The Author

Hassan Eltaher was the former Chief of Civil Aviation Intelligence, then Chief of Maritime Security Strategic Planning with the Canadian Department of Transport. For several years prior to that, he held several lead positions in security with the Government of Canada, including as Senior Analyst, Threat and Risk Assessments.

His professional career has covered various operational and management functions related to both passengers and cargo with airlines and multi-modal freight forwarders in several countries in North America, the Middle East and North Africa. Mr. Eltaher designed and taught training programs in Airline and Airport Management and Operations at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida, USA, then at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta. Following several years in various Marketing and Operations management positions with Pacific Western Airlines in Calgary, Alberta, he was seconded to the International Aviation Management Training Institute (IAMTI) in Montréal, Québec as Director of Airline Management Training Programs. At the end of his secondment he joined the Canadian federal government.

He also maintained a part time activity as adjunct lecturer in Middle Eastern and North African Affairs with Carleton University, the University of Ottawa and the University of Calgary. After taking early retirement from the public service in 2006, he set up a consulting practice in the areas of Aviation and Maritime Security Intelligence Management. He follows both industries through frequent travel aboard ships and airlines.

Mr. Eltaher was educated in French schools in Cairo. He earned an M.B.A. in Aviation Management (With Distinction) from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the USA, and a B.A. in Political Studies and International Relations from the American University of Beirut.