Athens, Greece. British-Cypriot entrepreneur and easyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou has been inducted into the Air Transport Hall of Fame, recognising his role in reshaping European aviation and expanding access to air travel. The 2026 inductees were announced during Athens International Airport’s 2.5 Airline Marketing Workshop in Athens.
2026 inductees announced in Athens
The workshop brought together more than 250 professionals from the aviation, travel and tourism industries.
Sir Stelios joined a class of eight aviation figures whose work has influenced the development of commercial flight. The other inductees were 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.
Hall of Fame organisers and purpose
The Air Transport Hall of Fame was established by Hermes – Air Transport Organisation in partnership with Korn Ferry and Athens International Airport.
According to its organisers, it is the first global Hall of Fame dedicated exclusively to the civil air transport industry, honouring leaders whose vision, innovation and work have made a lasting positive contribution to global aviation.
Exhibition at Athens International Airport
Its first 50 inductees are featured in a dedicated exhibition in the underground walkway connecting Athens airport’s main terminal with its satellite terminal. Passengers travelling through gates C15 to C40 can view their profiles on their way to their departure gates.
Comments from organisers
Hermes director general Kostas Iatrou said one of the organisation’s responsibilities was to present aviation’s contribution to economic, political and social development to the wider public.
Hermes president Angela Gittens said that while countries, regions and aviation organisations had their own recognition programmes, the Hall of Fame sought to honour influential aviation figures at a global level.
Ioanna Papadopoulou, director of communications and marketing at Athens International Airport, said the exhibition was more than a collection of biographies, describing it as a reflection of “the enduring human spirit” and the pursuit of excellence.
Michael Bell, leader of Korn Ferry’s Civil Aviation Practice, said there was “no higher honour” than recognising those who led the development of civil aviation for the wider public.