Meet The Team

Aviation has been a passion of mine since childhood, and I’ve been fortunate to turn that passion into a career in the business aviation sector. Alongside my love for aviation, I’ve always been driven by a desire to make a positive difference in the world. Aviation Without Borders (AWB) provides the perfect platform to combine both of these interests, allowing me to use aviation as a force for good. As the current Chair of AWB UK, I am committed to leading our efforts in delivering humanitarian aid and support to those who need it most, while inspiring others to join this meaningful cause.

I am a former offshore oil and gas engineer, now following a career in aviation. My career change led me to becoming a volunteer for AWB in 2016 and soon after a trustee. AWB has opened up another dimension to my passion for aviation that I never thought possible and being a part of this fantastic team has been enjoyable and rewarding! Once qualified, one of my goals will be to pilot a shipment of aid to one of the charities working in remote regions of Central Africa supported by ASF International

A lifelong aviation enthusiast, I began my journey building and flying radio-controlled planes as a child. During medical school I joined Pilots Club and experienced the thrill of flying real aircraft. Fortunately I received scholarship funding which helped me gain my private pilots license at the same time I graduated as a doctor. My interest in humanitarian work began with joining Friends of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) during medical school; it was deeply meaningful learning about the efforts of the charity and finding creative ways to contribute. Aviation Without Borders perfectly combines my humanitarian interest with my medical and aviation background. I am excited to collaborate with such a dedicated team of volunteers for this wonderful cause.

I had my first flying lesson at the age of 12 and have loved it ever since. I’m currently a Boeing 787 First Officer and have been fortunate enough to become involved with AWB. It’s a real privilege for me to be able to contribute to this incredible cause.

Sara Hawi comes from Lebanon and has been living in the UK for the past six years. Trained as a Doctor of Manufacturing, she loves diving into the world of materials, manufacturing, and business strategy. Sara can speak English, Arabic, and French, which helps her connect with people from different places. Outside of work, Sara enjoys creating online puzzle games and has fond memories of her time with the Lebanese Scouts. She’s excited to join the Aviation Without Borders team and is ready to help out wherever she can.

Haroun brings a unique combination of technical expertise and humanitarian passion to Aviation Without Borders. Specialising in aircraft landing gear operational safety and computer vision, his research background in predictive maintenance algorithms and aircraft safety systems aligns with AWB’s mission of leveraging aviation expertise for humanitarian purposes. Rooted in service, his volunteering work included teaching at Al Thiqah Club and delivering Hand in Hand Projects in collaboration with the Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation (SSEF). Grateful to serve alongside AWB volunteers, Haroun is eager to collaborate; contributing to air cargo operations and safety initiatives while learning from teammates dedicated to making aviation a tool for positive change. He brings a practical, team-first approach to aviation-led humanitarian support and youth engagement.

With a lifelong passion for aviation, I went on to achieve my PPL(A). My interests are in aviation, logistics and international development. Drawing on my experience in the charity and aviation sectors, I really look forward to volunteering alongside the AWB UK team.