AviaDev, the premier African aviation development conference, proudly announces João Pó Jorge, former Director General of LAM Mozambique and the current Chair of AFRAA (African Airlines Association) and Chair of AASA (Airlines Association of Southern Africa) as the recipient of the Ato Girma Wake Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to the aviation industry. Each year, the award winner is nominated by and voted for by the esteemed members of the AviaDev Advisory Board. The award will be presented during AviaDev 2024 in Windhoek, Namibia, alongside a one-on-one interview with Ato Girma Wake and 2023’s recipient Rodger Foster, CEO and Managing Director of Airlink.
João Pó Jorge’s career spanning decades in the aviation sector has been marked by his formidable leadership and dedication. As the former Director General of LAM Mozambique, he spearheaded transformative initiatives, shaping the trajectory of the airline and elevating its status on both regional and international fronts.
Under his leadership, LAM Mozambique achieved remarkable milestones, including expansion of its route network, modernization of its fleet, and enhancement of operational efficiency. João’s strategic foresight and commitment to excellence have not only propelled the growth of LAM Mozambique but have also significantly contributed to the advancement of the aviation industry in Mozambique and beyond.
Recognizing his achievements and impact, Jon Howell, CEO and Founder, AviaDev said, “We are delighted to present João with the Ato Girma Wake Lifetime Achievement Award, which is a testament to his remarkable legacy and influence in the aviation community. His leadership, integrity, and relentless pursuit of excellence have set a benchmark for aspiring professionals and industry leaders alike.”
Upon receiving the award, João expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this prestigious accolade from AviaDev. I would like to acknowledge the collective efforts of the dedicated teams I have had the privilege to work with throughout my career. I am immensely grateful for their support and commitment. This award reaffirms my vision of advancing the aviation industry and underscores the importance of collaboration and innovation in achieving sustainable growth and success.”
Ato Girma Wake commented, “João Pó Jorge’s dedication to advancing the aviation sector in Mozambique and beyond has been truly commendable, and this Lifetime Achievement Award is a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding achievements.”
AviaDev continues to serve as a platform for fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and celebrating excellence in the aviation sector. The Lifetime Achievement Award acknowledges individuals whose remarkable achievements have made a lasting impact on the industry, inspiring future generations of aviation leaders and innovators.