The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Pegasus Airlines Vice-Chairperson of the Board (Managing Director) Mehmet Tevfik Nane has assumed his duties as Chair of the IATA Board of Governors (BoG) for a one-year term, effective from the conclusion of the 78th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Doha this Tuesday, 21 June.

Nane is the 80th chair of the IATA BoG. He has served on the BoG since 2019. He succeeds JetBlue Airways CEO Robin Hayes, who will continue to serve on the BoG.

Nane said he is honoured to take on the position at a time when the industry is emerging from the worst downturn. In addition to maintaining momentum towards re-opening the globe to travel and commerce, he said that they have a very full agenda over the next 12 months, including achieving agreement at the ICAO Assembly on a Long Term Aspirational Goal for governments on aviation’s decarbonisation, refining the pathway to Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050, and broadening participation in the 25by2025 gender diversity initiative.

Mehmet Tevfik Nane: Extensive business experience

Nane was appointed CEO of Pegasus Airlines in 2016, a position he held until earlier this year, when he assumed his current position with the airline. Prior to joining Pegasus, he served as CEO of CarrefourSA between 2013-2016, as CEO of Teknosa between 2005-2013, and as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Teknosa between 2000-2005. Nane, who began his business career in 1988, has an extensive experience in business, including consumer retailing and banking.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh, in welcoming Nane to the post, also expressed appreciation of Robin Hayes, who assumed the position of Chair in November 2020 at a point when international air travel was still largely shut down, agreeing to extend his term through the current recovery.

Under his leadership, the industry approved the historic goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, worked closely with governments and international organisations to introduce bio safety measures to further reduce the low risk of transmission during air travel, and continued to make strong progress on our 25by2025 gender diversity initiative.

Walsh said he looks forward to working with Mehmet as they continue to rebuild global connectivity while addressing aviation’s vital priorities around sustainability, diversity, regulation and managing infrastructure costs. He added that with Mehmet’s extensive experience in business, including consumer retailing and leading a low-fare airline, he is sure to bring fresh perspectives, particularly as they work to broaden IATA’s membership.

Chair Elect and Board of Governors Appointments

IATA also announced that RwandAir CEO Yvonne Manzi Makolo will serve as Chair of the BoG from June 2023, following Nane’s term. Makolo will be the first woman to take on these duties. The IATA AGM also approved appointments to the association’s Board of Governors.

79th AGM

The 78th IATA AGM approved the venue and date for the 79th IATA AGM and World Air Transport Summit to be at Istanbul, Türkiye on 4 to 6 June 2023, hosted by Pegasus Airlines. Walsh said that Türkiye is a fantastic destination with a great aviation tradition.

We thank Pegasus Airlines for the invitation and look forward to meeting in the exciting city of Istanbul for the 79th IATA AGM and World Air Transport Summit.

Check out Marhaba’s FREE e-Guides for everything you need to know about Qatar.