GENEVA – The International Air Transport Association announced the appointment of Conrad Clifford as regional vice president for Asia Pacific, starting on 1 February 2014 based at the IATA's Asia Pacific regional office in Singapore.

He succeeds Maunu von Lueders, retiring from IATA on 14 March 2014.
 
Clifford’s aviation career is over 30 years, most recently acting managing director of Antrak Air Ghana (2012 to 2013), chief executive officer of Former Monarch Chief to Lead IATA in Asia Pacific Region Travel Group (2010 to 2012) and of Virgin Nigeria (2005 to 2009). His worked for Cathay Pacific Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Menzies Aviation Group and Emirates.

Tony Tyler, IATA’s director general and chief executive officer, said: "Conrad brings to IATA a unique perspective. He has broad and deep experience in both airlines and suppliers; and has lived and worked in many countries in Asia and around the world.

I am confident that he will provide strong leadership to IATA’s activities as we serve our airline members and industry stakeholders in the dynamic and exciting Asia-Pacific region."

"I want to thank Maunu for his service and contributions to IATA and to our members in Asia-Pacific over the last three years. I wish him a long and happy retirement."

Clifford, said: "I look forward to leading IATA in Asia Pacific as we embark on the 2nd century of commercial aviation. The region offers tremendous opportunities. Many of the region’s governments are using aviation as a critical element of their economic strategies. Some, however, are struggling to provide the foundation for the industry’s success.

In both cases IATA has an important role to play. I, personally, will place a key priority on further developing IATA’s partnerships across the region. These will enable IATA’s global standards and global perspective to deliver maximum value to the safe, sustainable and profitable development of aviation."