The Air Transport Hall of Fame — an international honour established by Hermes – Air Transport Organization in collaboration with Korn Ferry and Athens International Airport — has opened at Athens International Airport.
A Living Tribute to Aviation Leadership
The Hall of Fame showcases 50 global aviation pioneers whose vision, leadership, and innovation have shaped the evolution of civil aviation. Located in the underground walkway connecting the Main Terminal to the Satellite Terminal, it transforms the passenger journey toward boarding gates C15–C40 into an immersive experience through aviation history.
Stelios Haji-Ioannou Among Honourees
Included among the honoured figures is Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder of easyJet and the ‘easy’ family of brands. He is recognised for revolutionising air travel across Europe through a low-cost model that redefined accessibility to flying.
In a statement, Sir Stelios said: “Being inducted into the Air Transport Hall of Fame is a tremendous honour. My contribution to aviation began at just 27 years old with the creation of the ‘easy’ family of brands — starting with easyJet. Thirty-two years later, easyJet has grown into a major, successful airline.
“One of my most important business decisions was retaining ownership of the ‘easy’ brand through my company, easyGroup, creating a sustainable revenue stream from licensing rights. The profits generated by easyGroup are donated to the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation — a UK-based charity supporting initiatives across the six countries where I’ve lived and worked with my family, including Greece, my country of birth.
“The Foundation supports a wide range of activities — from entrepreneurship and education to assistance for vulnerable groups. This is my way of giving back to society. Starting from a small new airline 32 years ago, I hope we’ve created a lasting, positive impact — and I’d like to thank the tens of thousands of people who help make easyJet what it is today.”