The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced the appointment of Royal Jordanian Airlines CEO Samer Majali as Chairman of the Board of Governors.
Majali, who begins his one-year post this month, is taking over from TAP Portugal CEO Fernando Pinto.
Majali has served as CEO of Royal Jordanian since 2001.
Majali takes on the role as the airline industry falls back into the red with fuel prices skyrocketing to unprecedented levels.
"With fuel prices at record highs, the industry faces a crisis and the agenda for the year ahead has extraordinary challenges. Change must be even more aggressive," Majali says.
"Finding even more efficiency gains - not just for airlines but throughout the industry value chain - is crucial for our survival."
Cathay Pacific CEO Tony Tyler will take over from Majali in June 2009.
By staff writer
