HERMES – AIR TRANSPORT ORGANISATION, in collaboration with Athens International Airport and Korn Ferry, is pleased to announce the establishment of the Air Transport Hall of Fame. The Air Transport Hall of Fame, the first of its kind on the global stage and focused exclusively on civil air transport, recognizes and honors individuals for making outstanding contributions to global civil aviation. All inductees into the Hall of Fame have made a significant and positive impact on the international commercial air transport industry, with their leadership and actions having fundamentally transformed and enhanced the industry for all stakeholders.
The Hall was officially inaugurated at the 35th Annual Congress and General Assembly of Airports Council International – Europe on June 20, 2025, hosted by Athens International Airport. At the launch, the first 50 aviation luminaries were inducted into the Hall of Fame, with Dr. Kostas Iatrou, Director General, HERMES sharing that “HERMES proudly introduces the Air Transport Hall of Fame, honouring visionary leaders and courageous individuals who have rendered aviation a vital component of our modern societies.”
As HERMES Chair Angela Gittens noted “it has been a great honour to contribute to the history of commercial aviation and to commemorate the innovative individuals who, through their wide-ranging achievements, have positioned international aviation as the indispensable industry it is today. These individuals include inventors, scientists, entrepreneurs, aviators, corporate and government leaders, administrators, policy makers, and professionals from various disciplines, whose accomplishments have reshaped the world.”
Athens International Airport is pleased to serve as host for the Hall, with Ioanna Papadopoulou, Director of Communications & Marketing, sharing that “throughout history, few fields have inspired as much awe and admiration as aviation. The journey from the earliest tentative flights and initial airfields to the sophisticated aircraft that now cross our skies, as well as the diverse airport enterprise of the contemporary era, stands as a testament to the relentless spirit of innovation and exploration. Their contributions have laid the foundation for the modern aviation industry, and their legacies continue to motivate new generations of aviators and professionals worldwide.”
Michael Bell, Senior Client Partner, Civil Aviation at Ferry added that “Korn Ferry is honored to partner with Hermes and Athens International Airport in establishing the Air Transport Hall of Fame. As we commemorate this milestone, let us celebrate the spirit of these remarkable pioneers and hope their contributions inspire the next generation of leaders who will shape our industry for decades to come.”
The first 50 inductees are also physically presented in the underground link to the Satellite Terminal (gates C15-C40) at Athens International Airport. The next group of inductees, featuring notable aviation leaders from around the globe, will be announced in January 2026.
More information on the Hall, along with criteria for induction, the nomination form for new inductees, the profiles of the first 50 inductees, and a video, are available at https://hermes.aero/?page_id=3593#.
About HERMES – Air Transport Organisation. HERMES is a not-for-profit Organisation that represents individuals who are widely perceived and acknowledged as leading personalities/professionals in the air transport sector. The mission and aims of the Organisation are: (i) to provide a worldwide forum for networking and exchange of ideas among its members, (ii) to contribute to the development, progress and promotion of air transport at a global level; (iii) to promote and present to the wider public the work of aviation and its contribution to the economic, political and social development around the world; (iv) to collaborate, as a bridging platform, with all key stakeholders in the air transport sector, and partner with Higher Education Establishments in the field; (v) to recommend strategies and policies of added value to all the stakeholders in the air transport supply chain.
About Athens International Airport (AIA) – Since March 2001, Athens International Airport has been consistently offering high-level services, having earned the trust of airlines, passengers, partners, and stakeholders. During this entire period, the airport has welcomed more than 400 million passengers and over 4 million flights, continuing to create significant value for the national and local economy, while constantly seeking to enhance Athens’ connectivity as a sustainable year-round destination. Athens International Airport has received many important awards, both from airlines and from international bodies and organizations in the aviation sector, for its network development strategy, airline marketing, quality of services, customer-centric approach, as well as for the overall spectrum of its activities. With a recognized leadership role in environmental protection, through its programme “Route 2025”, AIA is completing the roadmap towards achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions within 2025, 25 years ahead of the target set by the airline industry. AIA has been listed on the Athens Stock Exchange since February 2024.
About Korn Ferry – Korn Ferry is a global consulting firm that powers performance. We unlock the potential in your people and unleash transformation across your business—synchronizing strategy, operations, and talent to accelerate performance, fuel growth, and inspire a legacy of change. That’s why the world’s most forward-thinking companies across every major industry turn to us—for a shared commitment to lasting impact and the bold ambition to Be More Than.