Global expertise. One trusted team.

CHAIRMAN 

 Dr. Hamdi Chaouk is widely recognized as one of the most distinguished aviation leaders in the Middle East and North Africa, bringing over 35 years of strategic influence and executive expertise to the global aviation sector. He previously served as the Director General of Civil Aviation of Lebanon, where he led national aviation reform initiatives and strengthened the country’s position within the international aviation community. His experience spans aviation strategy, sector transformation, airport governance, business optimization, and operational planning. He has led major airport and airline projects around the world, advising governments and private-sector organizations on airport development, funding models, regulatory frameworks, and sustainable growth.

Dr. Chaouk has played a pivotal role in shaping national aviation policies, including drafting aviation laws, regulations, and long-term strategies for multiple states. His international leadership includes serving on both the ICAO Council and the ACI Asia-Pacific Council for more than a decade, giving him a global, multi-disciplinary perspective that continues to influence the wider aviation industry.

 Qualifications & Affiliations:

• PhD in Aeronautical Engineering – University of Sydney, Australia
• Former Professor at universities in Lebanon, UAE, Australia, the UK, and Canada
• Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS) and member of several international aviation associations
• Executive Board Member of multiple aviation corporations and academic institutions 

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Dr. Mohammed Chaouk has over seven years of experience successfully leading and managing the company’s portfolio of aviation and airport development projects. He is recognized for delivering complex assignments on time and with precision, ensuring seamless coordination between clients, subject-matter experts (SMEs), and stakeholders. 

His expertise includes advising governments and private entities on airport strategy, business model selection, and operational frameworks. He has led major initiatives involving airport operation and management tender documents, the development of aerodrome manuals and airport emergency plans, as well as the coordination and management of complex aviation and airport development projects. He continues to drive AVIATION MINDS – AIRPORTS toward sustainable growth, stronger partnerships, and international impact.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Aviation Management (Transport Systems), Cranfield University, United Kingdom
• MSc in Aerospace Vehicle Design, Cranfield University, United Kingdom
• BSc in Mechanical Engineering (Aerospace), University of Balamand, Lebanon

 Aviation Safety & Airside Operations & Airport Emergency Management Expert

 Mr. Ozan Karakiş is an expert in airside operations, airfield capacity development, aerodrome certification, aviation safety, regulatory compliance, CONOPS, airport crisis planning and management, ORAT at hub airports, airport business continuity & resilience, airport recovery from major disruptions (weather, pandemic, natural disasters, results of political disturbances). He previously served as the Airside Operations Director at  iGA Istanbul Airport  and the Director of Airside Operations and Safety at  Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

He played a pivotal role in the operational planning and establishment of airside operations at Istanbul Grand Airport (LTFM/IST), where his responsibilities covered airside maintenance, ARFF, safety management systems, regulatory compliance, aerodrome certification, obstacle control, operations budgeting, technical specifications of airside equipment, driver and vehicle permits, security access systems, wildlife management, aircraft recovery, and stakeholder coordination.

Earlier in his career, he served as a Fire Fighting Chief and worked with NATO across multiple countries, earning NATO Service Medals for his contributions.