RwandAir CEO Yvonne Makolo has assumed her duties as the 81st Chair of the Iata Board of Governors for a one-year term.
Makolo became CEO of RwandAir in 2018, a year after she was appointed Deputy CEO responsible for Corporate Affairs in 2017. She was elected to serve as Chair in June last year after serving on the board since November 2020.
“I am honoured and pleased to take on this important role. Iata plays a critical role for all airlines – big and small, various business models, and in all corners of the world. Leading a medium-sized airline in Africa gives me a unique perspective on issues that airlines hold in common,” she said.
“At the top of the agenda are decarbonisation, improving safety, the transformation to modern airline retailing, and ensuring we have a cost-efficient infrastructure. I am particularly pleased to be taking on this role as Iata launches Focus Africa with the aim of unifying the continent’s stakeholders so together we can strengthen the contribution of aviation to Africa’s social and economic development.”
Following Makolo’s term, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers will serve as Chair from June 2024.