IATA AGM moved to Singapore

Singapore is to host from 5-7 June 2011 the 67th AGM of the International Air Transport Association, better known as IATA.  Initially the event was planned to be held in Cairo but events in Egypt earlier this year clearly indicated that a change of venue was required.  230 airlines are members but this does not include some of the largest budget carriers.

The 2011 event is likely to be momentous in more than one way with all airlines suffering from the effect of sky-high fuel prices and increased so-called environmental taxation by governments.  It will also mark the end of charismatic Italian Giovanni Bisignani’s reign as Director General and CEO, a position he took up in June 2002.  Since that time he has completely re-shaped and re-focused the organization. 

Mr Bisignani is replaced by Tony Tyler, in his way just as enigmatic, and sometimes a would-be guitar playing rock star.  As Chief Executive of Cathay Pacific since 2007 he has led the airline through some turbulent times. www.iata.org

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