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Glyn Hughes to become TIACA’s first Director General

The International Air Cargo Association has announced that Glyn Hughes will take up the newly created role of Director General next year, following the conclusion of his tenure with IATA.

From February 2021, Hughes will manage the TIACA team, working with the Board of Directors, the members and the industry partners to establish and implement TIACA’s objectives and develop the overall cargo agenda.

“Over the past year TIACA has fundamentally transformed itself which will enable the association to serve its current members better with greater relevance and attract new ones. I fully support TIACA’s new direction and its unique position to unite and represent the entire airfreight industry,” commented Hughes.

“Our industry is and will be facing challenging times ahead and I am determined and excited to contribute to making it stronger and to work with all to lead this industry towards a more efficient and sustainable future.”

Hughes brings over 36 years of industry experience including leadership roles in air cargo, passenger, financial, training and industry affairs, his current role being that of Global Head of Cargo for IATA.

“Although the COVID-19 crisis has brought a spotlight on air cargo working hard to deliver essential medicine and supplies fast and safely, despite the global lockdown, the global pandemic has also highlighted the urgent need for air cargo to accelerate its digital and sustainable transformation, to develop collaborative business models and speak with a united voice to come out of this unprecedented crisis more resilient. I am convinced TIACA is in an ideal position to bring all the industry stakeholders together, including air cargo businesses, governments, shippers and global organisations to enable this change. I am committed to building bridges between industry players to tackle the challenges and helping the industry get ready for the transportation of COVID-19 vaccines which will be one of my first priorities at TIACA next year,” commented Hughes.

“Glyn is a charismatic and a highly respected leader who has an unparalleled track record over the past three decades, of driving change in the air cargo industry and promoting its value to governments, partners and across the aviation industry,” said Steven Polmans, Chair of TIACA’s Board of Directors. “We were looking for an exceptional individual, passionate about the air cargo industry and committed to making a long-lasting impact: Glyn is exactly the leader we needed! I am thrilled to have Glyn on-board and look forward to working with him in the years to come to realize the potential of the newly transformed TIACA in supporting, leading and uniting the entire air cargo industry.”

Hughes will report to TIACA’s Board of Directors and will take over the leading role from Céline Hourcade, appointed last May to manage the association temporarily.