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.