The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the appointment of Thomas Reynaert as Senior Vice President, External Affairs, effective September 1, 2025. Based in Brussels, Reynaert will lead IATA’s global advocacy efforts, coordinating with governments and regulators worldwide.
Reynaert brings a wealth of experience in aviation, technology, and government relations. He joins IATA from IBM, where he served as Vice President, Government and Regulatory Affairs for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Before his role at IBM, he was the founding Managing Director of Airlines for Europe (A4E) and previously held the position of President, International Operations Europe at United Technologies.
“It is critical that governments understand the value aviation creates and the challenges that airlines face,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “Thomas’s knowledge and experience will help IATA increase the effectiveness of our work with governments and regulators. His leadership will be vital as we work to make it easier for airlines to sustainably generate the economic and social benefits that our world depends on.”
Reynaert noted the significant challenges facing the airline industry. “Airlines are tasked with safely transporting five billion people and 3.2% of global GDP annually while navigating complex issues such as onerous taxation, the imperative of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and the fragmentation of global standards,” he said. “I am committed to working with governments worldwide to foster a more productive regulatory environment, enabling airlines to efficiently compete and grow as they deliver the global connectivity that makes our world a better place.”
