The Visionary behind Airbus’s Regional Success: Mikail Houari

Mikail Houari, Airbus president for Middle East and Africa (MEA), heads one of the most strategic areas for the aviation industry. In terms of revenue contributions and a share of future orders, the MEA region is a critical component in the success of the company globally. Under the leadership of Houari, Airbus not only resumed aircraft deliveries post-pandemic but also expanded its impact through humanitarian missions and innovative aerospace solutions, cementing its reputation as a leader in aviation and social responsibility.

Mikail Houari has led Airbus to remarkable heights since he took the reins as President of Airbus for the Middle East and Africa. In 2019, the MEA region contributed more than $8.4 billion to Airbus’s revenues, accounting for 9% of its future order book. This achievement underlines the strategic importance of the region to the company. Despite global disruptions in the aviation industry, Houari has ensured that Airbus remains a key player in the region by focusing on timely aircraft deliveries, customer satisfaction, and innovation.

Recently, Airbus delivered two A330 Neo aircraft to Kuwait Airways and an A320 to Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines. These milestones not only signify the company’s operational resilience but also highlight Houari’s commitment to meeting the region’s aviation needs, even during challenging times.

Mikail Houari’s leadership extends beyond business operations to embody Airbus’s ethos of corporate social responsibility. Following the devastating Beirut Port explosion in 2020, Airbus played a crucial role in supporting recovery efforts. The company utilized its satellite technology to provide imagery that would help government analysts, NGOs, and first responders assess damage and plan relief operations. Houari led the Airbus Foundation in coordinating a humanitarian mission that delivered 90 cubic meters of aid to Beirut aboard an A350 XWB aircraft. This initiative reflected Airbus’s dedication to applying its resources to the greater good by placing it in a strong position to serve its communities.

The COVID-19 pandemic turned the global aviation industry into a mess, but Houari successfully navigated Airbus during this turbulent period with strategic acumen. He ensured the resumption of aircraft deliveries in the MEA region for airlines to maintain and expand their fleets in response to ever-changing market demands. Examples include timely delivery of modern aircraft like the A330 Neo, which boasts improved fuel efficiency and passenger comfort—considered prime features in the intensely competitive aviation landscape.

Under Houari’s leadership, Airbus has remained at the forefront of aerospace innovation and sustainability. The company continues to invest in cutting-edge technologies that address environmental concerns while enhancing operational efficiency. Airbus’s focus on sustainability aligns with the global push for greener aviation practices, making it a preferred partner for airlines in the MEA region and beyond.

One of the core strategies of Houari is building strong partnerships with regional stakeholders, including governments, airlines, and industry organizations. Through these partnerships, Airbus is able to adapt its offers to local needs, whether passenger aircraft, defence, or space solutions. In doing so, Houari aligns Airbus’s objectives with the goals of regional development to ensure that the company stays relevant and impactful across diverse markets.