Ata Airlines names Hesam Ghorbanali as new chief executive

Iranian carrier Ata Airlines has named Hesam Ghorbanali as its new chief executive officer. Word of the appointment came via a congratulatory letter from Taher Abdolhai, chairman and managing director of state-owned Iran Air.

Ghorbanali previously worked at Iran Air, where he served both as a pilot and in management roles. According to the announcement, his background combines operational flying experience with administrative responsibility.

In his letter, Abdolhai said he hoped cooperation between Iran Air and Ata Airlines would continue under the new leadership. He did not elaborate on what form that cooperation might take.

Several details remain unknown. No information was given about the circumstances of the appointment or when Ghorbanali is expected to take up the role. It is also unclear who held the position before him, or why the change happened now.

Ata Airlines is one of several domestic carriers operating in Iran's aviation sector, alongside the larger flag carrier Iran Air. The tone of the congratulatory message suggests the two companies maintain some kind of working relationship, though the announcement did not specify what that collaboration involves.