Incoming International Air Transport Association (IATA) chief executive and director general Alexandre de Juniac says how the industry deals with government will be a major focus of his leadership.
de Juniac, named as Tony Tyler’s successor in April, was officially confirmed at the association’s next boss on the final day of the IATA annual general meeting in Dublin on Friday.
The Air France-KLM chief executive, who takes up the role in September and is IATA’s seventh chief executive and director general, outlined five key areas that he would target as IATA chief executive.
“First, drive forward important initiatives to simplify the business. Second, advocate for smarter regulation. Third, improve infrastructure. Fourth, manage our climate change impact, and fifth drive efficiencies across the value chain,” de Juniac told delegates in his speech after being officially confirmed.
He also put governments around the world on notice that they needed to do their bit to support the global aviation industry.
“One of our most important partnerships is with government, where I have spent part of my career,” de Juniac said.
“I understand how governments operate, but let me reassure you I am very far from patient with the speed at which they work and I shall be a tireless advocate for government policies to keep pace with the challenges that you, IATA’s members, face.”
de Juniac paid tribute to Tyler’s leadership over the past five years.
“I will inherit an organisation that Tony has reshaped to be close to its members and effective in delivering the value that they expect to their global association,” de Juniac said.
“I particularly look forward to working with the strong IATA team that Tony has built.”
“Under Tony’s leadership IATA has embarked on major programs that will have a transformational impact on our industry.”
In other leadership changes at IATA, International Airlines Group (IAG) chief executive Willie Walsh was named as the airline industry group’s new chairman, replacing Aeromexico chief executive Andres Conesa. IAG is the parent company for British Airways, Iberia and Vueling.
Meanwhile, the Mexican resort city of Cancun was named as the venue for the 2017 AGM, with flag carrier Aeromexico the host airline.
It will be the third time the IATA AGM would be held in Mexico, with Mexico City hosting the event in 1994 and 1966.
Conesa said he looked forward to welcoming delegates to Cancun.
“Delegates will find a vibrant economy in which aviation plays a key role,” Conesa said in a statement.
“The industry’s footprint in Mexico includes some 156,000 jobs and $4 billion in economic activity. Ambitious infrastructure developments supported by a strategic location at the center of the Americas will ensure a growing role for Mexican aviation on the global stage.”
