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With over two decades of experience in air navigation services management and executive leadership, Riad Chehayeb has established himself as a leader in the field. His expertise spans air navigation services, business and contract management, and working with start-ups across both public and private sectors.
Mr. Chehayeb's career encompasses executive roles at multiple organizations, where he consistently demonstrated his ability to optimize operations while prioritizing safety standards. His leadership experience includes serving as CEO of numerous technology companies and senior air traffic control and aviation management positions.
In his role leading air navigation services, Mr. Chehayeb oversaw contracts across multiple locations, successfully managed the complex transition of separating air navigation services from regulatory bodies, and implemented new automation systems while maintaining operational integrity. His tenure as Country Manager and Director of Air Navigation Services for Serco IAL highlighted his capacity to excel in challenging environments, where he effectively engaged with government ministries and oversaw critical aviation infrastructure.
Innovation marks another cornerstone of Mr. Chehayeb's career. As a co-inventor of a patent utilising Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector technology and CEO of QWIP Technologies in Pasadena, he led the acquisition and commercialization of this NASA technology. His executive experience extends to serving as CEO of Rainbow Group of Companies (TSE) and its subsidiary, Intranstech.
A graduate of Singapore Aviation Academy's Instrument Flight Procedure Design program, Mr. Chehayeb also holds a Civil Aviation Management Diploma from the International Airline Transport Association. Along with his background as an air traffic controller, his professional credentials include ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor certification and specialized training in Contract Management from Oxford University and Negotiations and Influence from MIT Sloan.
Based in Dubai, Mr. Chehayeb continues to shape the aviation industry through consulting. He serves on the Advisory Board for the Iraq British Business Council and contributes his expertise as an advisor to the Advanced Air Mobility Institute, helping guide the future of aviation technology and services.
His career achievements include numerous corporate awards for outstanding performance and successful maintenance of long-term contracts through effective negotiation. Mr. Chehayeb's leadership approach focuses on developing high-performing teams, cultivating a safety-first culture with continuous improvement, and driving organizational efficiency while nurturing strong stakeholder relationships.
Rick Sharpe brings nearly five decades of comprehensive aviation expertise, with a distinguished career spanning air traffic management and consultancy across global markets. His extensive experience encompasses 26 years of specialized work in the Gulf and MENA regions, where he has established himself as a leading authority in aviation safety and operational excellence.
In operational air traffic control, Mr. Sharpe has demonstrated mastery across all major disciplines, including Tower, Approach, and Area Control. His technical proficiency is complemented by certifications as an instructor and examiner, allowing him to shape the next generation of aviation professionals. His classroom instruction capabilities have proven invaluable in knowledge transfer and capacity-building initiatives.
A recognized aviation safety and quality management expert, Mr. Sharpe holds prestigious certifications as both an ATS Lead Auditor and ISO9001 Lead Auditor. His profound understanding of safety management systems and incident investigation has made him a sought-after consultant for organizations seeking to enhance their safety protocols and operational efficiency. His experience with ICAO USOAP CMA preparation has been particularly valuable in helping aviation authorities prepare for critical regulatory audits.
Beyond his technical expertise, Mr. Sharpe has developed a unique blend of professional qualifications that enhance his effectiveness as a leader and consultant. His certifications as a Master Life Coach, Mindfulness Practitioner, and Emotional Intelligence expert, combined with his Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, enable him to bring a holistic approach to aviation challenges. This diverse skill set allows him to address technical and operational issues and the human factors crucial in aviation management.
His extensive international experience has cultivated a deep appreciation for cultural nuances and effective cross-cultural communication. This cultural intelligence and exceptional written and verbal communication skills have proven invaluable in managing complex projects and stakeholder relationships across diverse environments.
Mr. Sharpe specializes in developing tailored strategies that address the unique challenges faced by clients, with extensive expertise in:
• Strategic aviation management and organizational development
• Safety management system implementation and optimization
• Quality assurance and audit preparation
• Operational efficiency enhancement
• Personnel development and training programs
• Change management and organizational transformation
Daryl brings extensive experience to the team in air traffic management and systems optimization.
His career began at Eurocontrol, where he honed his skills in one of the world’s busiest and most complex airspaces. Later, Daryl moved to South Africa, rising through the ranks to lead training and standards management in Johannesburg, ensuring compliance with local and international best practices.
In Baghdad, Daryl was pivotal in transitioning to a new air traffic control system, a project that modernized operations and improved safety.
Subsequently, he managed the department responsible for maintaining the ATC system, overseeing data analytics and airspace optimization projects to enhance efficiency and predict traffic demand.
Later, as the Manager of ATC Operations and Airspace, Daryl oversaw daily operations and strategic airspace management, driving innovation and operational excellence.
With a deep understanding of air traffic systems, data-driven decision-making, and operational leadership, Daryl is passionate about delivering innovative solutions that improve aviation safety, efficiency, and performance.
A seasoned Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) expert with extensive experience spanning military and civilian aviation sectors. This professional's career foundation began in the Royal Air Force with Ground Radar training, leading to a progressive career in CNS/ATM (Air Traffic Management).
Worked as a CNS/ATM Subject Matter Expert in Dubai, UAE, providing consultative services across multiple regions and with major contractors and military organizations. Their expertise extends to facilitating bids, tenders, safety cases, and performance monitoring in the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and other Gulf Countries.
Played a significant role advising the CNS Director for an International Airport and ACC, focusing on implementing international standards and best practices. Their contributions included establishing a Project Management Office and delivering PRINCE2 training to junior managers.
As a Project Manager with Thales, they managed diverse radar systems and telecommunications initiatives across numerous States.
Their technical expertise encompasses:
• Thales Navaids & Radar systems
• SELEX Navaids
• VHF/UHF/HF Communications
• Installation and commissioning of complex aviation systems
Their professional development includes extensive certifications in:
• Thales TopSky and PSR Coastwatcher 100
• PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner
• Managing Successful Programmes (MSP)
• Various RAF technical certifications
A highly experienced aviation and engineering professional with over 35 years of expertise in air traffic management, risk assessment, and quality systems. They bring extensive knowledge in ICAO compliance, safety management systems (SMS), and quality management systems (QMS).
Their career spans notable civilian and military aviation achievements, starting with the Royal Air Force and progressing through various leadership roles in air traffic engineering and safety management. As a Chartered Engineer and member of the Institute of Engineering & Technology, they have successfully led multiple high-value projects, including a 150 Million UAE Dirham airfield engineering asset replacement program in Dubai.
Throughout their career, they have demonstrated particular strength in developing and implementing safety protocols, conducting gap analyses, and mentoring teams to achieve regulatory compliance. Their expertise extends to risk-based auditing, ATSEP competency development, and business improvement through Lean Six Sigma techniques.
Their academic credentials include a Postgraduate Certificate in Safety & Risk Management from Strathclyde University and a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Technology. Their professional development encompasses ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor certification and specialized project management and safety systems qualifications.
They have a proven track record of working in challenging environments across the Middle East and the UK, consistently delivering improvements in operational safety, team performance, and regulatory compliance.
A seasoned aviation professional with over two decades of experience in civil and military air traffic management. While serving as the Head of Military Radar ATC at the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA), he established Qatar's first Military Radar Air Traffic Control unit and is pivotal in harmonizing civil and military airspace operations.
Throughout his career, Hyland has held significant positions across multiple continents, including roles in Qatar, the Czech Republic, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Ireland, and South Africa. His expertise spans air traffic control, safety investigations, airspace design, and operational management. At QCAA, he managed air traffic operations across major facilities, including Doha International Airport, Hamad International Airport, and Al Udeid. He also served as a Civil Approach Radar Air Traffic Controller, Instructor, and Examiner.
An Irish national, Hyland has demonstrated particular strength in training and development. He served as an Air Traffic Services School Instructor in the Czech Republic and conducted workshops for senior Qatari Military Officers on Air Law and National Airspace. He holds the highest level (Level 6) of the English Language Proficiency Certificate (ELPAC) and has completed numerous professional certifications in air traffic control and training.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Hyland is an avid reader who is passionate about history and historical sites. He maintains strong connections to his Irish heritage through his involvement in coaching Gaelic football for adults and youth, and he enjoys exploring new cultures through his travels.
A Chartered Engineer who has extensive experience of Operational Safety and Quality, Air Traffic Engineering, Communications, Navigation & Surveillance (CNS), Asset Management, Program Management, PMO, leading Strategy, Change and financial management of CNS assets.
I also have experience in Enterprise, Program and Project Risk management assessments to identify hazards, risks and mitigations as used in multicultural environments to transform businesses.
Work experience:
July 2023 – Present Aquila ATMS – Head of Safety and Service transition
Delivering operational CNS assets into the UK MoD
2011 -2022 Serco – Various senior roles covering Quality, Air Safety and CNS
2000 – 2011 – National Air Traffic Services. Various roles covering CNS Engineering, Project Management, Airport and En Route CNS asset management.
1990 – 2000 – CNS engineering at regional airports UK based
1981 – 1990- Royal Air Force UK. Airfield and Air Defence systems maintenance
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