**Sir Stelios Recognised for Reshaping European Air Travel**
British-Cypriot entrepreneur and founder of easyJet, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, has been inducted into the Air Transport Hall of Fame, a prestigious recognition celebrating his significant contributions to the aviation industry. The announcement was made during the 2.5 Airline Marketing Workshop held at Athens International Airport, where over 250 professionals from the aviation, travel, and tourism sectors gathered to discuss industry advancements and strategies.
Sir Stelios is among eight distinguished figures in the aviation field who were honoured this year for their impactful work in commercial flight. The other inductees include notable personalities such as Airbus pioneer Roger Béteille, Solar Impulse co-founder Andre Borschberg, former Singapore Airlines chief executive Cheong Choong Kong, Brazilian aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont, FedEx founder Frederick W. Smith, Chinese-American pilot Katherine Sui Fun Cheung, and jet-engine inventor Frank Whittle.
The Air Transport Hall of Fame, established by Hermes – Air Transport Organisation in collaboration with Korn Ferry and Athens International Airport, aims to honour leaders whose vision and innovation have made a lasting impact on global aviation. It is the first Hall of Fame dedicated exclusively to the civil air transport industry. The inaugural exhibition featuring the first 50 inductees is located in the underground walkway connecting the main terminal with the satellite terminal at Athens International Airport, allowing passengers to view the profiles of these aviation pioneers as they make their way to their departure gates.
Kostas Iatrou, director general of Hermes, highlighted the organisation's commitment to showcasing aviation's contributions to economic, political, and social development. Angela Gittens, president of Hermes, noted that while various regions have their own recognition programs, the Hall of Fame seeks to celebrate influential figures at a global level. Ioanna Papadopoulou, director of communications and marketing at Athens International Airport, described the exhibition as a representation of “the enduring human spirit” and the pursuit of excellence in aviation.
Michael Bell, leader of Korn Ferry’s Civil Aviation Practice, remarked that recognising those who have significantly contributed to civil aviation is the highest honour. This year’s ceremony was particularly notable as it marked the first time living recipients were honoured, underscoring the ongoing influence of current aviation leaders.
In a recorded video message presented during the workshop, Sir Stelios expressed his gratitude for the induction, stating he was “truly honoured” to join the Hall of Fame. He reflected on his journey in the aviation industry, tracing his contributions back to the creation of the ‘easy’ family of brands and the launch of easyJet when he was just 27 years old. “Today, 32 years later, easyJet has grown into a major and successful airline,” he noted.
Sir Stelios also emphasized his commitment to retaining ownership of the ‘easy’ family of brands through easyGroup, which generates royalty income from companies using the brand. He revealed that the profits from these ventures are donated annually to the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, which supports entrepreneurship, education, and individuals in need across six countries, including Greece, where he was born. “From a small airline start-up, we have created a lasting positive impact for our communities,” he stated, thanking the tens of thousands of people involved in operating the airline today.
The 2026 class of inductees also included other living recipients. Andre Borschberg, who co-piloted the Solar Impulse solar-powered aircraft, commented that the recognition was a testament to the collective efforts of his teams and reinforced his belief that innovation and leadership will define the next era of aviation. Cheong expressed his deep honour at being included alongside figures he has long admired. Richard W. Smith, representing his late father Frederick Smith, reflected on how the FedEx founder transformed his vision into a global express transportation and logistics network.
The Hall of Fame presentation was part of Athens International Airport’s annual Airline Marketing Workshop, which this year celebrated the airport's 25-year partnership with its airline collaborators. During the event, easyJet was recognised as the top-performing airline among Athens International Airport’s ten largest airlines in 2025, while Cyprus Airways received an award for the fastest growth in the Western European market.
Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou's induction into the Air Transport Hall of Fame marks a significant acknowledgment of his contributions to making air travel more accessible and transforming the European aviation landscape. His legacy continues to inspire future generations in the industry.