Royal Jordanian President/CEO Samer Majali has commenced his one-year term as the chairman of the IATA Board of Governors according to an announcement made during the 64th Annual General Meeting of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), held in Istanbul, Turkey recently. Majali became the chairman of the Board of Governors effective June 2, 2008, and will hold the position until the 65th Annual General Meeting to be held in June 2009.
Majali has been a member of three main committees of the Board of Governors: chair committee, audit committee, strategy and policy committee. He has been a member at IATA’s Board of Governors since May 2005.
Majali is the first chief executive of an Arab and regional airline to hold the presidency of IATA’s Board of Governors in 21 years; Salim Salam, former Middle East Airlines, held this position between 1986 and 1987.
Giovanni Bisignani, IATA director general and CEO, said the association is confident that Majali will provide a unique perspective and great leadership to help IATA deal with the growing challenges in the world, particularly the skyrocketing fuel prices, and fi nding real solutions to reduce CO2.
Bisignani pointed out that Majali’s election to this position is in recognition of his contributions and active role as a member in the Board of Governors during the last three years.
IATA will convene its 65th annual general meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, next year.