IATA appoints Thomas Reynaert as its new global leader of external relations and policy
From 1 September 2025, Thomas Reynaert will lead the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) international advocacy strategy from Brussels, strengthening its ties with key governments and regulatory bodies
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the appointment of Thomas Reynaert as Senior Vice President of External Affairs, effective immediately. From his new base in Brussels, Belgium, Reynaert will assume global coordination of IATA's policy initiatives and institutional relations.
Reynaert joins IBM from where he served as Vice President of Government Affairs and Regulation for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa since 2023. Prior to that, he was the founding CEO of Airlines for Europe (A4E) from 2016 to 2023. He also worked for seven years in the aerospace industry as President of International Operations Europe for United Technologies, with a particular focus on government affairs.
Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General, highlighted the significance of its incorporation:
“It's crucial that governments understand the impact of aviation and the challenges airlines face in connecting people and economies. Thomas brings the knowledge and experience needed to improve the effectiveness of IATA's work with governments and regulators.”
While his initial focus will be on European Union issues, he will also lead IATA's efforts in other key regions, such as Washington, DC, and with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), to facilitate a more favorable regulatory environment for airlines.
Reynaert added:
“Global airlines face multiple challenges. Safely transporting five billion people and representing 3.2% of overall GDP each year is a true modern miracle. At the same time, we are faced with high tax burdens, the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and the fragmentation of global standards in areas such as slots and passenger rights. My mission will be to work with governments around the world to achieve a more productive regulatory environment that enables airlines to compete and grow efficiently, while providing the global connectivity on which societies and economies depend.”
Source: IATA