The business aviation industry is mourning the death of European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) secretary-general Athar Husain Khan, who passed away unexpectedly yesterday. He was 60.
“It is with shock, complete disbelief, deep sadness, and heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of our secretary-general…Athar always put the human element first, and steered the industry in the right direction during challenging times,” said EBAA chairman Juergen Wiese.
“Athar was a trusted partner, respected leader, and true aviation professional,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “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.”
Husain Khan has been actively involved in European and international aviation for more than 30 years, leading the EBAA secretariat since July 2018. He worked closely with NBAA on many issues and events, most notably the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, which is co-hosted each year by NBAA and EBAA. His dedication to the business aviation industry has been key to the association's strength, said EBAA.
He graduated from the University of Leiden with a degree in European law, human rights law, and International law, and specialized in air and space law. He previously held roles with the Dutch Ministries of Education and Transport, where he served as a senior policy advisor and negotiator on aero-political affairs, for KLM as director of government and industry affairs, and CEO of the Association of European Airlines.
General Aviation Manufacturers Association president and CEO Pete Bunce called Husain Khan "a champion and strong advocate for European business aviation. 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."
Husain Khan was also an avid sportsman and enjoyed cricket, golf, cycling, and running, noted EBAA, pointing out he ran the New York City marathon three times and represented his country at an international level in squash. In addition, he held a private pilot’s license.
