de Juniac begins five-year term as IATA CEO

Alexandre de Juniac speaks to IATA delegates after being confirmed as chief executive.

Former Air France-KLM chairman and chief executive Alexandre de Juniac has officially taken his seat as the chief executive and director general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Named as Tony Tyler’s replacement in April, de Juniac was confirmed as the new head of IATA at the industry body’s annual general meeting in Dublin in June and began work on September 1.

de Juniac has been chairman and chief executive at Air France-KLM since 2013, He was also chairman and chief executive of Air France between 2011 and 2013.

IATA’s seventh chief executive and director general, de Juniac described the role as one of “great responsibility”, citing the critical role the association played in facilitating safe, efficient and sustainable global air transport.

Air France-KLM chief executive and incoming IATA chief executive Alexandre de Juniac. (IATA) — IATA chief executive Alexandre de Juniac. (IATA)

He also noted the value of aviation to national economies, citing figures that air transport supported 63 million jobs and $2.7 trillion in economic activity.

However, that was only part of the story, with global air links allowing people to “explore the planet, to do business globally, to bridge cultures with friendships and understanding, and to enjoy better lives through the prosperity that connectivity creates”.

“As the industry’s global advocate, my mission is to rally our partners to ensure that nothing impedes the business of freedom,” de Juniac said.

IATA has about 260 member airlines and represents roughly 83 per cent of global air traffic.