Maher Almasri, the dynamic Chief Executive Officer of APOGEE, brings a lifetime of experience and passion to the aviation industry. With a deep-rooted affinity for airports and aircraft, Maher’s journey in aviation spans over nine transformative years before founding APOGEE. His leadership is defined by continuous growth, an unwavering commitment to innovation, and an exceptional ability to adapt in a rapidly evolving sector.
Maher’s approach to leadership in aviation is multifaceted. He emphasizes the importance of ongoing learning, staying abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and regulatory changes that shape the industry. His dedication to professional development is evident through his active participation in industry conferences, training programs, and the pursuit of mentorship opportunities. These efforts not only enhance his own expertise but also position APOGEE at the cutting edge of aviation advancements.
Recognizing the value of collaboration, Maher prioritizes building robust relationships with industry leaders both within and outside the aviation sector. These connections provide invaluable insights and foster opportunities for innovative partnerships, driving APOGEE’s growth and success. Maher’s openness to change and embrace of innovation underscore his leadership philosophy. By fostering a culture of innovation within APOGEE, he ensures the organization remains agile and responsive to industry shifts.
While Maher’s technical acumen is impressive, it is his strong emotional intelligence that sets him apart as a leader. His ability to effectively manage teams, resolve conflicts, and inspire others creates a positive and productive work environment. This holistic approach to leadership not only drives APOGEE’s operational success but also cultivates a motivated and cohesive team.
Under Maher Almasri’s visionary leadership, APOGEE continues to soar to new heights. His strategic focus, combined with a deep understanding of the aviation industry and a relentless pursuit of excellence, positions APOGEE as a leader in the sector. As the aviation landscape evolves, Maher’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning ensures that APOGEE remains at the forefront, delivering exceptional value and service to its clients and stakeholders.
Operational Achievements and Statistics
Since launching Apogee in 2008, Maher shares that the team has been dedicated to continuous improvement. The team takes immense pride in the strong reputation Apogee has built in the aviation market over the years, attracting trustworthy partners and loyal customers worldwide.
For the past 16 years, Apogee Aviation Services has been the largest operational control center within the CIS region and one of the leading global first-class trip support companies. Over the years, Apogee has expanded its capabilities to offer services across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, now successfully covering the entire world. The company supports a wide range of flights, including Private, VVIP, Military, Air Ambulance, Cargo, and Passenger flights.
Apogee monitors and manages its international activities from its headquarters in Dubai, with additional branches in strategic locations such as Albania and India. This global reach ensures that Apogee can support clients wherever their needs arise. The company relies on its own ground supervisors and maintains direct contracts with Airport Authorities, offering favorable payment terms at most locations. By listening carefully and consistently adding extra value, Apogee meets and exceeds client expectations.
To date, Apogee has successfully served more than 182,000 flights in 147 countries, reflecting its extensive experience and global operational reach.
Philosophy of Steady Growth
Maher believes that growing step by step is a guarantee for success. Apogee is expanding slowly but steadily, always seeking out regions where its services are most needed. When envisioning the future of the company and planning for global expansion, several key considerations come into play. Conducting thorough market research is crucial for identifying potential opportunities and assessing the demand for Apogee’s services in various regions. This research involves understanding the cultural, economic, and regulatory factors that could impact expansion efforts.
Developing tailored marketing strategies to effectively reach and engage target audiences in different regions is also essential. This may involve a mix of online and offline marketing tactics, including digital advertising, social media campaigns, and traditional media channels. Each strategy should be customized to resonate with the unique preferences and behaviors of the local audience.
Initiatives in Critical Areas
Improving society, the aviation industry, and people’s lives is a complex task. Maher believes that focusing on three main areas can make a significant difference. First, sustainability in aviation is crucial. The environmental impact of air travel is a major challenge. To address this, investing in research and development of sustainable aviation fuels is essential. Promoting the use of more fuel-efficient aircraft and operational practices can also help. Additionally, implementing carbon offset programs can reduce the aviation industry’s carbon footprint and mitigate its impact on climate change.
Second, access to education and opportunities is vital for personal and societal growth. There are disparities in education access, especially in underserved communities. Addressing these disparities and promoting lifelong learning initiatives can empower individuals. This, in turn, enables them to reach their full potential and contribute positively to society.
Third, healthcare accessibility and equity are fundamental human rights. Improving healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to essential medical services are necessary steps. It is also important to address disparities in healthcare access and outcomes based on factors like socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or geographic location. These measures can improve overall health and well-being, and reduce inequalities in society.
Responsibilities and Fulfilling Moments
As CEO of a company, Maher’s responsibilities typically include several key areas:
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Setting Vision and Strategy: He defines the company’s long-term vision and strategic direction, ensuring it is effectively communicated to all stakeholders.
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Leadership and Decision-Making: Maher provides strong leadership, making critical decisions that align with the company’s goals and values.
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Team Building and Talent Management: He focuses on building a high-performing team, fostering a positive company culture, and empowering employees to excel in their roles.
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Financial Management: Maher oversees financial performance, budgeting, and resource allocation to ensure sustainable growth and profitability.
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Stakeholder Management: He builds and maintains relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, customers, partners, and regulatory bodies.
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Risk Management and Compliance: Maher identifies and mitigates risks, ensures compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and maintains ethical standards.
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Innovation and Growth: He promotes innovation and drives initiatives to fuel business growth and stay ahead of competitors.
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Communication and Transparency: Maher maintains open and transparent communication with all stakeholders, including employees, shareholders, and the public.
The happiest part of Maher’s daily routine would likely be the moments when he sees the tangible impact of the company’s efforts. Whether it’s achieving a significant milestone, witnessing team members thrive and grow, or receiving positive feedback from satisfied customers, knowing that the company is making a difference and contributing to the success and happiness of others brings him great joy as CEO.
Prioritizing Learning and Contribution
For Maher, when hiring new team members, several important traits should be considered to ensure a good fit for both the role and the organization. One of the most important traits is the ability to learn from new team members, rather than just instructing them on what to do. This approach ensures that individuals not only possess the right skills and experience but also contribute positively to the organization’s success and culture.
By prioritizing this trait, Maher ensures the company brings in people who can provide fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and valuable insights. This creates a dynamic and collaborative environment where learning is mutual, fostering growth for both the individuals and the organization. This focus on continuous learning and contribution is key to maintaining a thriving and successful company culture.
Embracing Entrepreneurship
One of Maher’s greatest risks as a professional was deciding to start a new business. This significant professional risk involved investing time, money, and resources into an uncertain outcome. As a founder and entrepreneur, he faced various risks, including financial risk, market risk, and personal sacrifice, all in pursuit of his vision and goals.
Success was not guaranteed, and failure was a possibility, but the potential rewards made the risk worthwhile. These rewards included financial independence, creative fulfillment, and the opportunity to make a positive impact. For Maher, the challenge and potential achievements associated with starting a new venture highlighted his commitment to his professional growth and vision.
Global Expansion and Sustainability Goals
Maher envisions a future for Apogee marked by global expansion, increased market share, and a strong emphasis on sustainability and corporate social responsibility. The company is already implementing environmentally friendly practices and supporting initiatives that contribute positively to society.
Predicting the future with certainty is challenging, but Maher and his team are strategically planning for these goals. They understand that achieving these outcomes will demand proactive planning, precise execution, and flexibility in response to evolving market conditions and external factors.
While uncertainties remain, Maher believes that by remaining steadfast in their vision, values, and goals, Apogee can position itself for success and sustained growth in the years ahead. This commitment ensures that the company not only thrives economically but also makes a meaningful impact on environmental and social fronts, aligning with its broader mission and responsibilities.
