Editorial Contributor

Mr. Bisignani has served as director general and CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) since June 2002. During his tenure with IATA he has completely restructured the association to increase its relevance and speed in driving a broad agenda for industry change.

Since 2002 IATA has spearheaded an industry agenda to enhance safety, improve efficiency and focus governments on the long-term issues for industry viability - including liberalisation and a common-sense approach to issues such as the environment and taxation.

As a result, two major IATA initiatives are reshaping important parts of the industry. The IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) is raising the bar on safety with the first global standard for airline operational safety management. And IATA's Simplifying the Business programme will use technology to improve customer convenience while eliminating $6.5bn in annual costs.

Mr. Bisignani's airline experience includes five years at the helm of Alitalia as CEO and managing director, during which time he also served on the IATA Executive Committee and was chairman of the AEA (Association of European Airlines). Prior to joining IATA, he launched and directed Opodo - the first European airline-owned online travel agency. He has been a member of Pratt & Whitney Advisory Board and chairman of the global distribution services provider Galileo International.