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Hamassala Dicko

SkyLights CEO & co-founder

Professional Background

Hamassala David Dicko is a dedicated and passionate professional with a rich background in the airline industry, spanning over 11 years as an esteemed airline pilot. His remarkable journey began in the cockpit, where he expertly flew both medium and long-haul aircraft. An individual with a keen propensity for fast learning and embracing challenges, Hamassala leveraged his piloting experience to explore various related positions that contributed significantly to his career development.

His journey in the airline sector saw him transition from flight operations to much more diversified roles including marketing, innovation, and strategy, ultimately culminating in his tenure as the Corporate Strategy & Innovation Director for the Air France KLM Group. This leadership position allowed him to influence strategic decisions and drive innovation within one of the largest airline groups in the world.

In pursuit of new adventures, Hamassala made a bold move into entrepreneurship, where he founded SkyLights, a company that utilizes cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) technology to reimagine in-flight entertainment. By offering VR headsets that allow passengers to watch movies in an immersive theatre-like experience, even while flying at high altitudes, Hamassala is innovating how passengers engage with in-flight content. This venture not only highlights his courage to step out of his comfort zone but also reflects his intrinsic belief in the power of technology to enhance human experiences.

Education and Achievements

Hamassala David Dicko's academic qualifications are as impressive as his professional accomplishments. He has undertaken an elaborate educational journey, beginning with a Post-Graduate Maths & Physics program at the Centre International de Valbonne, which laid a strong foundational understanding of analytical and problem-solving skills.

Further honing his business acumen, Hamassala pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) through an exchange program at the prestigious Indian Institute of Management in Bangalore, coupled with a complementary MBA at HEC School of Management / HEC Paris. His educational achievements continued when he completed an Executive MBA with a major in Aviation & Aerospace also at HEC Paris, displaying his commitment to continuous learning and specialization in his field.

He also holds an Airline Pilot Diploma through the EPL/S integrated ATPL course at the Ecole nationale de l'Aviation civile, which is regarded as a significant milestone for any professional aiming for a successful aviation career. His advanced studies were further complemented with coursework at the CFA Institute, reflecting his commitment to understanding finance and investment concepts.

Notable Positions and Involvement

Hamassala's expansive career at Air France KLM was distinguished by his multifaceted contributions. As the Corporate Strategy & Innovation Director, he played a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the airline, focusing on ensuring that the organization remained competitive and innovative in a fast-evolving aviation landscape. Previous roles such as consultant for IT B2B commercial processes and CRM marketing project lead showcased his resourcefulness in blending technical expertise with business insight.

Additionally, Hamassala also had a crucial role in the Air France's Flight Operations, where he provided invaluable support as both a consulting pilot and in initiating safety enhancement programs. As a Synthetic Flight Instructor, he was instrumental in training future pilots, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience with newcomers to the industry, thus fostering a new generation of aviation professionals.

Through all these positions, his contributions laid the groundwork for many successful innovations and enhanced operational efficiencies that benefited the Air France KLM Group significantly.

Current Endeavors

Now at the helm of SkyLights, he is not just leading a startup; he is part of a movement towards transforming the travel experience for millions of passengers worldwide. By providing a unique entertainment solution that allows travelers to enjoy their in-flight experience like never before, he demonstrates how innovation can be both impactful and enjoyable. Hamassala is on a mission to redefine in-flight entertainment and show passengers that flying can be as exhilarating on the screen as it is in the skies.

Conclusion

Hamassala David Dicko embodies the spirit of innovation and excellence in the airline and technology sectors. His blend of piloting expertise, strategic insight, and entrepreneurial spirit contribute to significant advancements in passenger experience and operational efficiency. With a strong educational foundation and an impressive portfolio of professional achievements, Hamassala continues to inspire with his vision for the future of aviation and in-flight entertainment, making air travel not only a means of transportation but also a delightful experience.

tags:[

airline industry

airline pilot experience

corporate strategy

innovation director

VR technology

business development

entrepreneurship

HEC Paris alumni

Air France KLM Group

training and development

aviation management

executive education

cross-functional innovation

project management

flight operations

long-haul flying

in-flight entertainment

Hamassala Dicko
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Location

Paris Area, France