The business aviation industry is mourning the loss of European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) secretary-general Athar Husain Khan, who died unexpectedly at the age of 60 on Sunday, March 26th.
Husain Khan was named secretary-general of EBAA in July 2018 and was actively involved in European and international aviation for more than 30 years. He was a trained lawyer who advocated for a better, sustainable future for air transport. He leaves behind his wife Nynke La Porte and son Yskandar Afsar Husain Khan.
Juergen Wiese, chairman, EBAA said: “It is with shock, complete disbelief, deep sadness and heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of our secretary-general Athar Husain Khan. Our highly-esteemed colleague and friend Athar passed away unexpectedly on Sunday 26th March 2023. Athar always put the human element first, and steered the industry in the right direction during challenging times.”
Husain Khan worked closely with the NBAA, particularly for the EBACE conference. Ed Bolen, president and CEO, NBAA 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 and son Yskandar Afsar Husain Khan and the entire EBAA family.”
Husain Khan was also a member of the board of the British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA). The BBGA said: “We are deeply saddened by the sudden death of our esteemed colleague and friend. 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. We wish his family and his friends a lot of strength and our compassion.”
Pete Bunce, president and CEO, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) said: “Athar Husain Khan was 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. 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.”
Kurt Edwards, director general, International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) said: “Athar was a respected leader and advocate for the European business aviation industry with a passion to share its economic and societal contributions and promote its innovation and constant commitment to reduce its environmental footprint. His work and contributions to IBAC’s governing board as the EBAA leader were always insightful and supportive. All of us at IBAC send heartfelt sympathies to Athar’s family, friends and colleagues. He will be deeply missed by many.”
Corporate Jet Investor said: “Everyone who knew Athar Husain Khan is mourning him today. EBAA secretary-general since 2018, he led European business aviation through Covid and was fighting hard to make business aviation a sustainability leader. Athar spent more than 30 years advocating for aviation in Europe. We will miss his wisdom, calmness under pressure and sense of humour. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone at EBAA.”
The EBAA has opened a memorial page for those who wish to share their memories or express their condolences here.
