Brussels Industry shocked by sudden loss of EBAA Secretary-General Athar Husain Khan |
The business aviation industry has expressed its deep sadness at the loss of European Business Aviation Association Secretary-General, Athar Husain Khan, who passed away unexpectedly on Sunday March 26th at the age of 60.
EBAA Chairman, Juergen Wiese, said in a statement: "It is with shock, complete disbelief, deep sadness and heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of our highly esteemed colleague and friend, Athar Husain Khan.
"Athar Husain Khan has been the leader of our EBAA Secretariat since July 2018 and his dedication to our industry has been key to our Association’s current strength. Athar has been actively involved in European and international aviation for over 30 years and passionately advocated for a better, sustainable future for air transport. A trained lawyer with experience in various fields of law, he enjoyed a wide and varied career in both the private and public aviation sector."
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said, "Athar was a trusted partner, respected leader and true aviation professional. He will be deeply missed. Our hearts are with his wife Nynke La Porte, his son Yskandar Afsar Husain Khan and the entire EBAA family.”
Athar worked closely with NBAA on many issues and events, most notably the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE), which is co-hosted by both organizations.
“Athar Husain Khan was a champion and strong advocate for European business aviation," said General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) President and CEO, Pete Bunce. "His knowledge, expertise and savviness of the global aviation industry will be greatly missed. Athar was a good friend and was well known for his hard work, passion and dedication to fostering and advancing a healthy and robust ecosystem for our industry to flourish. His steadfast leadership and compelling voice for business aviation will forever be remembered.
"On behalf of the entire GAMA team and our member companies, I send our heartfelt condolences to Athar’s family, friends, colleagues and the team at EBAA."
The British Business and General Aviationh Association (BBGA) added its condolences:
"We are deeply saddened by the sudden death of our esteemed colleague and friend. Mr. Husain Khan has devoted 30 years to improving the aviation industry in Europe. He was instrumental in consistently and selflessly making changes for the good of the industry, always with his renowned dignity and gentle kindness. He will be sorely missed."
Athar graduated from the University of Leiden with a degree in European law, Human Rights law, International law, and also specialised in Air and Space law. He subsequently worked for the Dutch Ministries of Education and Transport where he was Senior Policy Advisor and Negotiator on Aeropolitical affairs. Athar worked for KLM as Director Government & Industry Affairs, as CEO of the Association of European Airlines (AEA), and - most recently - as head of the European Business Aviation Association.
Athar was brought up in a bilingual family and spent his early years in the Middle-East, not surprisingly he had a lifelong interest in the interactional aspects of eastern and western culture, religion and politics.
An avid sportsman, Athar enjoyed cricket, golf, cycling, running (he has run the New York City marathon three times), and also represented his country at international level at squash. He was a keen aviator and held a private pilot’s license.
Above all, Athar was a family man and leaves behind his beloved his wife and son. The EBAA has opened a memorial page to allow members to express their thoughts and comments.
BlueSky Business Aviation News | 30th March 2023 | Issue #695
