air-cargo

Air Cargo Association Taps Tharakan as New Leader

The International Air Cargo Association has named Mammen Tharakan as its next director general, effective August. Tharakan succeeds Glyn Hughes, who departs after leading the organization since 2021. The appointment follows an extensive global search to identify leadership capable of advancing the association's priorities around safety, profitability, and industry unity. Tharakan brings extensive aviation experience spanning airports, airlines, ground handling, e-commerce, and infrastructure development. His background includes senior roles at Air France-KLM, Edmonton International Airport, and King Salman International Airport in Riyadh. TIACA chair Roos Bakker praised Tharakan's strategic vision and ability to foster partnerships across the global air cargo ecosystem. Hughes will remain engaged during a transition period to ensure continuity before his retirement.