Thomas Reynaert has officially taken on the role of senior vice-president for external affairs at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as of September 1st. He will be overseeing the organization’s global advocacy initiatives from Brussels, Belgium.

Reynaert previously worked for IBM as vice-president for government and regulatory affairs starting in 2023.

In a statement, Willie Walsh, the IATA director-general, emphasized the necessity for governments to recognize the value that aviation contributes and the hurdles airlines encounter. He stated: “Thomas brings knowledge and experience that will help IATA increase the effectiveness of our work with governments and regulators. While Thomas will focus on EU matters, he will also lead IATA’s advocacy team worldwide, including efforts in Washington and at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).”

Reynaert noted the significant challenges facing global airlines today: “Safely transporting five billion people and 3.2 percent of GDP each year is a modern miracle. Airlines are burdened with heavy taxes, the urgent need to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and the complications arising from inconsistent global standards.”

He will work closely with governments globally to cultivate a more favorable regulatory landscape, enabling airlines to thrive while offering essential global connectivity.