Sean Mendis is an experienced aviation professional with a track record of successfully launching, managing, and restructuring airlines and aviation facilities. With over 20 years of industry experience, Sean has completed three start-up airline projects in Africa and developed a deep understanding of the complexities involved in managing airlines in challenging environments.Sean's career highlights include serving in a management role at Ghana International Airlines from 2005 to 2010, where he was part of the launch management team. He later co-wrote and fund-raised a $50 million business plan for Africa World Airlines in partnership with Hainan Airlines of China. In his role as Chief Operations Officer, he led the certification team and oversaw the safe launch of flight operations in 2012.Sean later joined SKA International Group where he operated in several countries, including Somalia where he managed Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport under contract from the Somali Federal Government. In the UAE, he successfully launched a new station for SKA's aviation business, including a state-of-the-art jet fuel facility, and licensing by the UAE GCAA to take over cargo handling operations at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. Subsequently he was Accountable Manager with Uganda CAA for SKA's new Air Operator Certificate based in Entebbe.In 2018, Sean returned to Ghana as Chief Operations Officer of Africa World Airlines, where he guided the airline through its next stage of growth. He oversaw a 30% year-on-year growth in fleet size and ASKs, resulting in annual passenger numbers exceeding 600,000 for the first time and annual revenue surpassing $50 million while maintaining profitability. He also implemented a strategic plan to expand passenger traffic through "last mile delivery" interline and code-share agreements with major airline partners such as SAA, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, Brussels Airlines, Qatar Airways, and others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he organised and executed charter flights for repatriation and essential workers while international borders were closed, and was instrumental in developing a set of industry-leading protocols that allowed Ghana to be the first African nation to resume domestic flights with enhanced safety processes.Sean is currently based in Malawi, where he offers executive-level consulting and intelligence to aviation stakeholders. He serves on the advisory board of AviaDev Africa and Aviators Africa, and can be found in international TV and print media as a regular contributor on aviation issues.