Dr. Praveen Srivastava is a seasoned aviation leader known for his work in strengthening local manufacturing and MRO capabilities. As Managing Director & CEO of AeroChamp Aviation, he drives the localization of parts production and the development of high-performance cabin interior solutions, helping reduce global supply-chain dependency while supporting fleet growth.

With a PhD in Aviation, Dr. Srivastava works closely with OEMs, airlines, and MRO organizations to enhance maintenance capacity and build scalable, resilient aviation ecosystems. A passionate aviation entrepreneur, he also supports airlines in integrating sustainable practices and advanced materials, enabling cost efficiency, environmental benefits, and long-term industry sustainability.

Born and raised in Iceland, I began my aviation career in February 2001 after relocating to the UK to work for a small MRO specializing in wheels and brakes, interiors, avionics, and emergency equipment. I lived and worked in the UK for a year before joining an Icelandic ACMI operator, where I gained hands‑on experience in stores operations, including the receiving and shipping of spare parts.

I later moved into purchasing for the same airline, serving as their heavy‑maintenance representative, and managing procurement activities worldwide—primarily in Asia—while once again being based in the UK. Throughout my years abroad, I worked for a variety of organizations, including Part‑145 maintenance providers, airlines, and as a contractor for aviation staffing agencies. This allowed me to live in multiple countries and travel extensively, gaining broad international experience across the industry.

After 17 years overseas, I returned to Iceland to take on a managerial position overseeing the Materials and Logistics Department for local airlines. In October 2025, I joined AJ Walter Aviation Middle East and relocated to the UAE shortly thereafter. I am now leading teardown projects while building and developing the repair, purchasing, and sales functions in Dubai.

Mohamed Al-Sheahabi brings nearly two decades of experience in commercial aviation, spanning airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and engine OEMs. He currently serves as MRO Services & Industrialization Director at GE Aerospace, where he leads the development of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) offerings and industrial solutions tailored to the needs of local customers and government entities. In this role, he drives cross-functional teams with AT-MRO, Supply Chain, and Services teams to deliver integrated commercial and operational structures.

Since joining GE in 2015 through an Experienced Commercial Leadership Program, Mohamed has held a series of strategic leadership roles. These include Customer Support Director for the Middle East and Africa, Commercial Operations Director for the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and CIS, as well as global responsibilities as Product Leader with Services Marketing and Systems Customer Fulfilment Leader in Supply Chain out GE HW in Cincinnati, Ohio. He later advanced to Regional Sales Director, overseeing aftermarket channel sales across the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and CIS.

Before GE, Mohamed was Regional Lead for Business Development & Airline Marketing at Bombardier Commercial Aircraft in the Middle East and Africa. He began his aviation career at Gulf Air, where he held diverse commercial roles in Network Planning, Fleet Acquisition & Asset Management, Revenue & Network Analysis, and Sales & Distribution.

Mohamed holds a Postgraduate Degree in Air Transport Management from City, University of London (St. George’s) United Kingdom, a Master’s in Finance from DePaul University Chicago, Illinois and a Bachelor’s in Information Technology from the American InterContinental University Schaumburg, Illinois.

Abdul Hafis is a distinguished Maritime Legal Expert with nearly three decades of experience in Claims, Insurance, and Maritime Law. Enrolled with the Bar Council of India, he began his legal career in 1993 and transitioned to the corporate maritime sector in 1996, joining the RHS Group, Dubai, in its Insurance, Legal & Claims Department. During his tenure with RHS, he acted for and on behalf of several leading international shipping lines, including CMA-CGM, HMM, COSCO Container Lines, PNSC, Gearbulk, MISC, ARC Lines, and Baylines, as well as a number of major freight forwarding principals. His work encompassed complex claims handling, insurance recoveries, and charter party matters across diverse trade lanes, laying the foundation for his specialization in maritime legal frameworks.

He later served as Head of Claims, Insurance & Legal for the agency divisions of United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) for nine years, where he managed a wide range of maritime disputes and insurance portfolios. He is currently the Director of Freight Disputes and Legal Solutions Legal Consultants (FDLS), a specialist maritime law firm based in Dubai, UAE, offering comprehensive advisory and litigation support to shipping lines, operators, and freight forwarders across the region.

Abdul holds a Bachelor of Arts (Law) and LL.B. (Hons.), a Master’s degree (M.A.) in Politics and International Relations, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing Management (PGDMM) from IGNOU. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (FICS) and a Lead Assessor for Quality Audits (LRQA). He has also undertaken numerous certifications in shipping, insurance, and quality management. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Law, focusing on maritime legal frameworks and international trade compliance.

Abdul is a regular trainer and lecturer for the Dubai Shipping Agents Association (DSAA) and the National Association of Freight and Logistics (NAFL), conducting sessions on Claims, Bills of Lading, Marine Insurance, Letters of Credit, and UAE Maritime Law. He is also a registered tutor with the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), where he lectures on Legal Principles in Shipping, emphasizing carriers’ liability, contracts, torts, and agency law. Additionally, he serves as a visiting professor at the S P Jain School of Global Management, teaching International Conventions to MBA students specializing in Supply Chain and Logistics. Abdul serves as the retainer legal counsel for the National Association of Freight and Logistics (NAFL) — the UAE Chapter of FIATA (UK) — and several prominent freight forwarding companies.

Beyond his professional achievements, he is an avid reader with a deep interest in current affairs, sports, and developments in the maritime industry. A passionate traveler who enjoys exploring different cultures and traditions, Abdul is also active in community service and charitable initiatives in both the UAE and his home country.