Hanan Badri honoured with the Executive of the Year - Airline at the Middle East Management Excellence Awards

Her visionary strategies and people-centric leadership as Chief People Officer of flyadeal highlight her profound impact on the aviation industry.

In the competitive landscape of the aviation sector, leaders who drive change and navigate challenges effectively are invaluable. One such leader, Hanan Badri, Chief People Officer of flyadeal, has been honoured with the title of Executive of the Year - Airline at the respected Middle East Management Excellence Awards 2023. This award signifies not just individual accomplishment but also highlights the cumulative efforts and strategies that have propelled an organisation to new heights.

Hanan's educational grounding in psychology and sociology might seem unconventional for the aviation sector. Yet, it's this unique foundation that has enabled her to bring fresh, people-centric perspectives to the industry. In her role at flyadeal, Hanan has consistently emphasised the importance of a motivated workforce in driving company growth, especially during unpredictable situations such as the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Whilst airlines worldwide grappled with reduced flights, layoffs, and significant financial losses, flyadeal, under Hanan’s guidance, adopted a different strategy. Recognising the potential of domestic travel within Saudi Arabia, particularly when international routes were largely infeasible, the company rapidly pivoted its operations. 

By focusing on and optimising domestic flights, flyadeal not only sustained its operations but also effectively catered to the pent-up travel demand of the local population. This astute decision ensured a consistent revenue stream during one of the industry's most challenging periods.

Another critical challenge faced by airlines during this period was talent retention. The pandemic-induced uncertainty led to a volatile job market, especially in the aviation industry. Here too, Hanan's strategies bore fruit. By introducing unique working schedules without flight layovers, flyadeal became a preferred choice for many professionals. 

This model not only made the company an attractive option for recruits but also played a role in retaining existing talent, and reducing turnover. It's a significant accomplishment that 65% of the airline’s workforce is from Saudi Arabia, reflecting the company's commitment to investing in and nurturing local talent.

A closer look at flyadeal’s workforce demographics reveals another facet of Hanan's leadership — her commitment to diversity. With employees hailing from 33 different nationalities, the airline is a melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Such a diverse workforce invariably leads to a richer exchange of ideas, fostering innovation and adaptability, two traits essential in a dynamic industry.

Hanan has also been instrumental in promoting career growth within the company. By creating opportunities for internal advancement, she has ensured that the employees view their roles at flyadeal not just as jobs, but as careers with long-term prospects. This approach not only promotes loyalty but also ensures a consistent quality of service, with experienced staff members serving the company's customer base.

Her recognition in the Middle East Management Excellence Awards is both a testament to her individual prowess and a reflection of flyadeal's overall accomplishments under her stewardship. Through innovative strategies, an unwavering focus on workforce development, and an intuitive understanding of market dynamics, Hanan has solidified her position as a luminary in the aviation sector.

The Middle East Management Excellence Awards is presented by Asian Business Review Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2024 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's employee engagements and management initiatives, please contact Jane Patiag at [email protected].