The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Alexandre de Juniac has officially taken on the role of Director General and CEO of the organization. He succeeds Tony Tyler, who served as IATA DG and CEO since 2011 and had announced his retirement.

“I am excited to be taking on this great responsibility. IATA plays a critical role in facilitating safe, efficient and sustainable global air transport. Tony Tyler has raised the bar through his achievements over the last five years. With the guidance of our Board and the support of our membership, my aim is to ensure that IATA continues to deliver the value that our members and partners rely upon,” said de Juniac.

De Juniac was confirmed by the 72nd IATA Annual General Meeting this past June to be the seventh person to lead IATA. He brings diverse experience to the association, including leadership roles in the airline and aerospace sectors as well as in government.

“IATA touches almost every aspect of the air transport industry and interacts with a wide range of stakeholders—especially governments. I will call on all my experience to ensure that IATA meets the needs of our members and plays a leading role in responding to the challenges that the industry faces. In particular, the accelerating pace of change in the world means that we must be able to move even more rapidly —as an industry and as an association. IATA’s mission is to represent, lead, and serve the airline industry with global standards. For me that means we must use change as a catalyst for innovation to please customers and contribute positively to the business of our members,” said de Juniac.

De Juniac emphasized the need for industry stakeholders, especially governments, to recognize the value that aviation creates. “The numbers are clear. Air transport supports an impressive 63 million jobs and some $2.7 trillion in economic activity. But that’s only a part of the value that aviation creates. Our industry is in the business of freedom. We help people to explore the planet, to do business globally, to bridge cultures with friendships and understanding, and to enjoy better lives through the prosperity that connectivity creates. Aviation changes our world for the better. And as the industry’s global advocate, my mission is to rally our partners to ensure that nothing impedes the business of freedom,” said de Juniac.