The Association Of European Airlines (AEA) Appoints Its First CEO, Athar Husain Khan

Mr Husain Khan is a Dutch national with a strong multicultural background with 20 years of international aeropolitical aviation experience. After graduating from the University of Leiden with a degree in International Law, and a specialisation in Air and Space Law he started his carrier as a traffic rights negotiator for the Dutch Ministry of Transport and later worked as Director of Government and Industry Affairs of KLM.

He joined AEA in 2007 as General Manager Infrastructure and later Environment and Policy as well. In 2011, he was appointed Deputy Secretary General and since last year he assumed the function of acting Secretary General of AEA. Under his leadership, AEA has been reorganised and re‐positioned as a flexible, open minded and dynamic industry association, which is recognised as a strong industry voice in Europe.

"We are pleased to announce Athar Husain Khan as the CEO of the AEA", said Mr Bernard Gustin, Chairman of AEA. "We acknowledge his outstanding performance which enabled the repositioning of the Association. We are convinced that he has the right qualities to lead AEA at this important time for European aviation."

''I am looking forward to continuing the work with our members and our stakeholders to drive forward our industry priorities. This is an exciting opportunity for me personally and professionally" said Mr Husain Khan.

Following his appointment Mr Husain Khan presented AEA's "Flightpath 2019", the strategic plan for the future.

"As we approach the next EU institutional cycle, with new faces in the European Parliament and the European Commission, we have the opportunity to build a consensual relationship with the policymakers, based on a common understanding that aviation brings added value for Europe, its citizens and its businesses".