The International Association of Latin American Airlines (AITAL) has named Alex de Gunten as its Executive Director.
De Gunten, who will officially assume his new position during the 23rd Annual General Assembly of the association to take place in Buenos Aires, Argentina in November, replaces recognized aviation industry veteran Ernest Vasquez Rocha, who became AITAL`s executive director in 1983. In his new position, de Gunten will be responsible for overseeing the operations of the association, including addressing a vast array of issues, challenges and opportunities facing the Latin American aviation industry.
“Alex de Gunten`s experience in the industry and the countries of the region allows us to look optimistically to the future as he leads us to address the issues of consolidating the association of airlines in Latin America during a time in which management must prepare to face the challenges of the industry,” said AITAL`s President Juan Emilio Posada.
Upon his appointment as new Executive Director of AITAL, de Gunten commented: “For me it is an honor and a great opportunity to lead an association like AITAL that unites a vital sector for the economic and social development of the countries. Now more than ever, Latin American airlines must work together to ensure a successful and sustainable long-term future.”
De Gunten has more than 20 years of experience in the industry and the region, having held senior management positions with LanChile and Canadian Airlines in several Latin American countries. He also served as Chancellor for the Consulate of Bolivia in Canada, and was most recently the managing director for Orbitz Latin America. Fluent in English, Spanish and French, de Gunten received his Masters in Business Administration with a major in International Business at Queen`s University in Ontario, and also completed engineering studies at McGill University in Quebec.
About AITAL -

AITAL, the International Association of Latin American Airlines, was founded in 1980 and today has 17 member airlines in the Southern Hemisphere, including: Aerolineas Argentinas (Argentina), Aeromexico (Mexico), Aeropostal (Venezuela), Aserca (Venezuela), Avianca-Sam (Colombia), Copa (Panama), Cubana de Aviacion (Cuba), Lloyd Aereo Boliviano (Bolivia), Mexicana de Aviacion (Mexico), Pluna (Uruguay), Tame (Ecuador), LanChile (Chile), Southern Winds (Argentina), Grupo Taca (Central America), TAM (Brazil), TAM Mercosur (Paraguay) and Varig (Brazil). AITAL is a non-profit organization dedicated to the general interests of the Latin American aviation industry.

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