Air France-KLM chief executive Alexandre de Juniac is stepping down after three years at the airline.
De Juniac is leaving to join IATA as director general and CEO, replacing retiring head Tony Tyler.
He became chairman and CEO of France's national airline in 2011 after serving in the staff of then French minister of Economy Christine Lagarde.
“I would like to thank all those at Air France-KLM who for almost 5 years now have been fully committed to achieving together our recovery and restoring the conditions for growth," de Juniac said in a statement.
"Working for Air France-KLM is a source of great pride. I will continue to fulfill my responsibilities until I hand over to my successor at the end of July, and I will continue to defend air transport and all airlines — including Air France-KLM — in my new role."
During his time at Air France-KLM de Juniac launched an efficiency plan called Perform 2020, as he tried to cut costs and compete with European low cost carriers and the growing threat form Middle East airlines.
Part of this plan was to invest €1 billion in growing its low-cost brand Transavia. Air France said by 2017 Transavia “will rank among the leading low cost carriers in Europe”, and plans to move the business to a more “pan-European scale”.
IATA’s Tyler said de Juniac will be a “great leader” for the organisation and brings valuable experience from both government and industry.
“I am sure that he will keep IATA close to its members and fully focused on delivering the value that they expect from their association. I can’t think of a better person to lead the IATA team and I look forward to handing over the job in a few months’ time. Until then, I remain fully committed to my duties and await an exciting AGM in Dublin with great interest,” said Tyler.
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