Airport Business Magazine Names 40 Under 40 Winners for 2020

Every fall, Airport Business magazine recognizes the aviation industry’s top talent and leaders in their 40 Under 40 showcase. These individuals are recognized for their current contributions to aviation and their vision for the future of the industry. Winners were nominated and chosen based on their track record of innovation, outstanding attributes, and industry commitment and involvement.

This year, Daifuku Airport Technologies is proud to announce that Elyas Ahmadzai has received this prestigious 40 Under 40 award.

Elyas began his career with Daifuku Airport Technologies in September 2011 as a Controls Engineer, after working in the automotive industry for almost 5 years. His automotive background provided extensive knowledge of the design of programmable logic controllers and robotics, which has been integral in his career with Daifuku. Since joining the team, Elyas has been promoted twice, first to Controls Project Engineer, and then to his current position as Controls System Supervisor.  He co-manages the Controls Department, comprised of approximately 45 engineers, with a management philosophy built on empowering and trusting his employees.

In the past five years alone, Elyas has contributed to projects valued at a combined total of over $207 million USD. Elyas led the design, installation, and commissioning of baggage handling systems at some of the busiest airports in North America, including Dulles (IAD), Boston (BOS), Philadelphia (PHL), Orlando (MCO), Toronto (YYZ), Minneapolis (MSP), and Seattle (SEA).  Furthermore, Elyas managed the design, installation, and commissioning of one of the very first Mobile Inspection Table (MIT) installations at Orlando International Airport in 2018.

Currently, Elyas is leading the electrical and controls design of the Daifuku North America Innovation and Training Center at our headquarters in Novi, Michigan. The Center will contain the first Daifuku Baggage Tray System in the United States.

We are proud to have Elyas as part of the Daifuku Airport Technologies team, and we sincerely congratulate him on receiving this award. Additionally, we extend congratulations to each of the 2020 winners. We truly value your contribution to the industry.