Business aviation associations have expressed their sadness at the loss of Athar Husain Khan, secretary general of the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA). Husain Khan died unexpectedly on March 26 at the age of 60.

“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. Athar always put the human element first and steered the industry in the right direction during challenging times,” says EBAA chairman Juergen Wiese.

Husain Khan had been the leader of the EBAA secretariat since July 2018 and his dedication to the business aviation industry has been key to the association's current strength. He worked closely with NBAA on many issues and events, most notably the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE), which is co-hosted by both organisations.

“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.”

GAMA president and CEO Pete Bunce says: “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."

The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) too shares sincere condolences with the EBAA community. Director general Kurt Edwards says: ‟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.”

Prior to joining EBAA, Husain Khan spent the previous 25 years as a leader, aero-political negotiator, lawyer, advocacy specialist and CEO in various aviation organisations and companies in both the public and private arena. Immediately prior to joining EBAA, he was an agreements and international relations consultant for the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority in Doha. Before that, he led the Association of European Airlines (AEA) in Brussels as CEO, managing issues spanning environment and infrastructure to safety policy and regulation; during his tenure he worked closely with EBAA to maximise the effect of aviation industry representation at EU institutional levels. He also held senior positions at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and the Netherlands Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Education and Science.

Husain Khan, who held a private pilot's licence, received his Master of Law at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands and followed post-graduate courses in law, communications, management, finance, natural leadership and coaching.

EBAA has opened a memorial page for those who wish to share their memories or express condolences.