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Press release : Waleed Youssef selected as next Director-General of the ASA

Brussels, 16 January 2025: Aviation Services Association (ASA World) selects Dr. Waleed Youssef as New Director-General

The Aviation Services Association (ASA World), an internationally recognized non-profit trade association for the aviation services industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Waleed Youssef as its new Director-General.

With nearly three decades of extensive experience in the aviation sector, Dr. Youssef brings invaluable expertise in airport privatization, infrastructure finance, aviation policy and regulation, and stakeholder engagement. Waleed’s distinguished career includes leading airport privatization transactions across all six continents – Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Additionally, he served as a board member of Airports Council International (ACI) Asia Pacific, Chairman of the Economics Committee for ACI World and member of the Economics Committee of ACI Europe, championing the collective interests of the aviation community.

Dr. Youssef will lead a new chapter for ASA World, focusing on advancing strategic initiatives, policy advocacy, and enhancing member engagement.

“Congratulations to Dr. Waleed Youssef on his selection as the next Director-General of the Aviation Services Association,” said ASA’s Chairman, Hassan El-Houry. “We are delighted to welcome Waleed to lead the association during this pivotal time. His leadership and vision will be critical as we continue to advocate for policies and regulations that drive standards for our members and the aviation services industry. I look forward to working with Waleed to advance the ASA’s aims and strengthen the bonds with our members and partners around the world, who serve airports, airlines and passengers with the safest and most secure aviation services.”

As Director-General, Dr. Waleed Youssef will lead ASA World’s strategic agenda, representing members who collectively employ over 1.6 million people worldwide, while fostering growth that responsibly enhances the safety, security, and sustainability of the global aviation industry.

“I am honored to take on this role and am eager to work closely with our members, partners, regulators, and stakeholders,” said Dr. Waleed Youssef. “Together, we will address the significant opportunities and challenges facing the aviation industry, particularly regarding safety, security, operating standards, economic sustainability, and decarbonization. I am committed to building on ASA’s strong foundation to effect meaningful change and growth.”

Dr. Waleed Youssef holds Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees from the University of California at Berkeley, specializing in transportation engineering, airport design, economics, and finance. He has also lectured at prestigious institutions, including Berkeley, ETH Zurich, and ENAC Toulouse.

Dr. Youssef will succeed Fabio Gamba, who has stepped down after serving since 1999. Fabio will continue to support ASA in a part-time advisory role as Chief Strategic Advisor to the Board.