GHAC Conference
14
Oct
Summary
What this edition was
The 15th GHAC brought the sector to Istanbul in October 2023. Twenty-nine speakers took the podium across the programme, with sessions from ICAO, the FAA, IFALPA, Boeing, Turkish Aerospace, Avion Express and Redstar Aviation. All fifteen presentations are available below.
Speakers
The voices on the podium
Mahmut OkudanHead of Aviation Department - Ministry of Forest in TurkiyeTodd Siena, a Tokyo-born, American entrepreneur, comes from the leading edge of the millennial cohort with over a decade of experience executing projects in commercial aerospace manufacturing, MRO, aftermarket, and finance. He is the Founder & CEO of Block Aero Technologies Limited an aviation enterprise software provider of a blockchain-powered, total lifecycle asset management platform.
F/O Jackson flies B737s NG/MAX for WestJet, based in Toronto, Canada. She is an IFALPA-Accredited Accident Investigator, an Accident Investigation course Instructor and a member of the Accident Investigation Board (AIB) for ALPA International. She also serves as Vice-Chair of the Accident Investigation and Response Committee for the WestJet ALPA MEC. She is a Subject Matter Expert in Human Factors and is completing a PhD in Aerospace with a focus in emergency egress and cabin safety centered design.
Mr. Khan holds a Masterís Degree in Business Administration (Entrepreneurship) from the University of Liverpool. He embarked on his professional journey with Kingsway Motors Ltd. in 1996 as a Sales Executive and progressed to Sales Manager, reporting directly to the Chairman of Kingsway Group of Companies. He left Kingsway at the end of 2003 and proceeded to pursue a career in aviation. He obtained his Private Pilot's License in 2004 and later joined ALS Limited in the same year in the Operations Department. Mr. Khan progressed at ALS to the position of Operations Manager, after which he moved up to be the Commercial Director where he grew the fleet from three aircraft to fifteen aircraft on contract. In 2015 he was promoted to the position of CEO which he currently holds.
Mr. Osama has an degree in “Impact of human behaviors on Business” that he obtained from Kingstone Academy, he has various educational degrees in business administration and developement, and he is a professional certified trainer, he was the principal and managed the First Interactive Talk Show (Talker) in the project Stand Up Academy which handle critical behavioral issues in Arabian Society.
Graduate of Gazi University Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree) and Sakarya University Automotive Engineering (Master's Degree).
When we were university students, we built and flew model planes together with the community, and beforehand we received training in a simulation program to fly them. After the model plane, we shot a video using a quadcopter.
There are 3 Certificates of Appreciation that I received from our Battalion Commander during my military service.
Moses Mwangi is a highly motivated expert in aviation finance and management who holds an MBA from Edinburgh business school in UK. He is a certified public accountant with a current practicing certificate. He is also an alumnus of Harvard business schoolís advance management program.
Moses has a proven leadership portfolio having worked as CFO and CEO for different aviation companies in East Africa. He is passionate about the Aviation Industry and a go getter with notable accomplishments in the 38 years he has worked with the aviation and manufacturing industries.
26 years of international experience, applying psychology in clinical, labor, aeronautical and crisis fields. Consultant, performing situational diagnosis, creating, incorporating, evaluating and follow-up of programs and projects. Trainer, designing sized fit teaching courses. Assisting individuals and groups of affected communities and responders in emergencies and disasters.
Lacey Pittman is the Managing Director of the Operations Control Center at Horizon Air. In this role, she provides leadership and coordination for the functional aspect of the airline command center, provides the best customer service to the greatest number of passengers while maximizing revenue and aircraft utilization, and develops and implements strategic initiatives and procedures to be used in various irregular operational situations. Prior to this role, Lacey was the Managing Director of Safety at Horizon Air. In this role, Pittman was responsible for all safety programs, including implementing the Safety Management System, at Horizon Air.
Pittman joined Horizon in 2003 as a Q200 first officer. Three years later, she was named one of the company’s assistant chief pilots, and in April 2012, she was promoted to director of safety. She maintains her qualifications as a Q400 captain an
Jose T. Odini graduated as an Officer and Military Pilot from the Uruguayan Air Force in 1977. He has been an Instructor and Combat Pilot till his retirement in 2003. While at the Air Force,he graduated as Aviation Safety Officer and as Aviation Accident Investigator in 1983.He worked extensively in both areas and in Quality Assurance as well. He holds a License in Occupational Health and Safety from the Uruguayan Work University. As civilian pilot he held a CPL and he has flown mainly as flight instructor.He joined WFP in Sudan in December 2005 to work in the Aviation Safety area. Thereafter in WFP HQ, he implemented the Quality Management System for WFPs Aviation Services which comprised extensive travel reviewing the United Nations Humanitarian Air Services (UNHAS) worldwide.He currently is the Chief Aviation Safety Unit of the World Food Programme in Rome.
Capt. Jose was rained to become a commercial pilot in hometown Valencia; Flying for more than 18 years on Airbus aircraft; and has been assigned to be Head of Flight Operations (Avion Express) since beginning of 2023 as he has proven his excellence for more than 5 years where he occupied various position at the company
Dynamic and enthusiastic pilot with more than twenty two years flying experience (+9500 flight hours) in different aviation industry sectors from military to business and airline. Currently rated for the B777-787 acting as senior first officer with Air Europa and CRM trainer again. Former A330-350 TRI, this role opened new learning opportunities and professional experiences for me. My background includes CRM/HF trainer and developer position (human factors are of big interest to me), participating in international CRM forums
Ismael Rhissa Zakary is responsible for the development of long-range business objectives and strategic plans for Pratt and Whitney Canada. His role encompasses identifying and developing Pratt & Whitney Canada new services in Europe, Africa and Middle-east as well as leading range of Aftermarket support activities.
Ismael holds a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) in strategy from Queen's University, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales (HEC) and a Post Graduate degree in Finance and Treasury from McGill University.
Technical Officer in the Operational Safety section of the Air Navigation Bureau (ANB) at ICAO. Secretary of the Flight Ops Panel (FLTOPSP) and the PBN Study Group (PBNSG).A320 Pilot with over 7000 hours commercial flying experience, 2000+ hours command on type.Masters Degree in Operational Research with 3 years experience in applying the techniques of OR in an Airline Environment.
Since 2007 he has been manager of an international company where he has held numerous positions in the External Communication area. From 1986 to 2006 he was an officer of the Italian Air Force, deployed for media and crisis management activities in Bosnia, Kosovo, Egypt, Eritrea, East Timor, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq. Expert member for the media aspects of the Italian delegation that negotiated with the Americans the new rules for low-altitude flights after the Cermis accident. Spokesperson and responsible for the direction and coordination of NATO media activities on the air bases involved in the Allied Force operation (Kosovo); planning and implementation of activities necessary to prevent and counter frequent communication crises (bombs in the Adriatic, "collateral damage", depleted uranium). Since 2009 he has held a six-monthly seminar on "Crisis Communication" in the Degree Course
B777 / 787 captain since 2006 and have been promoted to be senior vice president of integrated operations control in Jan 2023
Kaval Shah is an aviation professional and commercial strategist with more than 25 years of experience in the global aircraft engine industry. Currently with Pratt & Whitney Canada, he serves as Regional Sales Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa alongside a strategic Sales & Marketing role across EMEA.
Born in Nairobi and having built an international career spanning Africa, Europe and North America, Kaval brings an engineer's foundation, extensive commercial experience and a deep connection to African aviation. His first-hand exposure to operators supporting humanitarian missions gives him a practical and human perspective on the role aviation plays in connecting communities and delivering critical support where it is needed most.
-Deputy Director General of Training department at EgyptAir Airlines-General Manager of carbon Emissions Mitigation & Offset scheme -Head of the Preparedness and Planning Committee for COP27 for the EgyptAir Holding Company-General Manager of International Air Transport Agreements at the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority
Fathi Atti is an aviation expert specialized in Commercial Strategy, Network Planning and Government &Aeropolitical Affairs. He brings with him a wealth of over 35 years of aviation experience in various key rolesacross international organizations such as AACO and IATA as well as global carriers. He trained at Lufthansatraining as part of PDNA program in the early 1980s, and then excelled through to various leadership rolesin Kuwait Airways, Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways and current role in Qatar Airways since 2015.
Fathi Atti is currently heading and leading the Aeropolitcal and Corporate affairs in Qatar Airways as SeniorVice president Aeropolitcal and Corporate affairs, leading the airline’s aeropolitcal strategy and functionson bilateral, traffic rights, and the international negotiations.
Maurice Juma is the Head of Quality and Safety at 748 Air Services, a position he has held since 2020. With over 13 years of experience in Quality and Safety spheres, he specializes in Safety and Quality Management Systems. He holds a bachelor's degree in Civil Aviation, IATA Diplomas in both Safety and Quality Management, and is a qualified LOSA Instructor. He is also a PPL holder pursuing his CPL.
Luca Palermo comes to the SCOA with more than 15 years of experience in Aviation, having served with WFP in HQ, South Sudan,Democratic Republic of Congo,Burkina Faso & Nepal. Before Joining WFP, Luca has worked as pilot and Flight engineer on the Boeing 747 & Sabreliner 65. Since 2020 he has been nominatedght focal point for the Environmental projects within WFP Aviation Service.
Captain Vouros is qualified on a number of large Jet Aircraft types including the Boeing 737 series and Airbus Series aircraft as Captain, Instructor and TRI/TRE, with a total of approximately 60 different aircraft on his license.
He has held a number of Senior Managerial and Executive positions in the Scheduled and Non-Scheduled Airline Industry, with extensive Humanitarian Operational experience and is a qualified IOSA auditor and former IATA IOSA Committee Member in Montreal.
In addition to this, Captain Vouros holds a Master's degree in Business Administration and is currently the Chief Operating Officer, for the Air-Tec Global Group.
Mr. Emre Dursun received his master degree from Marmara University, Department of Business Administration in 2006. He joined Redstar Aviation at the same year as an intern and worked for various departments including Operations, Quality and Safety Assurance, Business Development until he was nominated as Accountable Manager for Redstar Aviation in 2013. This career path has given him the chances of understanding and experiencing every ladder of the organization and general aviation industry dynamics. Since 2012, he has been acting as Accountable Manager, CEO and Board Member of Redstar Aviation which is a subisdiary of Gulf Helicopters Company. Having accumulated a total experience of 16 years within business aviation, with special emphasis on air-ambulance and offshore operations, he has been leading the world’s one of the largest private air ambulance organizations.
El Khan has been with ICAO from 2006.Holding PhD in aeronautical systems and ICAO safety audit team leader and auditor, Before ICAO held a position of Deputy Director Azerbaijan Air Navigation Services
With more than 20 years of experience designing public affairs strategies for international clients and driving their implementation with the support of cross-cultural teams, advise the Secretary of the working groups and Committees of the ICAO Council, mainly on the topics of governance and innovation - identifying expectations, ensuring coordination and in compliance with due processes.
Heidi Ames began working at the Federal Aviation Administration in 2014 following a 23-year career in aviation and international affairs. After graduating from college, she received her commission as an officer in the United States Army and attended helicopter flight training. Following her service in the Army, Ms. Ames embarked on a civil aviation career that included utility and Emergency Medical Service helicopter operations. Ms. Ames began her service with the FAA in Aircraft Certification as a Foreign Affairs Specialist where she generated and interpreted numerous aircraft certification agreements. She also served as a liaison to her assigned countries, which included Russia, Ukraine, Scandinavia, India, Australia, and New Zealand. Ms. Ames transferred to the Flight Standards Service in 2018 where she served as a Foreign Affairs Specialist in the office that administers the Internat
Mr. Ovais is serving as Chief Aviation Safety in United Nations Headquarters, New York. He has been a instructor pilot, test pilot and aerobatic team member in the military; he holds commercial aviation ratings and flew executive business aircraft. Ovais holds operational experience in remotely piloted aircraft systems and has been the first project manager of remote aircraft systems in United Nations. He is a certified project management specialist, aviation safety (ops) inspector and an accident investigator.Ovais hold Masters in Business Administration, Bachelors in War and Policy and another Bachelor in Business Studies. He has rich UN field and headquarter experience in aviation operations, safety and collaborates extensively with the humanitarian and development actors. Ovais keeps a keen eye on International Affairs and Global Politics.
Daniel Juzi is a humanitarian disaster response and safety and security specialist working for Swiss Government Development. He is still active as a pilot and lectures on topics around crisis, safety and security management.
Growing up in South East Asia, Daniel completed his undergraduate studies in the USA and graduate studies at City University in London. Daniel has spent his career flying in fragile contexts, starting out in Africa, then spending 20 years in Afghanistan and in various humanitarian disasters.
Daniel has specialized in helping organizations understand anthropological issues around safety management through finding contextual solutions. Various organizations have also asked for help to develop their crisis management or Daniel has been asked to support them in a real crisis.
Daniel is available for lectures, workshops, or consultations.
Born in 1970 in Tuscany (Italy) quickly started to travel the World with the family. An aviation enthusiast since his childhood. The Bachelor Degree at Pisa’s university in Aeronautical Engineering has been the first milestone finally complemented with an Aerospace MBA at the Toulouse Business School. In 2001 joined ATR as Marketing Director in charge of business intelligence and strategic positioning and in 2003 moved to the sales’ team. To date in charge of the commercial activity of ATR for wider Middle East, North East Africa and part of West Africa markets.
Gallery
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Resources
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Earlier in the archive
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GHAC Conference
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17th Global Humanitarian Aviation Conference and Exhibition
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15 Oct 2025
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