APPOINTMENT

IATA Appoints Roberto Alvo as Chair of Board of Directors

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, has assumed the role of Chair of the IATA Board of Directors for a one-year term, effective June 7, 2026.

Alvo succeeds Luis Gallego, CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG), who will continue to serve on the Board.

Alvo has been a member of the IATA Board of Directors since 2020 and becomes its 84th Chair. In his new role, he will work with member airlines, industry stakeholders, and governments to support priorities including safety, operational efficiency, sustainability, and global connectivity.

Alvo brings over 25 years of experience in the aviation industry. He joined LAN Airlines (now LATAM Airlines Group) in 2001 and has held leadership roles across finance, commercial, and strategic functions before being appointed CEO in 2020.

As CEO, he led LATAM Airlines Group through its Chapter 11 restructuring process and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, guiding the company through its emergence in 2022 and supporting its operational and financial recovery.

Under his leadership, LATAM has expanded its network and strengthened its position across Latin America and international markets, while advancing sustainability initiatives and operational performance.

Speaking on his appointment, Roberto Alvo said, “Aviation is at a defining moment, with an increasingly important role in connecting people, enabling trade, and supporting economic development around the world. Chairing the Board of Directors at this time is a responsibility I take with great commitment.

As we navigate a more complex environment, our industry must continue working together to strengthen safety, improve efficiency, advance sustainability, and unlock the benefits of connectivity for more people and communities. I look forward to working with IATA’s members, governments, and industry partners to help ensure aviation remains a force for opportunity, resilience, and growth.”

“Luis Gallego has been a diligent and tireless Chair of the IATA Board of Directors, particularly as we worked through the complex issues of modernizing IATA’s governance. I thank him personally for his great support. The Board will be in very safe hands as its leadership passes to Roberto Alvo. Having guided LATAM Airlines Group through significant challenges to record profits, he has the experience we need to help IATA meet members’ needs during challenging times. We have already seen an example of his support for IATA’s work in generously hosting and presiding over a successful AGM in Rio de Janeiro,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.