Mammen Tharakan, an airport executive with extensive experience on air cargo issues, has been named director general of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), which works to bring together and educate all parts of the air cargo ecosystem on industry best practices. Tharakan will assume the role in August, taking over from Glyn Hughes, who has led the organization since 2021 and said in March that he planned to step down this year. For air cargo operators, the leadership change signals continuity in TIACA’s strategic direction, with a focus on sustainability and global membership expansion under a leader who understands airport-level operations.
Who Is Mammen Tharakan?
Tharakan has served as vice president of airlines, commercial, public venues, cargo and logistics partnerships for the King Salman International Airport Development Company in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the past three years. The company, part of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, is responsible for developing a massive second airport in the capital city by 2030 capable of annually handling 100 million passengers. Before that, he was director of e-commerce, cargo and aviation real estate at Edmonton International Airport in Canada for nearly five years. He also spent several years as an Air France-KLM station manager in various North American cities.
According to TIACA, Tharakan was selected for his strategic vision, commercial expertise, and operational excellence. TIACA Chair Roos Bakker said in a news release: “Mammen brings the strategic vision, commercial acumen, and collaborative leadership that will ensure TIACA continues to grow its influence, deliver value for our members, and unite the global air cargo community.”
TIACA's Achievements Under Glyn Hughes
During Glyn Hughes’s tenure, which began in 2021, the association:
- Expanded its global membership
- Launched new sustainability initiatives and industry research
- Enhanced member engagement
- Elevated flagship events including the Executive Summit and Air Cargo Forum
- Strengthened TIACA’s financial position and international influence
| Timeline | Event |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Glyn Hughes becomes director general |
| March 2026 | Hughes announces planned retirement |
| July 2026 | TIACA announces Tharakan as successor |
| August 2026 | Tharakan assumes role |
| Oct 26-29, 2026 | TIACA Air Cargo Forum in Miami |
Implications for Air Cargo Operators
Tharakan’s appointment is significant for freight forwarders, logistics managers, and 3PL operators who rely on TIACA for industry best practices and networking. His airport-level experience — including work at both a major new airport development in Saudi Arabia and a North American hub — suggests he may prioritize airport-airline collaboration and infrastructure efficiency. The leadership transition is carefully planned, with Hughes working closely alongside Tharakan to ensure a seamless handover before retirement.
Upcoming Events
TIACA will hold its Air Cargo Forum from October 26-29 in Miami. This flagship event is expected to draw air cargo stakeholders from around the world, offering sessions on sustainability, digitalization, and operational best practices. Tharakan’s first major public appearance as director general will likely be at this forum.
For now, air cargo professionals should note that TIACA’s strategic focus under new leadership is expected to continue the trajectory set by Hughes, with an emphasis on global membership growth and sustainability initiatives. Tharakan’s background in e-commerce and cargo real estate may also bring fresh perspectives to the association’s research and advocacy work.
Sources:
