IATA director general Tony Tyler is to retire in 2016 after five years at the helm of the airlines' organisation.
Tyler, who was previously CEO of Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong, will step down from his role with IATA in June 2016.
Andres Conesa, CEO of Aeroméxico and chairman of IATA’s board of governors, called Tyler a “very effective leader” of the association.
“The search will now start for a successor to be appointed at the next IATA annual general meeting in Dublin in June 2016,” added Conesa.
“In the meantime the board will continue to guide and support Tony and his team in their mission to deliver a safe, efficient and sustainable airline industry.”
Tyler said: “I believe it will be time for me to retire and leave the organisation. It is a great privilege and responsibility to lead IATA, and I am proud of what the IATA team is achieving during my term of office.”