Monday, June 2, 2025
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) proudly welcomes Luis Gallego, CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG), as its new Chair of the Board of Governors. Backed by a distinguished group of influential airline leaders, Gallego’s visionary leadership is set to drive the aviation industry toward a more sustainable, innovative, and connected future. At a critical time of global recovery and transformation, his extensive experience and strategic insight will accelerate efforts in decarbonization, digital advancement, and enhancing worldwide air connectivity, positioning IATA at the forefront of shaping the future of air transport.
Luis Gallego, Chief Executive Officer of International Airlines Group (IAG), has officially commenced his one-year term as Chair of the Board of Governors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). His appointment was formally confirmed at the conclusion of the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting held on June 2, 2025, in New Delhi, India. Gallego now becomes the 83rd Chair of the Board, succeeding Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, who will continue to serve as a Board member.
This leadership transition comes at a pivotal time for the global aviation industry, as it navigates dynamic market conditions, ongoing sustainability challenges, and an evolving regulatory landscape. Gallego brings decades of diverse experience in airline management and strategic transformation to the role.
“I am honored to be taking up the position of Chair of the IATA Board. The airline industry faces significant challenges—accelerating environmental action, managing geopolitical shifts and supply chain issues, and dealing with concerns over infrastructure capacity and costs. At the same time, the industry has incredible strengths to call on— most of all the quality of the people that strive to make aviation a safe, secure and rewarding experience for millions of travelers every day. IATA has a vital role in harnessing these human and technical resources to deliver leadership and innovation. I look forward to playing my part in steering IATA in its long mission for a strong and successful airline industry,” said Gallego.
“I look forward to working with Luis to deliver an agenda of IATA activities that are critical to the current and future success of our member airlines. Luis has a long and deep involvement with the complex issues which are top priorities for our Association—facilitating net zero carbon emissions by 2050, achieving a smart approach to regulation and ensuring a capacity and cost structure that can meet the growing demands for air connectivity. I also want to thank Pieter Elbers for his strong support and leadership over the past year, and in particular for his hosting of a spectacular and invigorating AGM in India,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
An Accomplished Industry Leader with Proven Impact
Luis Gallego has served on IATA’s Board of Governors since 2018 and has been at the forefront of key decisions impacting the aviation sector globally. With nearly 30 years of experience across multiple airlines and market segments, Gallego is widely regarded as a transformative figure in the airline industry.
He took the reins at IAG in September 2020, stepping into the position during a critical moment in aviation history, as the industry battled the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, IAG pursued recovery strategies, enhanced efficiency across its airline portfolio, and strengthened its commitment to sustainable growth.
Prior to his leadership at IAG, Gallego served simultaneously as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Iberia between 2014 and 2020. During his tenure, he spearheaded a comprehensive turnaround of the airline, improving financial performance, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction. His earlier achievement in launching Iberia Express in 2012 also demonstrated his sharp acumen for creating successful low-cost subsidiaries. Iberia Express quickly became one of Europe’s most punctual and cost-effective carriers.
Gallego’s extensive background includes executive roles at Vueling, where he served as Chief Operating Officer following the airline’s merger with Clickair—a low-cost carrier he co-founded in 2006. Gallego started his aviation journey at Air Nostrum, a regional carrier in Spain, where he occupied several management positions from 1997 to 2006.
New Board Leadership and Strategic Outlook
As the Chair of IATA’s Board, Gallego will steer the organization’s strategic path through a pivotal phase. His leadership will help shape IATA’s priorities around industry recovery, digital transformation, decarbonization, and restoring global connectivity.
Looking forward, IATA revealed that Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, has been chosen to take over as Chair of the Board following Gallego’s term in June 2026. Alvo will assume the role after the conclusion of Gallego’s term.
In addition to announcing its new Chair, IATA unveiled the updated list of its 32 Board members, representing the world’s most prominent airline leaders. These members collaborate to guide IATA’s policies, industry advocacy, and governance, ensuring the association continues to serve the interests of its 300+ airline members worldwide.
IATA Board of Governors effective June 2, 2025
The updated IATA Board of Governors, as of June 2, 2025, includes senior executives from major airlines spanning every continent, highlighting the global reach of the aviation industry. Key members include Luis Gallego, Chair of the Board and CEO of IAG; Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group and Chair Elect; Michael Rousseau, President and CEO of Air Canada; Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM; Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director of Air India; Shinichi Inoue, President and CEO of All Nippon Airways; Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines; and Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines.
Other important members are Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of Turkish Airlines; Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Group CEO of Qatar Airways; Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudi Arabian Airlines; Annette Mann, CEO of Austrian Airlines (Lufthansa Group); Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines; and Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo.
Additionally, the Board includes leaders from MIAT Mongolian Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, FedEx, Volaris, and several other prominent carriers.
Strengthening Global Cooperation through Aviation
The new leadership at IATA comes at a time when collaboration across borders and companies is more critical than ever. Gallego’s extensive global expertise and proven skill in managing major transformations position him strongly to lead the industry into the future. As Chair, he is expected to play a crucial role in advocating for balanced regulatory frameworks, enhancing industry sustainability efforts, and supporting innovation in air transport.
With air travel now rebounding post-pandemic and airlines facing mounting pressure to decarbonize and modernize operations, Gallego’s appointment is seen as a strong and stabilizing move. His deep understanding of both legacy and low-cost carriers enables him to bring balanced insights into discussions about the future of global aviation.
Luis Gallego, CEO of IAG, has been appointed Chair of the IATA Board, supported by influential leaders to drive aviation’s sustainable growth and global connectivity. His visionary leadership will accelerate innovation and decarbonization in the industry.
Conclusion
Luis Gallego’s appointment as Chair of the IATA Board of Governors marks a significant milestone in the association’s ongoing efforts to support the global air transport sector. His vision, industry experience, and leadership credentials make him well-positioned to guide IATA and its members through a period of innovation, resilience, and growth. Backed by a dynamic and globally representative Board, IATA remains focused on leading the aviation industry into a sustainable and connected future.
