Ten years ago, Hassan El-Houry was named Young [aviation] Global Leader at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Now, from 01JUL24, he will succeed Atilla Korkmazoğlu as the World Aviation Services Association (ASA)’s new Chairman of a board he has served as a member since 2022. He will “play a pivotal leadership role, guiding the strategic direction and operational effectiveness of the association,” the release states, lauding his “blend of leadership, innovation, and strategic vision”. As Executive Chairman of Menzies Aviation, and previously CEO of National Aviation Services (NAS), El-Houry has proved his business acumen having put Kuwaiti ground handling and cargo company on the map, and steered the acquisition of Menzies Aviation by Agility and its integration with NAS to create “the world’s largest aviation services company by number of airports and countries served.”
Hassan El-Houry commented: “It is an honor and privilege to be elected by my peers as the next World Aviation Services Association (ASA) Chairman. I am extremely excited to head up a new chapter in ASA history and take this opportunity to build momentum and position ASA as the leading advocate for aviation services. I look forward to building and strengthening industry partnerships and collaborating with regulators to enhance standards and improve the passenger experience. I am committed to advancing the ASA’s aims and working with members and partners around the world to make this happen.” One sincerely hopes that cargo, too, is given a solid platform.
His predecessor, Atilla Korkmazoğlu, President of Ground Handling and Cargo at Çelebi, completed four successful years as Chairman, from 2020-2024: a period marked by the most difficult circumstances ever experienced by the aviation industry. Yet, “under his guidance, ASA nearly doubled its membership and expanded significantly the Secretariat. Additionally, he was instrumental in spearheading a Memorandum of Understanding with ACI World, achieving formal recognition of ASA by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as a trusted partner, and launching the now renowned ASA Leadership Forum (ALF).”
ASA’s Director General, Fabio Gamba expressed his gratitude to Korkmazoğlu: “Atilla has engaged with the association at an unprecedented level. He has been a true beacon for the team. We are profoundly grateful for his steadfast leadership, commitment, and long-lasting legacy,” and welcomed El-Houry: “Hassan’s extensive experience and visionary approach are invaluable assets that will bring ASA to new heights. His skills and credentials will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission globally and serve as a strong voice for the sector.”
