IAG’s CEO Luis Gallego Appointed IATA Chairman; LATAM to Host 82nd IATA AGM in Rio de Janeiro

IATA has today announced that IAG’s CEO, Luis Gallego, has assumed his duties of Chairman of the IATA Board, with his one-year term beginning at the conclusion of IATA’s AGM in New Delhi, India.

IAG's CEO, Luis Gallego Assumes Role as Chairman of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) - Courtesy IATA

On Monday (June 2, 2025), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Luis Gallego, CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG), has assumed his duties as Chairman of the IATA Board, with his one-year term starting today at the conclusion of IATA’s 81st AGM in New Delhi.  Mr. Gallego becomes the 83rd Chair of the IATA Board, one which he has served since 2018, succeeding IndiGo’s CEO Pieter Elbers, who will continue to serve on the Board.  IATA further announced that LATAM Airlines Group’s CEO, Roberto Alvo, will serve as the organization’s Chairman from June 2026.

In Monday’s announcement, IAG’s CEO and IATA’s new Chairman, Luis Gallego, said,

“I am honored to be taking up the position of Chair of the IATA Board.  The airline industry faces significant challenges—accelerating environmental action, managing geopolitical shifts and supply chain issues, and dealing with concerns over infrastructure capacity and costs.  At the same time, the industry has incredible strengths to call on— most of all the quality of the people that strive to make aviation a safe, secure and rewarding experience for millions of travelers every day.  IATA has a vital role in harnessing these human and technical resources to deliver leadership and innovation.  I look forward to playing my part in steering IATA in its long mission for a strong and successful airline industry.”

Also commenting on Mr. Gallego’s appointment as Chairman, IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, added,

“I look forward to working with Luis to deliver an agenda of IATA activities that are critical to the current and future success of our member airlines.  Luis has a long and deep involvement with the complex issues which are top priorities for our Association—facilitating net zero carbon emissions by 2050, achieving a smart approach to regulation and ensuring a capacity and cost structure that can meet the growing demands for air connectivity.  I also want to thank Pieter Elbers for his strong support and leadership over the past year, and in particular for his hosting of a spectacular and invigorating AGM in India.”

Luis Gallego has nearly 30 years of broad airline industry experience, becoming IAG’s CEO in September 2020.  Prior to that, he served as Chairman and CEO of Iberia from January 2014, where he turned the airline around and improved efficiency, customer service and brand presence. Before joining Iberia, he launched Iberia Express, serving as CEO from January 2012.  Mr. Gallego also served as Chief Operating Officer at Vueling from 2009, joining after the airline merged with the LCC Clickair, which he co-founded in 2006.  Additionally, he held various roles at the Spanish regional airline Air Nostrum between 1997 and 2006.

In a separate press release on Monday (June 2, 2025), IATA announced that LATAM Airlines Group will host their 82nd AGM in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June 2026.  IATA AGMs previously held in Brazil were in Petropolis (1947) and Rio de Janeiro (1999).

Further commenting on the 2026 AGM in Brazil, IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, said,

“We are excited to accept LATAM’s offer to host IATA’s 82nd AGM in Rio de Janeiro. The last time the IATA AGM was in South America was in 1999, also in Rio.  It will be a great opportunity to take stock of changes over two decades of development that have seen strengthening air connectivity successfully support major world events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics.  By meeting in the largest aviation market in South America, the AGM will highlight the great potential for aviation to be an even more powerful strategic force driving social and economic prosperity.”

LATAM Airlines Group’s CEO, Roberto Alvo, added,

“LATAM is proud to host the IATA AGM in Brazil in 2026, the main market for our airline group connecting South America to the world. In addition to facilitating a successful gathering of our industry leaders, we look forward to showcasing the contributions and enormous potential for aviation in Brazil and throughout South America.  We are confident that Rio de Janeiro, one of the most spectacular cities in the world with its unparalleled hospitality and beauty, will ensure a warm welcome and a memorable experience for all attendees.”

LATAM serves 153 destinations in 27 countries, carrying 82 million guests in 2024.  The company’s loyalty program, LATAM Pass, the largest program in the region, reached a record 49 million members in 2024.  Last Year, the company also continued the process of retrofitting their fleet, including complete cabin interior overhauls, new seats, onboard entertainment and design improvements.  Currently 100 percent of LATAM’s narrow-body fleet and 54 percent of their widebody fleet have been refurbished.  The Group is also in the process installing free Wi-Fi for LATAM Pass customers on domestic and regional flights.

Source(s): IATA,  LATAM Airlines Group