Fabio Gamba’s Legacy at ASA: Transforming an Industry Association and Paving the Way for a Bright Future

Celebrating Fabio Gamba - Accomplishments at ASA: A New Chapter for the Aviation Services Association

It's Friday, and as the week comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect on where the time has gone. This week’s big milestone? The release of the latest ARGS issue. Our editor, Mark Pilling , has gone above and beyond to make it a fascinating read. If you have a moment over the weekend, I recommend checking it out: https://airlinergs.com/latest-issue

Now, onto the headline news: Fabio Gamba, after six remarkable years as Director General of the Aviation Services Association (ASA), is stepping into a new role as Chief Strategic Advisor to the ASA Board. Meanwhile, Waleed Youssef, PhD will take the reins as the new Director General.

Looking back, ASA has undergone an incredible transformation. Originally founded as the International Airport Handling Association (IAHA), the organisation rebranded as ASA (Airport Services Association) and later evolved into what we know today as the Aviation Services Association. Despite its long history, it’s fair to say that for much of its existence, ASA flew under the radar. All that changed in recent years, thanks in large part to Fabio Gamba’s leadership.

A Turning Point for ASA

ASA reached a pivotal moment under the leadership of Steve Allen dnata during his tenure as ASA Chairman. Steve brought a bold vision to the table: to establish ASA as an organisation that would truly represent ground service providers on a global scale and foster collaboration with international industry bodies for the collective benefit of the sector.

I vividly remember Steve’s first presentation at our 2019 Airline Ground Service Global Networking Summit (AGS Global Networking Summit). From that moment, his impact was undeniable. I thought, Finally, someone who gets it! It felt like we were moving away from the "old boys" network and just to be clear, it wasn’t just a network; it sometimes felt like an exclusive club where the secret handshake was knowing the same three people for 30 years.

Though life circumstances eventually led Steve to step down as Chairman, his departure left a significant role to fill. Yet, his legacy continues to guide the organisation’s direction, inspiring a more inclusive and forward-thinking ASA for years to come.

Fabio Gamba, already working closely with Steve, stepped upto the challenge. He inherited an organisation that lacked widespread recognition or influence within the industry. With the support of Atilla Korkmazoglu , then ASA Chairman and President of Ground Handling & Cargo (EMEA) ?elebi Aviation , Fabio set about transforming ASA into a respected and effective association. Together, they introduced a new advisory board and supervisory board, building an organisation that could truly represent aviation service providers' diverse needs.

Partnerships and Growth

Our collaboration with ASA took flight in 2022 when we teamed up to organise their standalone event alongside our Airline Ground Services (AGS) events and ACHL. From day one, we hit the runway with a strong connection to many ASA members, and earning their trust became our top priority, trust, after all, is the kind of currency you can't just print on demand.

?Now, for those who know me well, you will know I am not one to hold back. I call it like I see it, no sugarcoating, no pretence. I wear my heart on my sleeve, whether it is good, bad, or somewhere in between. I can be outspoken, and that does not always sit well with everyone. But hey, that’s just who I am! Guess that’s why I work for myself (no boss could survive my brutally honest, heart-on-sleeve ways!) ??

ASA had previously teamed up with a partner that seemed more focused on shouting its own name from the rooftops than actually supporting the association. Enter Eva International, stepping up to the challenge like a knight in shining armor. But let’s be honest, it felt like we were climbing Everest without the oxygen tanks, desperately trying to convince airlines that this was the event they simply couldn't miss. And trust me, convincing people to step out of their comfort zones? Not a small feat. People love their cozy comfort zones and will cling to them like a pair of well-worn slippers.

This was no walk in the park. High expectations? Check. Constant comparisons to a long-established event? Double check. It was like comparing a scrappy, quirky startup to a centuries-old institution, imagine someone judging a tiny indie café that’s just figured out how to froth milk, against a global coffee chain that’s been churning out perfectly symmetrical lattes since before Wi-Fi was a thing.

Not me, though. I believe change is good! Look around, staying stagnant is not going to cut it. People working in organisations need to stop focusing on what’s easiest for them and start flexing their entrepreneurial muscles. Show your bosses you can think outside the box! Seriously, we are not here to play it safe, we are here to innovate, push boundaries, and, well, make a splash.

As for ASA’s visibility at the time? Calling it “underwhelming” is like calling a puddle “a bit damp.” But hey, it’s those kinds of challenges that make the wins taste even sweeter, like that first sip of coffee from the indie café that finally nails it!

But Fabio, oh, Fabio. His unwavering belief in the potential of this partnership, combined with his boundless energy and tenacity, changed the game. Picture someone storming a castle with a smile, a plan, and a megaphone. It was kind of like that. Fabio and the board managed to accomplish in just three years what previous leadership had not cracked in two decades. It's the kind of turnaround story you would expect to see in a movie but trust me, it happened right here.

Under his guidance, ASA established partnerships with key global aviation bodies, including EASA, ACI, ICAO, and IATA. This was a monumental achievement, catapulting ASA’s credibility and influence within the aviation industry.

On a personal note, working with Fabio has been a rollercoaster of challenges and rewards. I will admit, he did not always listen (and I hope he doesn’t mind me saying this), but gosh, I really wish he had, just every now and then! Not everything he tried hit the mark, but let’s be fair, neither does everything I do. That said, his vision and determination always shone through, even when navigating the complex, turbulence-filled skies of an industry association.

To me, Fabio is a good-hearted leader who always puts the needs of the industry before his own. He holds his ground with grace and resilience. I was tempted to compare him to a politician, but given my less-than-stellar impression of that crowd, let’s just say, he’s a true gentleman, someone who leads with purpose, honesty, integrity, and that’s hard to find these days.

What Makes a Great Industry Association?

Industry associations are notoriously complex to run. With so many stakeholders, differing opinions, and competing priorities, it can be hard to find common ground. However, I believe a successful association requires leaders who prioritise the collective good over individual interests. Regardless of company size, members share common needs when it comes to operational support and industry standards.

A great industry association unites its members, represents their collective voice, and drives positive change for the entire sector. Fabio exemplified this ethos during his tenure at ASA, proving that with the right leadership, even longstanding organisations can reinvent themselves and thrive.

A Bright Future Ahead

As we bid farewell to Fabio in his role as Director General, we warmly welcome Dr. Waleed Youssef to lead ASA into its next chapter. With the groundwork laid by Fabio, I am confident ASA will continue to grow and make an even greater impact on the aviation services industry.

To Fabio, thank you for your dedication and leadership. To Waleed, congratulations and best of luck in your new role,working with the ASA Chairman Hassan El-Houry Menzies Aviation Warwick Brady Swissport Mohamed A. Hanno John Geddes Ryan Abram Angel Arrue Martinez Marc Deleu Frank Dobbelsteijn Mete Erna Aviapartner Laurent Levaux Roger Larreur - Here’s to a bright future for ASA and its members!