Geneva - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) today announced the appointment of Aleks Popovich as Senior Vice President for Industry Distribution and Financial Services, effective 1 October 2009. Popovich will replace Tom Murphy, who will retire from IATA after 30 years of service following a short transition period.

Popovich joined IATA in April 2005 as Global Head of Cargo. Prior to IATA, he was at British Airways where he headed both passenger and cargo network and revenue management functions. At IATA, Popovich revitalized the organization’s approach to cargo. He guided the IATA e-freight initiative to enable US$4.9 billion of cost savings in the cargo supply chain by converting paper-based processes to electronic documentation. By the end of 2010, e-freight will be live at 44 locations. Combined these will give the industry the capability to handle 81% of international cargo with e-freight.

In his new role, Popovich will oversee all of IATA’s passenger and cargo activities, including IATA’s flagship Simplifying the Business program. This includes responsibility for IATA’s financial systems which combined handle US$350 billion in annual settlements. Until a successor is found, Aleks will also continue in his role as Global Head of Cargo.

“I thank Tom Murphy for his many years of dedicated service. With his efforts, IATA’s financial systems have become the financial backbone of the industry. And as the father of 100% e-ticketing he has contributed to historic industry change,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

“In his new role, Aleks will play a key role among IATA’s senior management. The industry is in crisis and the accuracy of our financial systems is critical. I am confident that Aleks’ experience in helping guide British Airways in the post September 11 period will be invaluable to us in this difficult period,” said Bisignani.

“I look forward to the challenges of my new role. In this industry crisis, conserving cash and cutting costs are critical. My priorities are to continue ensuring the integrity of IATA’s global financial systems via quality processes, and also to cut industry costs by modernizing end to end air transport processes through Simplifying the Business,” said Popovich.

Notes for Editors:

  • IATA (International Air Transport Association) represents some 230 airlines comprising 93% of scheduled international air traffic.

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