Alberto “Bert” D. Lina, the chairman of the Lina Group of Companies and a revered figure in the Philippine logistics industry, passed away on February 25, 2025, at the age of 76. His legacy as an industry innovator, leader, and public servant will forever be etched in the history of logistics in the Philippines.
Bert’s contributions extended beyond his role as a businessman. From February 4 to July 8, 2005, and again from April 23, 2015, to June 30, 2016, he served as the Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs, where his leadership and vision had a lasting impact on the country’s trade and customs operations.
Inspired by his wife, Sylvia, Bert founded Airfreight 2100 (Air21) on June 21, 1979, with a keen foresight of the growing demand for logistics services and a belief that the sector would become a sunrise industry in the Philippines. Under his stewardship, Air21 quickly became a leader in the logistics field.
In 1984, Air21 secured an exclusive license from Federal Express Corporation, allowing the company to provide international delivery services. A testament to its excellence, Air21 became FedEx’s first Global Service Partner (GPS) in the Asia Pacific region in 1997. The same year, it also earned an ISO 9002 certification from Lloyd’s Registrar’s Quality Assurance of London.
The company’s influence extended beyond logistics. In 2001, Air21 played a pivotal role in the resurgence of cycling in the country by organizing the Tour of Calabarzon. The company also launched its own professional basketball team, the Air21 Express, which participated in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). The team’s run-and-gun style of play mirrored Air21’s corporate philosophy: a commitment to fast, reliable delivery.
In 2003, Air21 introduced the tagline “Sagot Ko, Padala Mo” to reinforce its dedication to dependability, promising customers reliable service for all deliveries, whether big or small.
Bert’s vision for Air21 and the logistics sector extended to the arts. In 2004, to mark the company’s 25th anniversary, Air21 produced Beyond 2100, a musical play that showcased the company’s commitment to growth and innovation. The event was held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
Air21’s accomplishments continued to mount in the following years. In 2006, the company was honored with Superbrand status, recognizing its excellence. It made history in 2008 as the first logistics company in the Philippines to offer shipment tracking via Short Messaging Service (SMS). In 2010, Air21 supported the burgeoning e-commerce industry by becoming the logistics provider for Shopinas.com. The company also expanded its infrastructure, opening its Merville Warehouse to centralize operations, followed by hubs in Laguna and Pampanga to serve regional markets.
Continuing to drive innovation, Air21 launched the AIR21 Academy of Developmental Logistics in 2011, aimed at formally educating professionals in international logistics practices and standards.
In 2012, after 28 years of partnership with FedEx, Air21 embarked on a new chapter, expanding its reach globally through AIR21 International with the tagline “The World Comes Closer.” The company also pioneered a complete online platform for booking, payment, and package pick-up and delivery in the Philippines, further revolutionizing the logistics industry.
Bert D. Lina’s unwavering commitment to excellence and his entrepreneurial spirit transformed Air21 into a cornerstone of the logistics industry in the Philippines. His passing leaves a void, but his influence will continue to resonate across the sector for generations to come.
