Farhad Azima (born in 1941) is an American airline operator.^[1]

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In 1981, Azima founded Global International Airways, a charter and cargo carrier.^[2] He is the owner of the Kansas City-based Aviation Leasing Group and HeavyLift International.^[3]

Azima has done extensive business in the Middle East. including a Sheraton Metechi Hotel in Tbisli, Georgia^[4] Azima was later cited as key source^[5] of information for former Wall Street Journal reporter Jay Solomon’s reporting on the three Iranians’ efforts to evade U.S. sanctions.^[6]

For many years Azima oversaw ALG Airlines also known as ALG and has carried out multiple business ventures for over four decades.^[7][8]

Azima is currently in a UK High Court dispute with Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA) over a financial settlement the Emirate says Azima negotiated fraudulently during the winding up of a joint venture.^[9] Azima initially filed suit in the District Court for the District of Columbia seeking damages from the Emirate for the hack, but has since had his case thrown out of the American courts.^[10] Azima then filed a similar claim in the UK High Court where the case is ongoing.^[11]

Azima has been honored for his role in economic development, particularly in development of the airline industry. In 1997, he received a Citation for Achievement Award by William Jewell College.^[12] In 1988, Azima was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.^[13]

Azima is an Iranian-American and moved to the United States at a young age and pursued his higher education in Kansas City. Throughout 40 years of his career in the international arena, Farhad Azima has supported dozens of students by providing educational expenses and with career opportunities.^[14]