The African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) has elected a new leadership team to steer its affairs. The appointees are Mr Dawit Lemma as chairperson, with Mr Craig Middleton as vice chairperson and treasurer.

Lemma is a seasoned aviation executive, entrepreneur and advocate with more than 25 years of global experience. As the founder and CEO of Krimson Aviation Holdings Ltd., he expanded operations into nearly 35 countries, establishing the company as a key player in aviation services across Africa, Europe and the Middle East. His background includes expertise in aircraft ground handling, maintenance, business development and operational excellence, backed by a technical foundation as a licensed commercial pilot (FAA, SACAA, EASA/Swiss FOCA) and FAA-certified Airframe & Powerplant mechanic.

Lemma's leadership extends beyond corporate success: he serves as a board director for Women in Aviation International (WAI), a board member of IS-BAH within the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and Africa lead for the International Operators Committee of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). His commitment to inclusion in aviation has led to initiatives such as the Krimson Aviation Scholarship, which supports underrepresented students pursuing careers in aerospace.

His experience spans Ethiopia, Switzerland, the US, Zambia, Malawi and Afghanistan, and he is fluent in English and French. Through his strategic vision, technical expertise and industry leadership, Lemma continues to shape the future of aviation, championing diversity and operational excellence in the global aerospace sector.

Middleton brings more than 30 years of expertise in aviation management, strategic development and operational leadership to his new role. He has consistently driven growth, innovation and operational excellence across multiple international aviation organisations, and as the director of sales and account management at General Aviation Services Ltd., he is dedicated to optimising customer experience, managing key accounts and resolving operational challenges to elevate service standards.

Previously, Middleton was aviation and hotel director at Bequia Air, where he spearheaded the launch and operations of a VIP airline, integrating luxury air travel with hospitality services in the Caribbean. His prior role as EMEA regional operations director at Universal Aviation saw him managing a network of 13 ground support locations, improving efficiency, profitability and client satisfaction across the region. Throughout his career, Middleton has held pivotal roles in leading aviation companies including Oxygen Aviation, Starflight Aviation, Midwest Executive Aviation and Signature Flight Support, with a background spanning sales strategy, global partnership development, compliance management and operational optimisation. He is committed to driving innovation and business growth, and his leadership philosophy is rooted in strategic problem-solving, consultative decision-making and creating lasting value for clients and stakeholders.

Together, the new leadership team brings a blend of technical know-how, strategic insight and international perspective to AfBAA’s ongoing work across the African continent and beyond.