Airline Economics 40 under 40 Class of 2025

Announcing the Airline Economics 40 under 40 Class of 2025 along with the leading Aviation Industry Mentors for 2025. The 40 under 40 is kindly sponsored for the third year running by ABL Aviation.

“The 40 under 40 initiative continues to inspire and spotlight the future leaders of our industry, and we are proud to support it once again,” says Ali Ben Lmadani, Founder & CEO, ABL Aviation. “At ABL Aviation, we believe that innovation in aviation begins with people, and this year’s honourees reflect the diversity, energy, and vision that will shape the next era of aviation finance and leasing. I am especially proud to see two of our own, Umid Sharipov and Leeren Naicker, featured among this year’s class. Their recognition is a reflection of their leadership, dedication, and the values we champion as a team. Congratulations to all the rising stars and mentors who are helping drive the industry forward.”

Each year, the Airline Economics 40 Under 40 list grows not only in size but in stature. The Class of 2025 is no exception. With 112 nominations and an unprecedented 1,800+ endorsements – many from the most senior and respected voices in aviation – this year’s cohort represents the very best of emerging talent in the industry.

"Each year, the calibre of nominations for the Airline Economics 40 Under 40 and Mentors programme continues to impress – and 2025 has set a new benchmark,” says Victoria Tozer-Pennington, editor and co-founder of Airline Economics. “This year’s class exemplify the innovation, resilience, and leadership that are driving aviation forward in a time of rapid transformation. From emerging talent to seasoned mentors, the individuals recognised in this issue are not only shaping the future of the industry—they are actively redefining it. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and amplify the voices of those who will lead aviation into its next chapter."

Although the 40 under 40 group is not ranked, Airline Economics does present its Future Leader award to the individual with the most impressive endorsements from clients and senior industry figures. This year, we are proud to name Felix Siu, SVP Sales & Marketing Asia at High Ridge Aviation, as our Future Leader. Felix received an outpouring of endorsements from clients, colleagues, and peers, all attesting to his leadership, innovation, and impact across the aviation sector.

We also extend special recognition to our Highly Commended honourees: Hunter Edens, Alan Greenblatt, Demi Hueth, Tim McNally, and Mairead Whelan – each of whom stood out for their exceptional contributions and the strength of their endorsements. Behind every rising star is a guiding light. As part of this year’s Airline Economics 40 Under 40 celebration, we asked each member to reflect on the individuals who have shaped their careers – those who offered wisdom, opened doors, and inspired confidence when it mattered most. Whether they were managers, colleagues, professors, or industry veterans, these mentors played a pivotal role in helping our 40 Under 40 members navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and grow into the professionals they are today.

Congratulations to the Airline Economics 40 under 40 Class of 2025.

The full 40 under 40 Class of 2025 and Mentors 2025 are listed below in alphabetical order by last name. The full article, with interviews with all of the group, features in Issue 87 of Airline Economics magazine.

Previous 40 under 40 winners