Dawit Lemma

Lemma is a seasoned aviation executive, entrepreneur, and advocate with over 25 years of experience spanning multiple continents. As the Founder and CEO of Krimson Aviation Holdings Ltd., he has successfully scaled operations into nearly 35 countries, establishing the company as a leader in aviation services across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. His expertise lies in aircraft ground handling, maintenance, aviation business development, and operational excellence, backed by a solid technical foundation as a licensed commercial pilot (FAA, SACAA, EASA/Swiss FOCA) and FAA-certified Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic.

Lemma’s leadership extends beyond corporate success—his extensive board experience in global aviation organisations positions him as a strategic voice in industry governance and advocacy. He serves as a Board Director for Women in Aviation International (WAI), a board member of ISBAH within the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), and Africa Lead for the International Operators Committee of National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). His commitment to fostering inclusion in aviation has led to groundbreaking initiatives, such as the Krimson Aviation Scholarship, which supports underrepresented students pursuing careers in aerospace.

With a passion for operational efficiency, risk management, customer engagement, and aviation infrastructure development, Lemma has spearheaded numerous projects, from hangar construction to runway expansion, contributing to the industry's growth. His fluency in English and French, coupled with his international experience across Ethiopia, Switzerland, the United States, Zambia, Malawi, and Afghanistan, underscores his ability to navigate multicultural business environments with ease.

Through his strategic vision, technical expertise, and industry leadership, Dawit continues to shape the future of aviation, championing diversity and operational excellence in the global aerospace sector.

Craig Middleton

Middleton has over 30 years of expertise in aviation management, strategic business development, and operational leadership, Craig has consistently driven growth, innovation, and operational excellence across multiple international aviation organisations.

As the Director of Sales and Account Management at General Aviation Services Ltd (G.A.S.), Craig is dedicated to optimising customer experience, managing key accounts, and resolving operational challenges to elevate service standards. His strategic acumen ensures the company continues to expand its market presence and revenue streams within the aviation sector.

Additionally, as the Aviation and Hotel Director for Bequia Air, Middleton spearheaded the launch and operations of a VIP airline, seamlessly integrating luxury air travel with premier hospitality services in the Caribbean. His ability to align regulatory compliance with superior customer experience underscored his commitment to operational excellence.

During his tenure as EMEA Regional Operations Director at Universal Aviation, Middleton led a network of 13 ground support locations, driving efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profitability across the region. His leadership extended to strategy development, budget management, and talent retention, fostering a strong foundation for organisational growth.

Throughout his career, Middleton has held pivotal roles in leading aviation companies, including Oxygen Aviation, Starflight Aviation, Midwest Executive Aviation, and Signature Flight Support. His expertise spans sales strategy, global partnership development, compliance management, and operational optimisation.

Passionate about fostering industry-wide collaboration, Middleton is committed to driving innovation, customer engagement, and business growth in aviation. His leadership philosophy revolves around strategic problem- solving, consultative decision-making, and creating lasting value for clients and stakeholders.

Headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, Archer is an next-gen aerospace company designing and developing the key enabling technologies and aircraft necessary to power the future of aviation. Its all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, Midnight, is designed to replace 60–90-minute commutes by car with estimated 10–20 minute electric air taxi flights that are safe, sustainable, low noise and cost-competitive with ground transportation. In the Emirates, the company is actively working with local partners and regulators to build the region’s first commercial air taxi network.

 

Tartaglione will be responsible for leading Archer’s UAE-based operations, building and mentoring a local team, developing operational infrastructure and ensuring compliance with UAE aviation regulations. He will work closely with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and key partners to ensure the safe and timely launch of commercial electric air taxi services in the country and region.

 

Tartaglione brings over 30 years of leadership experience from the Italian Air Force, where he commanded multinational air operations, led advanced jet maintenance programs and accrued more than 3,500 flight hours as a fighter pilot. His diplomatic experience as Italy’s Defense Attaché to the UAE also established him as a trusted advisor within regional defense and aviation sectors. Following his military career, he advised global aerospace and defense companies on transformation and market entry strategies in the Middle East and Europe.

“I am honoured to join Archer Aviation at such a critical stage of growth as we prepare for commercial launch,” said Tartaglione. “My focus will be on driving operational readiness, regulatory alignment and long-term value as we launch safe and scalable air mobility services in the region.”

Dr. Talib Alhinai, general manager of Archer Aviation UAE, said: “Cristiano joining the team is a big step forward for Archer Aviation’s mission in the UAE. His leadership and expertise will be critical as we aim to bring the region’s first commercial electric air taxi services to life, supporting the nation’s vision for futuristic and sustainable transportation.”

This decision was made during the Panel’s meeting held at ICAO Headquarters in Montréal, Canada, on 7 April 2025, in the presence of ICAO Secretariat representatives and technical officers of the Panel.

The ICAO Aviation Security Panel includes 33 experts representing 193 Member States of the Organization.

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of the GCAA Board, said: "Al Muhairi’s re-election is a testament to the UAE’s growing influence and reputation in the global civil aviation sector. It reinforces the international community’s confidence in our national talents and their ability to contribute meaningfully to global aviation safety and security."

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of the GCAA, said: "This achievement reflects the UAE’s strong commitment to actively contributing to the development of the global civil aviation security system. It also reaffirms the country’s position as an influential partner in shaping international aviation policies and as a leading hub for the exchange of best practices and expertise with partners from around the world."

Just seven years old, flyadeal has been catapulted into the region’s fastest growing LCC currently operating a modern fleet of 38 aircraft to 30 seasonal and year-round destinations in Saudi Arabia, Middle East, Europe, North Africa and South Asia.

Van Enk said: “It’s a wonderful opportunity to join flyadeal that has ambitious, yet realistic growth targets fully aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 of building a dynamic aviation and tourism industry. With one new route being launched, on average, every two weeks this year and a domestic and international network that will triple to over 100 destinations by 2030, what an opportune time to be part of an exciting young airline that’s maturing very fast.

“I’ve already seen flyadeal’s energy and enthusiasm with a team which is commercially and operationally focused on reaching its goal driven with passion. As Saudi Arabia takes centre stage in Middle East aviation, I very much look forward to working alongside new colleagues and contributing to the continued growth of flyadeal bringing a rewarding experience gained at both Finnair and British Airways to my new role.”

He added: “On a personal level, I’m excited about the move to Saudi Arabia with my young family, looking forward to enjoying the country’s rich cultural heritage, the nation’s diversity and, as a foodie, the wonderful cuisine. More importantly, meet, engage and interact with amazing people in the Kingdom.”

Steven Greenway, flyadeal Chief Executive Officer, said: “On behalf of the team here at flyadeal, a great pleasure to welcome Rogier onboard. His experience working across many commercial and customer functions within full-service airlines in Europe made him the ideal appointment to take flyadeal’s commercial helm and bring his expertise into a low-cost environment.

“Rogier’s deep insights and knowledge gained in the digital space at Finnair and British Airways will contribute towards flyadeal’s continued mandate to remain digitally driven keeping both costs low and fares extremely competitive. My thanks to Trevor Spinks in his advisory role steering the commercial ship at flyadeal over the past 12 months during which flyadeal secured significant achievements. Having made great progress, we look to keep up the momentum with Rogier taking over at a time of unprecedented expansion.”

During his two spells in a 12-year career at Finnair based in Helsinki, Van Enk held several commercial roles covering revenue management, distribution, online sales, business analytics and ancillary product development. He joins flyadeal after four years as Finnair’s Senior Vice President Customer Engagement responsible for, among others, brand, marketing, and loyalty business. He was also formerly Head of Distribution and Payments at British Airways in London.

The award is granted by ICAO in recognition of outstanding contributions to international civil aviation. 

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), said: "We are proud of the selection of Saeed Mohammed Al Suwaidi as a member of the Edward Warner Award Committee, one of the most prestigious aviation awards in the world. The selection of the UAE’s representative for this role is yet another testament to the country’s leading position in international civil aviation and the global confidence in Emirati expertise and talent." 

Al Suwaidi said: "I am honoured to join the Edward Warner Award Committee and contribute to recognising individuals and institutions that have made a profound impact on international civil aviation. I look forward to working alongside my fellow committee members to support this prestigious award and promote excellence in the sector."

Pearce joins the Group with extensive experience in the aviation industry, having spent his entire career in various roles across airliner and business jet operations, sales, acquisitions, aircraft management and aircraft maintenance.

Holger Ostheimer, managing director of DC Aviation Al-Futtaim, said: “At DC Aviation Group, he will bring his wealth of knowledge to drive business growth in the aviation maintenance and MRO services sector and expand the company’s technical services, to include the provision of line and base maintenance at its stations in Germany and the UAE as well as technical inspection, PPI and consultancy for new and pre-owned aircraft.

“We are delighted to welcome Andrew to DC Aviation Group. His extensive experience across all facets of the aviation industry, from flight operations and aircraft sales to maintenance and MRO services, makes him an invaluable asset to our team. Andrew’s deep understanding of the market and his proven track record of success will be instrumental in expanding our maintenance business and further solidifying our position as a leading provider of comprehensive aviation solutions.”

The event was marked by flight operations entirely managed by women— from catering, Maintenance, and check-in to lounge services, and flight operations.

 

These all-women-operated flights depart from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar, Athens,

Delhi, Dubai, Windhoek, and Sao Polo, showcasing a significant milestone in Ethiopian Airlines' ongoing efforts to elevate the presence and participation of women in the aviation industry.

Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Mesfin Tasew, said: “We are thrilled to celebrate March 8, as we do every year at Ethiopian Airlines. As an employer of choice, we are deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the aviation industry and the broader community. In today’s modern aviation landscape, women play an indispensable role across all sectors, significantly contributing to the industry's dynamic growth. Today, we honour the remarkable achievements of women in aviation and beyond, while also inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams without limitations.”

Women currently make up around 40% of Ethiopian Airlines' workforce across a range of business divisions, including cockpit crew, cabin crew, aircraft technicians, commercial, managerial roles, and others.

Lamola has been at the helm at SAA as interim CEO since May 2022.

SAA board interim chairperson, Derek Hanekom said: “The SAA Board is delighted to be able to appoint a solid and dedicated leader well versed in SAA’s fortunes and eager to continue overseeing its take-off into better skies.”

He added: “Professor Lamola can now continue growing SAA with confidence, knowing that he has the full support of the SAA Board and its shareholders. We congratulate him on his appointment and wish him well in his leadership of SAA.”

“Liberalisation of Africa’s air transport industry, as envisioned through the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), is not just an aspirational goal — it is an economic necessity. A unified African sky, underpinned by the Joint Prioritised Action Plan (JPAP), promises to reduce travel costs for passengers, enhance connectivity, and catalyse economic growth and cultural exchange across the continent. The success of this initiative hinges on the active support and collaboration of governments, airlines and aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing.

The need for SAATM stems from longstanding challenges in Africa’s aviation sector: limited intra-African connectivity, high travel costs, fragmented regulations, constrained aircraft financing, and underdeveloped aviation infrastructure. These barriers have confined trade, tourism, economic and social integration for decades.

Aircraft manufacturers have a responsibility to help address these issues through policy engagement, partnerships, capacity building, and technology. We take pride in our role not just as fleet suppliers but critical enablers of the ecosystem and skills that Africa’s aviation industry needs to thrive.

Significant progress has already been achieved; 37 African countries, representing over 80% of the continent’s aviation market, have joined the SAATM initiative. Key regulatory frameworks are in place, including those for fair competition and consumer protection. Capacity-building programs for aviation professionals and improvements in safety standards are now aligned with international benchmarks.

However, to unlock SAATM's full potential, sustained efforts are needed to address lingering challenges such as high operational costs, infrastructure gaps, and protectionist policies. Boeing is committed to contribute meaningfully in this regard.

Collaboration is a major lever. Aircraft manufacturers partner with governments and regional bodies to highlight the benefits of a liberalised air transport market. As an example, Boeing is an active participant in the African Aviation Industry Group. The group encourages more countries to commit to SAATM and work towards harmonising regulatory standards, creating a more unified and efficient aviation ecosystem in Africa.

Air safety is one more area of collaboration across the continent. Aircraft manufacturers including Boeing support African countries in achieving the international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and help enhance regional air safety working closely with airlines and organisations like African Airlines Association (AFRAA).

Fleet modernisation is another key area where aircraft manufacturers can make a significant impact. Partnering with African airlines helps renew fleets with fuel-efficient and versatile aircraft designed to meet the continent's unique operational requirements. Modernised fleets reduce operational costs and emissions and make air travel more competitive, accessible, and sustainable, a critical factor for the success of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).

Capacity building is another essential contribution. Training programs for pilots, engineers, airline management, and other aviation professionals are vital to supporting the sector’s rapid growth and elevating passenger experience. Aircraft manufacturers, with their expertise and resources, are well-positioned to deliver world-class training and share best practices – and we are spearheading these efforts. Additionally, community engagement programs for African youth provide systemic improvement in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) education and economic empowerment, directly feeding the talent pipeline. All these initiatives equip Africa’s aviation workforce with the skills needed to ensure a robust, safe and capable industry.

Finally, infrastructure enhancement is another important building block to SAATM. By providing counsel and data-driven analytics, aircraft manufacturers can assist in modernising airports and air traffic management systems. This ensures the infrastructure is prepared to handle the anticipated increase in air traffic, enhancing safety and facilitating smoother, more efficient operations across the continent.

A fully realised SAATM will enable seamless travel and economic growth, fostering unity, and positioning Africa as a competitive player in the global aviation industry. The collaborative efforts of the African Union Commission and its implementing agency, the African Civil Aviation Commission, national governments, civil aviation authorities, the African Development Bank, African Airlines Association, airlines, and aircraft manufacturers through the Joint Prioritised Action Plan in support of SAATM are pivotal in achieving this vision.

Working together, we can ensure Africa’s aviation renaissance and the realisation of the African Union vision, Agenda 2063: an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.”

The appointment follows his previous role as President of Airbus for Africa & Middle East, a position he held since January 2017.

Houari brings over 30 years of global and regional industry expertise, including nearly two decades at Airbus, where his leadership has been pivotal in driving success across key markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. In his new role, Houari will oversee Airbus’ operations across all divisions in Qatar, serving as the company’s primary representative to customers and key stakeholders, while supporting the country’s growth ambitions.