IATA’s new Pacific Rim focus

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that its Board of Governors has selected Tony Tyler, CEO of Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways, in a unanimous decision to fill the post of IATA Director General and CEO following the retirement of the current Director General and CEO, Giovanni Bisignani, next year.

For many industry watchers, it’s a long overdue move reflecting the dominance of the Asia Pacific air cargo market.

By IATA’s own reckoning, Asia-Pacific airlines reported a 14.9 percent year-on-year increase in international freight demand, translating to an impressive 22 percent annualized growth rate for the region’s carriers, reflecting the strong economic recovery particularly in China and India. With a 44 percent share of total freight traffic, the growth experienced by Asia-Pacific airlines played a large role in the uptick seen in overall industry freight volumes.

The Board will recommend Tyler’s appointment to IATA’s Annual General Meeting planned for 6-8 June 2011 in Cairo Egypt. Tyler’s duties as the Association’s head are scheduled to commence July 1, 2011.

“The IATA Board agreed to recommend Tony Tyler as the next Director General and CEO of IATA. Tony’s leadership of Cathay Pacific through challenging times prepares him well for the job. His knowledge of Asia will help IATA take advantage of opportunities in the industry’s largest market. And his global experience gives Tony the right perspective for our global association,” said David Bronczek, CEO of FedEx Express and Chairman of the IATA Board of Governors.