ASA WORLD appoints Chris Gadsden as CEO to drive next phase of industry reform

London, 4 November 2026 – The Aviation Services Association (ASA WORLD) today announced the appointment of Chris Gadsden as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 December 2026. He succeeds Dr Waleed Youssef.

Chris Gadsden joins at a pivotal time as ASA WORLD steps up its campaign for globally harmonised regulation and the commercial conditions needed to support a safe, resilient and sustainable ground handling industry.

Ground handling is the backbone of the aviation industry, enabling more than 5 billion passenger journeys and the movement of 124 million tonnes of cargo annually. The sector employs over 1.1 million people and serves more than half the world’s airports. Yet, despite its critical role, it lacks the internationally consistent standards and regulatory framework that govern other major areas of aviation.

As the industry’s representative body, ASA WORLD champions the conditions ground handling businesses need to invest in safety, people, training, equipment and technology. A commercially viable and sustainable sector is essential not only to the resilience of ground handlers, but also to the safety, efficiency and reliability of the wider aviation system.

Chris Gadsden brings 20 years of aviation experience, including his most recent role as Director of Government Affairs at easyJet. He has a proven track record in shaping policy and building consensus among governments, regulators and industry stakeholders.

Under his leadership, ASA WORLD will focus on four strategic priorities:

• Harmonised safety regulation: Championing consistent global standards and regulatory recognition that reflect ground handling’s critical role in aviation safety.
• Workforce development and talent attraction: Supporting the attraction, retention, development and recognition of the skilled workforce on which aviation depends.
• Sustainable operations: Promoting commercial arrangements that recognise the true cost of safe, sustainable, high-quality services and enable long-term investment.
• Economic resilience and balanced commercial practices: Advocating partnerships between ground handlers and airlines that strengthen the supply chain and secure the industry’s long-term viability.

Hassan El-Houry, Chairman of the ASA Supervisory Board, said: “Ground handling is entering an important period of change. We need a recognised global framework that enables our industry to invest in safety, people, technology and the resilience aviation will need in the years ahead. Chris brings the experience and credibility to turn that ambition into progress and I look forward to working with him as we take ASA WORLD into its next chapter. I would also like to thank Dr Waleed Youssef for his leadership and contribution to ASA WORLD, and for the foundation he leaves behind.”

Chris Gadsden, incoming CEO of ASA WORLD, said: “ASA’s members are the hidden heroes of aviation, making sure that everything comes together so a flight can take off safely and on time. I am excited to lead our trade association as we take the next step in shaping the future of ground handling. We will work with airlines, airports, regulators and governments to create the conditions in which ground handling businesses can thrive. A stronger ground handling industry means a stronger aviation industry.”

About ASA World

ASA World is the only global association for the ground handling industry recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organization – ICAO. It represents ground service providers employing over 1.1 million people at more than half the world’s airports. ASA works with regulators, airports, airlines and business partners to create safer, more sustainable and resilient aviation services.

Media contact

Gabriel Vinccini
Email: gabriel@bamboo-orchard.com
Website: www.asaworld.aero