Spanish executive Luis Gallego assumes presidency of IATA

03-06-25

Luis Gallego, current CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG), has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Governors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), succeeding Mehmet Tevfik Nane of Pegasus Airlines. The appointment became official during IATA’s 80th Annual General Meeting, held in Dubai, and marks a new international recognition for the Spanish executive's leadership in the commercial aviation industry.

Gallego’s appointment to the head of IATA’s main governing body comes at a crucial time for the airline industry, which is facing key challenges such as decarbonization, digital transformation, operational strengthening, and the economic recovery of airlines following years of crisis and uncertainty. His experience leading major airlines and his strategic vision focused on sustainability and international cooperation were decisive factors in his selection.

With this new role, Gallego becomes one of the most influential figures in global aviation. As Chairman of the IATA Board of Governors, he will lead a forum made up of over 30 airline executives who guide and oversee the organization’s strategic decisions. This responsibility adds to his current position as CEO of IAG, the parent company of Iberia, British Airways, Vueling, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL—one of the world’s largest airline groups in terms of traffic and network capacity.

In his remarks following the appointment, Gallego expressed his gratitude to IATA’s members for their trust and reaffirmed his commitment to a safe, efficient, connected, and environmentally responsible aviation sector. He also emphasized the need for close cooperation among airlines, governments, regulators, and service providers to achieve the industry’s ambitious goals, particularly regarding carbon emissions reduction.

During his one-year term, Gallego will play a key role in implementing the roadmap toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, one of IATA’s core strategic objectives. In addition, he will promote initiatives to improve operational efficiency, enhance airline resilience in the face of global crises, drive technological innovation, and advocate for the sector’s interests before international bodies.

Gallego’s leadership has been instrumental in IAG’s transformation into a global aviation benchmark. Since taking the helm of the group in 2020, he has led integration processes, fleet modernization efforts, and resource optimization—despite the challenging context of the COVID-19 pandemic. His pragmatic approach, combined with a long-term vision centered on sustainability and digitalization, has earned him respect throughout the industry.

IATA, for its part, continues to reinforce its role as a key organization for the orderly and sustainable development of international air transport. With over 300 member airlines representing 83% of global air traffic, the association plays a vital role in setting policy, standardizing processes, and promoting best practices in commercial aviation.

Gallego’s presidency also marks a milestone for Spanish business leadership in a globally strategic sector. His ability to build consensus, drive collective solutions, and represent the interests of the global aviation community positions him as a prominent voice at a time when air transport is being redefined in light of climate change, technological innovation, and shifting traveler expectations.

The next Chairman of the IATA Board of Governors will be Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, who is set to take over in June 2025 during IATA’s next General Meeting in New Delhi.

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