IATA Appoints Thomas Reynaert to Steer Global Advocacy Amid Rising Industry Challenges

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has named seasoned aviation and policy strategist Thomas Reynaert as its new Senior Vice President for External Affairs, a move industry observers say underscores the growing importance of advocacy in shaping the future of global air travel.

From his base in Brussels, Reynaert will coordinate IATA’s global advocacy efforts, building on the association’s long-standing mission to represent, lead, and serve the airline industry. His remit covers not just European Union policy — an increasingly influential arena for aviation regulation — but also engagement with key global institutions, including U.S. regulators in Washington and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal.

A Veteran Policy Voice Steps In

Reynaert arrives at IATA with a formidable track record in both aviation and technology. He most recently served as Vice President for Government and Regulatory Affairs at IBM, overseeing Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Before that, he co-founded and led Airlines for Europe (A4E), the continent’s largest airline association, from 2016 to 2023. His leadership at A4E was widely credited with giving European airlines a stronger, more unified voice in negotiations with Brussels. Earlier in his career, Reynaert spent seven years at United Technologies, managing international operations across Europe with a strong focus on aerospace and government affairs.

“IATA’s advocacy is about making sure governments understand the value airlines bring to economies and societies,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “Thomas brings both knowledge and experience that will help us strengthen our work with regulators worldwide.”

Why Advocacy Matters More Than Ever

The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for global aviation. The industry transports five billion passengers annually and supports 3.2% of global GDP, but faces a complex set of challenges:

• Environmental pressures: Airlines have pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, a goal that requires unprecedented cooperation with governments, fuel producers, and regulators.
• Fragmented regulations: From airport slots to passenger rights, national and regional policies often clash, creating inefficiencies and legal uncertainty for airlines.
• Taxation burdens: Aviation remains a target for heavy taxes and fees, which industry leaders argue erode airlines’ ability to reinvest in greener technologies and affordable fares.

Reynaert himself underscored these pressures:

“Safely transporting five billion people every year is a modern miracle. But airlines are under immense strain — from taxation to environmental targets to inconsistent rules across borders. My mission is to build more productive partnerships with governments so airlines can keep delivering the connectivity that makes our world better.”

IATA’s Track Record in Advocacy

IATA has a history of stepping into the policy arena to defend and advance the interests of its member airlines, which represent over 80% of global air traffic. Among its advocacy milestones:

• Standardizing Safety and Operations: IATA has worked with ICAO to harmonize safety standards, including the development of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), now a global benchmark.
• Passenger Rights Regulation: The association has consistently lobbied against overly prescriptive compensation rules, such as the EU’s Regulation 261, pushing instead for balanced frameworks that protect consumers without overburdening carriers.
• Sustainability Agenda: Through its Fly Net Zero initiative, IATA has rallied airlines behind a collective decarbonization pathway, while pressing governments to scale up investments in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
• COVID-19 Crisis Management: During the pandemic, IATA played a critical role in coordinating the reopening of borders and advocating for uniform health protocols to restore confidence in air travel.

What Reynaert’s Appointment Signals

By tapping Reynaert, IATA is reinforcing its commitment to ensuring aviation has a seat at the table as governments craft policies that will determine the industry’s future. His dual experience in aviation lobbying and tech-sector regulation positions him uniquely to navigate the intersection of emerging digital rules, sustainability mandates, and the global connectivity airlines provide.

As airlines recover from pandemic disruptions and brace for a new era defined by climate goals and digital transformation, IATA’s advocacy will likely play a decisive role in shaping policies that balance growth, competition, and sustainability.

For an industry that thrives on open skies but often suffers from fragmented rules on the ground, Reynaert’s mission could not be clearer: align governments and regulators with the realities of running a global airline business in the 21st century.