The Aviation Services Association (ASA) has announced the appointment of Hassan El-Houry as its new chairman, effective July 1, 2024. He succeeds Atilla Korkmazoğlu, who served two successful mandates over four years.
El-Houry brings a blend of leadership, innovation, and strategic vision to ASA, further strengthening the aviation services sector's position. He is currently the executive chairman of Menzies Aviation, the leading service partner to the world’s airports and airlines, and former CEO of National Aviation Services (NAS). Under his leadership, Kuwait based NAS became the leading airport ground handling and cargo company in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. He was instrumental in the acquisition of Menzies Aviation by Agility and its integration with NAS, creating the world's largest aviation services company by number of airports and countries served.
In 2014, the World Economic Forum in Davos honored him as a Young Global Leader for his contributions to aviation, and he has served as a member of the ASA board since 2022. As chairman of the ASA, El-Houry will play a pivotal leadership role, guiding the strategic direction and operational effectiveness of the association.
“It is an honor and privilege to be elected by my peers as the next World Aviation Services Association (ASA) chairman,” said Hassan El-Houry. “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.”
ASA’s director general, Fabio Gamba, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "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."
El-Houry succeeds Korkmazoğlu, president of ground handling and cargo at Çelebi, who served as chairman of the ASA from 2020-2024. His tenure will be particularly remembered for his adept navigation of the Association through the challenges posed by the global pandemic. Under his guidance, ASA nearly doubled its membership and expanded significaltly 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).
Korkmazoğlu stated: “Reflecting on the past four years, I realize how challenging yet exciting the journey has been. Representing the Association has been an honor, and while the responsibilities were significant, the satisfaction of seeing ASA develop and grow was immense. I remain committed to contributing to the association as a supervisory board member and am confident that Hassan, along with the fantastic team, will elevate the association to new heights.”
To express his gratitude for the immense work accomplished during his tenure, Gamba said: "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," adding, “He can look with pride at what he has achieved for the sector and the association.”
The ASA board, staff and members extend their sincere gratitude to Korkmazoğlu for his outstanding leadership and contributions and welcome El-Houry in his new role.
