates with intelligence firms that do, especially in risk assessments.

When asked about the future, Rémi is thoughtful. “Technology will be key—AI, behavior analytics, automation. But it’s not just about tech. We’ll need more people who understand both security and IT.”

More Than Just a Job

At the end of our talk, Rémi reflects on his nearly two decades at Cargolux. “This company gave me the chance to evolve through different roles and build a versatile career here.”
 
I nod, impressed not just by his trajectory, but by the way he speaks about his work—with pride, certainly, but also with humility and purpose.
 
What keeps him motivated, though, is simpler than career development: “We do what we do to make sure everyone gets home safe at the end of the day.”

His voice is steady, but the meaning resonates. Corporate security at Cargolux is more than a department—it’s a collective commitment. And with people like Rémi, it’s clear that trust, vigilance, and care are at its core.