Roberto Alvo to chair IATA Board as global aviation navigates complex operating environment

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that Roberto Alvo, Chief Executive Officer of LATAM Airlines Group, has officially assumed the role of Chair of its Board of Directors following the conclusion of the 82nd IATA Annual General Meeting held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 7 June 2026.Alvo now begins a one-year term as the 84th Chair of the IATA Board, succeeding Luis Gallego, CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG), who will remain a member of the Board.Alvo has been part of the IATA Board since 2020 and brings more than 25 years of experience in the aviation industry. He joined LAN Airlines—now LATAM Airlines Group—in 2001 and has since held multiple leadership positions across finance, commercial operations and strategic planning before being appointed CEO in 2020.Shortly after taking the helm at LATAM, Alvo led the airline group through a complex Chapter 11 restructuring process, coinciding with the severe disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership during this period was marked by the company’s financial and operational recovery, culminating in its successful exit from restructuring in 2022.Since then, LATAM Airlines Group has strengthened its position as the leading airline group in Latin America. Under Alvo’s leadership, the carrier has expanded its regional and international connectivity, advanced its sustainability initiatives, and delivered improved operational and financial performance. Today, LATAM operates flights to more than 161 destinations across 27 countries, playing a central role in linking South America with global markets.Commenting on the leadership transition, IATA Director General Willie Walsh highlighted both Gallego’s contribution and Alvo’s suitability for the role at a time of increasing complexity in global aviation governance.“Luis Gallego has been a diligent and tireless Chair of the IATA Board of Directors, particularly as we worked through the complex issues of modernizing IATA’s governance. I thank him personally for his great support,” Walsh said.“The Board will be in very safe hands as its leadership passes to Roberto Alvo. Having guided LATAM Airlines Group through significant challenges to record profits, he has the experience we need to help IATA meet members’ needs during challenging times. We have already seen an example of his support for IATA’s work in generously hosting and presiding over a successful AGM in Rio de Janeiro.”Alvo’s appointment comes at a time when the global aviation sector continues to navigate operational pressures, evolving regulatory frameworks and ongoing recovery dynamics, placing added importance on IATA’s coordinating role across international airlines.