Majali: Chairman of IATA's Board of Governors

Majali became the chairman of the Board of Governors on June 2, 2008, and will hold the position until the 65th Annual General Meeting to be held in June 2009.

Majali has been a member of three main committees of the Board of Governors: chair committee, audit committee, strategy and policy committee. He has been a member at IATA's Board of Governors since May 2005.

RJ's president was selected for the presidency of the Board of Governors in appreciation of RJ's role in the International Air Transport Association, for its reputation in the field of air safety, IT systems and passenger services amongst international air carriers, and for its contribution in all international and regional assemblies.

Majali is the first chief executive of an Arab and regional airline to hold the presidency of IATA's Board of Governors in 21 years; Salim Salam, former Middle East Airlines, held this position between 1986 and 1987.

Giovanni Bisignani, IATA director general and CEO, said the association is confident that Majali will provide a unique perspective and great leadership to help IATA deal with the growing challenges in the world, particularly the skyrocketing fuel prices, and finding real solutions to reduce CO2.

Bisignani pointed out that Majali's election to this position is in recognition of his contributions and active role as a member in the Board of Governors during the last three years.

The International Air Transport Association was founded in Havana, Cuba, in 1945.

The Board of Governors is IATA's highest authority.

Its 31 members are elected by IATA from among 240 international airlines chief executives.

The board sets the association's rules and regulations and submits the projects to be implemented to the general meeting, with a view to promoting the air transport industry and simplifying travel for passengers.

IATA will convene its 65th annual general meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, next year.

Engineer Samer Majali joined the airline in 1979 after he obtained BSc.

degree in aeronautical engineering and design and a diploma of industrial studies from Loughbrough University of Technology, UK.

In 1983, he got an MSc. in air transport management from Cranfield Institute of technology, UK. He took up various executive positions in Royal Jordanian - flight operations, corporate planning, information technology, passenger services and engineering and maintenance - and became RJ's president/CEO in 2001.

During the last few years, Majali successfully steered the airline through one of its most challenging periods as it prepared for privatization.

He enabled the airline to achieve net profits, remarkably increasing revenues and passenger numbers.

This qualified Royal Jordanian to join the private sector and one of the biggest airline alliances, oneworld.