Aircraft Finance Germany Appoints Gemade As Executive VP, COO

Aircraft Finance Germany (AFG) has announced the appointment of Shiekuma Gemade, as the new Executive Vice President (VP) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the organization.The appointment of Shiekuma Gemade, a seasoned aviation executive with over two decades of global experience across aircraft leasing, and airline operations underscores the commitment of the organization to innovation and excellence.

Welcoming him to the company, the management of AFG, described Gemade as “a visionary leader whose wealth of experience, innovation-driven mindset, and global exposure will strengthen AFG’s operational excellence and growth trajectory. ”Shiekuma, son to the former National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Senator Barnabas Gemade, has an impressive track record that positions him as a transformative addition to AFG’s leadership teamThe younger Gemade, is a seasoned aviation executive with over two decades of global experience across aircraft leasing, airline operations, and MRO leadership.His leadership in structuring and executing over $12 billion in aircraft acquisitions and leasing deals has earned him widespread industry respect.Before joining Aircraft Finance Germany, Gemade served as the inaugural Head of the Fleet at Riyadh Air – Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, which was announced by the Crown Prince on March 12, 2023.At Riyadh Air, he spearheaded aircraft acquisitions, fleet planning, and development of one of the aviation industry’s most ambitious new fleet programs. His strategic insight played a key role in shaping the airline’s long-term aircraft roadmap.Previously, Shiekuma had held senior roles at Atlas Air Worldwide and Titan Aviation Leasing, where he managed a multi-billion-dollar lease portfolio of Boeing widebody freighters and oversaw complex aircraft transactions across the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Africa.Earlier in his career, the appointee, had cut his professional teeth at Delta Air Lines, advancing from engineering roles within Delta Technical Operations to operational leadership, and optimizing performance for the airline’s 450-aircraft DC fleet.Shiekuma Gemade began his early education in Gboko, Benue state, and attended post-primary school in Jos, Plateau State, before pursuing higher studies abroad.He holds both a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and a Master of Science in Aviation Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida—the world’s top aviation university. He is also an FAA-licensed Private Pilot.With this appointment, AFG looks set to soar even higher—anchored by an exceptional aviation leader whose career reflects the power of Nigerian brilliance on the global aviation stage.