The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the appointment of Thomas Reynaert as its new senior vice-president for external affairs.
Reynaert's appointment took effect yesterday, 1st September, and he will take charge of the Association's global advocacy from its office in Brussels, Belgium.
Reynaert joins IATA from IBM where he held the post of vice-president for government and regulatory affairs from 2023.
IATA director-general Willie Walsh said of the new vice-president: “It is critical that governments understand the value aviation creates and the challenges that airlines face as they connect people and economies. Thomas brings knowledge and experience that will help IATA increase the effectiveness of our work with governments and regulators. Although Thomas will be based in Brussels with an immediate focus on EU matters, he will be responsible for leading IATA’s team of advocates globally, including in Washington and at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Together the IATA advocacy team’s goal is to make it easier for airlines to sustainably generate the economic and social benefits that governments, businesses and people depend on."
Dedication to facing challenges
Reynaert has pointed out that today's global airlines face many challenges.
He said: "Safely transporting five billion people and 3.2 percent of GDP each year is a modern miracle. While doing this critical work, airlines face the burden of onerous taxation, the imperative of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and the fragmentation of global standards with novel and potentially value-destroying approaches to everything from slots to passenger rights."
With that in mind Reynaert willll be working with governments worldwide for a more productive regulatory environment.
In this refreshed scenario, airlines can efficiently compete and grow as they deliver the global connectivity that makes the world a better place.
