Mammen Tharakan has been appointed director general of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), effective August 2026, succeeding Glyn Hughes who has led the group since 2021. Tharakan brings three years of experience as vice president at Saudi Arabia’s King Salman International Airport Development Company—overseeing development of a new Riyadh airport targeting 100 million annual passengers by 2030—and nearly five years directing e-commerce, cargo, and aviation real estate at Edmonton International Airport in Canada. His prior roles include Air France-KLM station management across North America. TIACA Chair Roos Bakker cited his strategic vision and collaborative leadership. The association will host its Air Cargo Forum in Miami from October 26–29, 2026.
Mammen Tharakan, an airport executive with extensive experience on air cargo issues, has been named director general of The International Air Cargo Association, which works to bring together and educate all parts of the air cargo ecosystem on industry best practices.
Leadership transition effective August 2026
TIACA announced on Monday that Tharakan would assume his role in August, taking over from Glyn Hughes, who has led the organization since 2021 and said in March that he planned to step down this year.
Saudi airport development background
Tharakan has served as vice president of airlines, commercial, public venues, cargo and logistics partnerships for the King Salman International Airport Development Company in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the past three years. The company, part of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, is responsible for the development of a massive second airport in the capital city by 2030 capable of annually handling 100 million passengers.
North American aviation and logistics experience
Before that he was director of e-commerce, cargo and aviation real estate at Edmonton International Airport in Canada for nearly five years. He has spent several years as an Air France-KLM station manager in various North American cities.
Selection rationale and leadership vision
TIACA said Tharakan was selected for his strategic vision, commercial expertise and operational excellence.
“Mammen brings the strategic vision, commercial acumen, and collaborative leadership that will ensure TIACA continues to grow its influence, deliver value for our members, and unite the global air cargo community.” — Roos Bakker, TIACA Chair
Why it matters: operational grounding and global representation
Tharakan is a young, charismatic executive who understands how air cargo supply chains operate and has experience at airport level. He could help represent TIACA’s interests in new ways in international circles.
Planned handover and legacy of outgoing leader
The appointment marks the beginning of a carefully planned leadership transition, with Glyn Hughes working closely alongside Tharakan to ensure a seamless handover of responsibilities before assuming his planned retirement.
During Hughes’ tenure, the association expanded its global membership, launched new sustainability initiatives and industry research, enhanced member engagement, and elevated flagship events including the Executive Summit and Air Cargo Forum while strengthening TIACA’s financial position and international influence.
Upcoming TIACA event in Miami
TIACA will hold its Air Cargo Forum Oct. 26–29 in Miami.
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Write to Eric Kulisch at ekulisch@freightwaves.com.
Source: FreightWaves
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
