Luis Gallego Begins Term as Chair of IATA Board, Focused on Innovation and Sustainability in Aviation
(IN SHORT) Luis Gallego, CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG), has been appointed Chair of the IATA Board for a one-year term starting on June 2, 2025. Gallego, who has nearly 30 years of experience in aviation, succeeds Pieter Elbers of IndiGo. During his term, Gallego will focus on addressing key industry challenges, including environmental action, infrastructure capacity, and regulatory issues. Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, will succeed Gallego as Chair in June 2026.
(PRESS RELEASE) NEW DELHI, 2025-Jun-2 — /Travel PR News/ — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that Luis Gallego, CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG), has assumed the role of Chair of the IATA Board. His one-year term commenced at the conclusion of the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, India, on 2 June 2025.
Gallego, who has been serving on the IATA Board since 2018, is the 83rd individual to hold this prestigious position. He succeeds Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, who will remain a member of the IATA Board.
“It is an honor to take up the position of Chair of the IATA Board. The airline industry faces significant challenges—accelerating environmental action, managing geopolitical shifts and supply chain issues, and addressing concerns over infrastructure capacity and costs. However, the strength of the industry lies in the people who make aviation safe, secure, and rewarding for millions of travelers every day. IATA plays a vital role in harnessing these human and technical resources to deliver leadership and innovation. I look forward to steering IATA and supporting the industry through these challenging times,” said Gallego.
With nearly 30 years of experience in the aviation sector, Gallego became CEO of IAG in September 2020. He previously served as chairman and CEO of Iberia from 2014, where he successfully turned around the airline’s performance and improved efficiency, customer service, and brand reputation. Gallego was also instrumental in launching Iberia Express in 2012, where he served as CEO, helping the airline become one of Europe’s most efficient and punctual low-cost carriers.
Before his time at Iberia, Gallego held several roles at Vueling, where he was Chief Operating Officer from 2009, following the airline’s merger with Clickair, a low-cost carrier he co-founded in 2006. He began his career in aviation at Spanish regional airline Air Nostrum.
“I look forward to collaborating with Luis to address the key priorities for IATA and its member airlines. With his extensive experience in the aviation industry, Luis is well-positioned to lead discussions on net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, smart regulation, and building capacity to meet the growing demand for air travel,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “I also extend my gratitude to Pieter Elbers for his strong leadership over the past year, especially for his excellent hosting of the AGM in India.”
Additionally, IATA announced that Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, will take over as Chair of the IATA Board in June 2026, following Gallego’s term.
Media contact:
Corporate Communications
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Email: corpcomms@iata.org
SOURCE: International Air Transport Association (IATA)
