David Martin Hassan, a distinguished figure in South Sudan’s civil aviation sector and the transport ministry’s technical advisor, passed away on Sunday at the age of 71.
His family confirmed the news, revealing that he had been fighting pancreatic cancer for a year.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday evening, his brother, Paul Martin Hassan, said that David passed away at 9 p.m. on Sunday at a hospital in Gudele. Plans are underway to transport his body to his hometown of Wau for burial.
David Hassan Martin began his career in aviation in 1985 as an officer with Sudan Airways, after initially working in Khartoum as an air ticket booking agent. He furthered his training in civil aviation in the United Kingdom before returning to Khartoum to resume his role.
In 2005, following the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), David moved to Juba, where he became a key figure in the development of South Sudan’s aviation sector.
Over the years, he served as the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, led the Civil Aviation Authority, and most recently, as the ministry’s technical advisor.
He is widely credited for his contributions to the development of Juba, Rumbek, and Wau airports.