When it comes to aviation Shiekuma Gemade (’04, ’11) has done a bit of everything — and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I’ve done any job in aviation… even happy taking seven dollars-an-hour work as long as I’m around airplanes,” he says.
“The foundation you get from Embry-Riddle is really more than just a foundation. It includes all the extras that I’d say make the difference in aviation.”
Shiekuma Gemade (’04, ’11)
As Riyadh Air’s head of fleet (Planning, Acquisitions and Aircraft Programs), Gemade has ascended to the upper echelons of the aviation industry. But before reaching these heights he performed almost every airplane-adjacent job imaginable, from washing planes to loading baggage before advancing into maintenance and operations roles at Atlas Air and Delta Air Lines.
He credits much of his career mobility to his education at Embry-Riddle where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and a Master of Science in Aviation/Airways Management and Operations.
“The foundation you get from Embry-Riddle is really more than just a foundation,” he says. “It includes all the extras that I’d say make the difference in aviation.”
From Aspiring Astronaut to Aviation Leader
The son of an engineer, Gemade grew up dreaming of becoming an astronaut. As a high school student in Pennsylvania a chance encounter with a friend on the soccer field introduced him to “the best aviation school in the world,” leading him to Embry-Riddle. Although he initially joined the soccer team as a walk-on, conflicts between practice and lab schedules eventually led him to focus on his studies.
Today, in his leadership role with Riyadh Air, Gemade is based in the Saudi Arabian capital — a city he has grown to love nearly as much as his job. He believes his education prepared him exceptionally well for the once in-a-lifetime challenge of helping to launch an airline that is poised to become a major player in the global aviation industry. With ambitious plans to serve 100 destinations worldwide, Riyadh Air aims to connect cultures and foster economic partnerships across the globe, positioning Riyadh as a central hub in international travel.
Three Teams, One Mission
Gemade leads three teams that will be crucial to the successful launch of Riyadh Air in 2025. The first team, Aircraft Evaluation and Selection, conducts both quantitative and qualitative analyses to recommend the best equipment for their network. The second, Aircraft Configuration, focuses on every detail from interior design to seating arrangements, ensuring an optimal customer experience. The third team, known as the Service Ready Department, is co-chaired by Gemade and ensures that all aspects of the fleet’s aircraft parts and certification are ready for operational launch.
Safety Sustainability and Customer Experience
Gemade’s commitment to safety and sustainability is unwavering. “Whatever we get out of our suppliers will always always be the highest quality because we put safety number one in everything that we do,” he asserts.
Starting a new airline from the ground up has provided Gemade with a unique opportunity to prioritize sustainable practices in every decision. “When selecting the aircraft, we had sustainability as the most critical decision priority factor,” he explains. This led to the selection of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner series, noted for its fuel efficiency and reduced environmental footprint.
After an analysis of narrow-body options, Riyadh Air has ordered 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft. As a growing airline we aim to touch every part of the globe which will require equipment of all sizes and models.”
Leadership Philosophy: “We All Roll as a Unit”
Gemade’s leadership style has evolved naturally from his love of learning and teaching. He keeps his team members close and highly visible, recognizing their shared passion for the airline’s launch. “When we present to our CFO, my team knows I expect them to join me up front. It’s not just about backing me up,” he says. “It’s a testament to our shared commitment and unified vision for the company’s future.”
As the end of 2025 approaches, Gemade eagerly anticipates sharing a major milestone with his team — the inaugural flight of Riyadh Air. “I plan to be on that inaugural flight, and I hope to bring my entire team along. As we say in Fleet, ‘We all roll as a unit.’”
Gemade continues to roll with Embry-Riddle too, frequently crossing paths with fellow Eagles on the job and across the world. He’s eager to put his knowledge to work for future colleagues as an industry advisor to the university. He doesn’t rule out contributing personally to the next generation of aviation professionals. “I have five sons and a daughter. Maybe the odds are good that one of them will follow me to Embry-Riddle.”