The global business aviation community is mourning the loss of Athar Husain Khan, the Secretary-General of the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA). Husain Khan died suddenly at the age of 60 on Sunday 26 March 2023. He leaves behind his wife and son.
Actively involved in European and international aviation for more than 30 years, Husain Khan was a passionate advocate for a better, sustainable future for air transport. A lawyer by training with experience in various fields of law, he had worked with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority in Doha, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and the Netherlands Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Education and Science and had led the Association of European Airlines (AEA) in Brussels. He was named Secretary-General of the EBAA in July 2018. His dedication to the business aviation industry has been described as “key” to EBAA’s current strength.
Husain Khan also worked closely with the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and was a member of the board of the British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA). Ed Bolen, NBAA’s President and CEO, said: “Athar was a trusted partner, respected leader and a 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.”
Brought up in a bilingual family, Husain Khan spent his early years in the Middle-East and had a lifelong interest in the international aspects of eastern and western culture, religion and politics. He was also an avid sportsman and enjoyed playing cricket, golf, cycling, running and also represented his country at international level at squash. A keen aviator he also held a private pilot’s licence.
Remebering Husain Khan as a highly esteemed colleague and friend, EBAA Chairman Juergen Wiese said: “It is with shock, complete disbelief, deep sadness and heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of our Secretary-General, Athar Husain Khan. Athar always put the human element first, and steered the industry in the right direction during challenging times.”
The EBAA has opened a memorial page for those who wish to share their memories or express their condolences here.
