The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has appointed Thomas Reynaert as Senior Vice President, External Affairs, effective 1 September 2025. Based in Brussels, Reynaert will oversee IATA’s worldwide advocacy efforts, including its teams in Washington and at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Reynaert brings extensive aviation and technology experience. He previously led Airlines for Europe (A4E) as its founding Managing Director from 2016 to 2023, and more recently served as IBM’s Vice President for Government and Regulatory Affairs in EMEA. Earlier, he worked at United Technologies as President of International Operations Europe.
IATA Director General Willie Walsh said Reynaert’s background will help strengthen engagement with governments and regulators, particularly as airlines face challenges ranging from taxation and regulatory fragmentation to meeting net-zero emissions by 2050.
Reynaert emphasised the importance of creating a supportive policy environment for airlines, which transport five billion passengers annually and underpin 3.2% of global GDP. He pledged to work with governments worldwide to ensure aviation can continue delivering economic and social benefits through sustainable growth and global connectivity.