ASA World Confirms Leadership Transition

The Aviation Services Association (ASA World) has confirmed that Director-General Dr Waleed Youssef will step down, entering a six-month notice period to ensure an orderly leadership transition. During his tenure since January 2025, ASA World expanded its global presence and deepened engagement with major aviation bodies including ICAO, IATA, ACI and Eurocontrol, while strengthening the visibility of ground handling across the aviation ecosystem. The organisation, representing aviation service providers employing around 1.1 million people, says it has enhanced its regulatory profile and industry influence under his leadership, with the Supervisory Board now launching a search for a successor. The Aviation Services Association (ASA World), the global trade association for aviation service providers, today confirmed that its Director-General Dr. Waleed Youssef has decided to step down. Dr. Youssef will remain fully engaged during his six-month notice period to ensure continuity and allow for a transition. Dr. Youssef joined ASA in January 2025. Since then, ASA World has strengthened its presence in key global aviation centers and increased engagement with regulators and industry bodies including ICAO, EASA, Eurocontrol, IATA, ACI, CANSO and ITF. ASA World has also raised the profile of ground handling across the broader aviation ecosystem, with a focus on regulatory recognition, safety accountability and operational standards. Waleed Youssef, Director-General ASA World, said: ““ASA World represents the ground handling organizations employing 1.1 million people working across aviation services worldwide. We have made considerable progress in strengthening the voice of our industry and highlighting our critical role within the aviation ecosystem. We now have a seat at the table alongside the other major aviation industry bodies. ASA World is well positioned to build on this progress. My thanks go to the ASA World team and member organizations for their support during my time here.” Hassan El-Houry, Chairman of ASA World, said: “On behalf of the ASA World Supervisory Board, I want to thank Waleed for his dedication and the considerable progress that has been made under his leadership. He leaves ASA World stronger and more visible.” The ASA World Supervisory Board has commenced its search for a new Director General.