The International Air Transport Association (IATA), re-elected His Excellency Engineer Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of SAUDIA Group as a member of the Board of Governors for a three-year term. In addition, the IATA has appointed Captain Mohamed Dahduli, Vice President of Safety, Aviation Security and Quality at SAUDIA, as a member of the Security Advisory Council (SAC).
The announcement was made during the 79th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit, which is the largest gathering of airline leaders in the world and was held from 4 to June 6, 2023, in Istanbul, Turkey.
The Board of Governors is considered the highest Executive Authority in the International Air Transport Association. It focuses on developing plans and strategies related to the global air transport industry, and executive responsibilities in approving strategic plans. The Board is also in charge of drawing up general policies for the federation and security, safety and environmental affairs, as well as following up on the tasks of the advisory committees emanating from the Council.
The decision to appoint Captain Dahduli as a member of SAC came from IATA’s Director General and was based on nominations from member airline CEOs and following review by the Chair Committee and the approval of the Chair Committee and the Board.
The SAC gathers at least twice a year at the association’s headquarters to discuss and formulate policy, evaluate future industry trends, and cooperate with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), states and industry stakeholders. The Council also oversees regional security focus groups and responds to developments related to cybersecurity threats in the industry.
Captain Dahduli, VP of Safety, Aviation Security and Quality at SAUDIA, said: “The responsibility entrusted by the IATA is an indication of Saudi Arabia’s position on an international level in all fields, as well as SAUDIA’s position in the industry and the effective role it plays in the air transport field.”
“I take great pride in being chosen as a member of the Security Advisory Council. I wish the council success in the next stages, as we work towards the challenges facing the air transportation industry.” he added.
SAUDIA has always had a strong presence at the IATA Board of Governors. This is evident in the selection of SAUDIA representatives such as, Mr. Marwan Niazi, Vice President Commercial Saudia Air Cargo Company, Mr. Mohammed Alsaied, General Manager Strategies and Legal Compliance in SAUDIA Airlines, and Dr. Saleh Bukhari, General Manager Sales and Distribution Strategies in SAUDIA Airlines, have joined three Advisory Councils: namely Cargo Advisory Council, Legal Advisory Council, and Distribution Advisory Council respectively.
