Khaled Shaheen

Senior Aviation Security Auditor

flydubai


Khaled Shaheen is considered among the prominent Bahraini youth figures in the aviation sector, driven by a deep passion for the industry and a commitment to continuously elevating its standards.

His dedication to advancing the field has enabled him to gain diverse and practical experience in implementing positive change, where he has played a key role in establishing and enhancing multiple disciplines across the aviation sector.

Khaled believes in investing in youth and guiding emerging talents to achieve greater success within the aviation industry.

He advocates for working with passion and believes that empowering and mentoring youth is essential to preparing the next generation of aviation leaders.

Through his efforts, he aims to develop the next generation of aviation professionals capable of representing the Kingdom of Bahrain to the highest international standards.

Today, he continues his journey by evaluating and enhancing aviation security measures across more than 130 airports worldwide, demonstrating the global confidence in Bahraini talents who continue to achieve excellence across multiple disciplines and raise the Kingdom of Bahrain’s name internationally.

Educational Qualifications:

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Aviation Management from Coventry University – United Kingdom
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Aviation Management from Emirates Aviation University – United Arab Emirates
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication & Multimedia from University College of Bahrain – Kingdom of Bahrain

Professional Certificates:

  • Aviation Security Professional Manager (AVSEC PM) Designation from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) – Canada
  • Aviation Security National Inspector Designation from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) – Canada
  • Aviation Security Professional Management Course (AVSEC PMC) from Concordia University – Canada
  • Business Continuity Certified Planner (BCCP) from the Business Continuity Management Institute – Singapore
  • Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) Course from the American Society for Quality (ASQ) – United States of America
  • Leadership & Management Diploma from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) – Canada
  • Airport Operations Diploma from Airports Council International (ACI) – Canada
  • Certified Lead Auditor in ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems from TÜV NORD Middle East – United Arab Emirates

Professional Experience:

  • Senior Aviation Security Auditor – flydubai

Responsible for aviation security oversight across flydubai’s global network, covering more than 130 airports worldwide. He has continuously contributed to strengthening aviation security measures by providing strategic recommendations, sharing best practices, and supporting airport stakeholders where necessary.

Khaled developed an advanced methodology for conducting aviation security quality control activities, exceeding international standards and industry best practices. This transformation enhanced the airline’s capability to maintain effective aviation security oversight, strengthen regulatory compliance, and elevate operational standards.

  • Readiness, Performance & Quality Senior Analyst – Bahrain Airport Company

Played a key role in establishing the Readiness, Performance & Quality (RPQ) department within the Airport Operations Division, the first function of its kind within the organization. The department aligned operational activities with strategic objectives and introduced an effective performance management framework.

The RPQ function was responsible for consolidating and analyzing operational data to support Data-Driven Decision Making (DDDM) at the executive level. It also contributed to developing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) linked to airport operational standards, ensuring a seamless passenger experience.

The department’s scope extended beyond performance management to include change management initiatives aimed at minimizing operational disruptions resulting from new projects. The Operational Readiness concept was also formalized through a structured framework, establishing the organization’s first dedicated Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) function.

Extensive benchmarking studies were conducted against leading international airports to identify and implement global best practices.

One of the department’s major achievements was the development of an innovative passenger forecasting model from the ground up, achieving an accuracy rate of 99.65%. This solution significantly improved airport resource planning, operational readiness, and overall performance, further strengthening Bahrain International Airport’s reputation as a world-class aviation facility.

  • Airside Operations Officer – Bahrain Airport Company

Responsible for enhancing Airside Operations standards at Bahrain International Airport, including developing semi-automated reporting systems, designing tailored performance tracking tools, measuring departmental outputs, and supporting operational readiness activities following the airport expansion.

The role also included daily operational duties such as hand marshalling, runway inspections, airside safety oversight, and ensuring compliance with operational procedures.

  • Business Continuity Officer – Bahrain Airport Company

Responsible for overseeing business continuity across Bahrain International Airport. Conducted the organization’s first airport-wide Business Impact Analysis (BIA), identifying critical single points of failure and establishing the foundation of the airport’s Business Continuity Management System (BCMS).

Khaled also coordinated directly with the National Audit Office to strengthen organizational resilience and elevate Bahrain’s preparedness standards following the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Operational Readiness & Airport Transfer (ORAT) Administrator – Bahrain Airport Company

A key member of Bahrain’s National Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) Team, where he led the Operational Readiness workstream for the new passenger terminal building.

The ORAT program was the first of its kind to be successfully implemented without public trials due to the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these circumstances, the program achieved a seamless transition from the old terminal to the new passenger terminal building without operational shortfalls.

Khaled was also appointed as the ORAT in Charge (OIC), responsible for leading the opening operations of the new terminal and ensuring all airport functions operated as intended. The transition was successfully executed through an immediate cutover strategy, allowing operations to resume smoothly in the new terminal during peak operating hours.

This achievement represents a significant milestone for Bahraini aviation and demonstrates the capability of national talents to manage complex projects and overcome exceptional challenges. It also reflects the Kingdom of Bahrain’s vision of empowering its youth and preparing future leaders capable of delivering to the highest international standards.

Initiatives:

  • "Lamea" National Program

Khaled is an alumnus of the “Lamea” National Program launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain to identify and develop promising young leaders. The program selects the top 1% of Bahraini youth and supports their leadership development, reflecting Bahrain’s commitment to investing in its national talents.

  • Conglomerate Magazine

In recognition of his contributions to the aviation sector, the American Conglomerate Magazine featured Khaled Shaheen’s professional journey and his role within the Bahraini team responsible for delivering the Operational Readiness of Bahrain International Airport’s new passenger terminal during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The feature highlighted the capability of Bahraini youth to successfully manage complex national projects and overcome significant challenges, reflecting the Kingdom of Bahrain’s continued commitment to developing and empowering future leaders.

Appreciation Awards:

• 2025: flydubai “AimHigh Star” Award, recognizing outstanding contributions to Aviation Security and awarded to the top 0.4% of performers across the organization.

Articles:

• Conglomerate Magazine Digital Issue 2025

• ORAT Cover Story 2025