IATA Appoints Thomas Reynaert as Senior Vice President for External Relations
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced the appointment of Thomas Reynaert as Senior Vice President for External Relations. Reynaert will assume his role on 1 September 2025, coordinating IATA’s global advocacy efforts from its Brussels office.
An Experienced Leader Joins IATA
Since 2023, Reynaert has served as Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at IBM. Prior to that, he was the Founding Managing Director of Airlines for Europe (A4E), successfully leading the organisation from 2016 to 2023.
With extensive experience in aviation and technology, Reynaert also spent seven years at United Technologies before A4E, serving as Head of European International Operations with a focus on government affairs.
Statement from IATA Director General Willie Walsh
Commenting on the appointment, IATA Director General Willie Walsh said:
“Thomas brings the knowledge and experience to help governments better understand the value aviation creates and the challenges airlines face. While he will be focused on EU issues from Brussels, he will also lead IATA’s advocacy team globally, including in Washington and at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).”
First Remarks from Reynaert
Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Reynaert said:
“Global airlines face many challenges such as heavy tax burdens, the commitment to net zero carbon by 2050, and the fragmentation of global standards. My goal is to help create a more productive regulatory environment in partnership with governments—one in which airlines can grow efficiently and compete effectively.”
Under Reynaert’s leadership, IATA will continue to focus on supporting the sustainable growth of airlines and strengthening global connectivity.
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