The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has appointed Hussein Dabbas as regional vice president for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), based in Amman, Jordan.

The position is with effect from June 1st 2012.

Dabbas has served as president and chief executive of Royal Jordanian Airlines since 2009.

That was the culmination of a career at the carrier that spanned over three decades during which Dabbas held various positions in the airline’s commercial departments.

Dabbas takes over from Majdi Sabri who will retire from IATA after the leading the association in the MENA region since 2001.

“I welcome Hussein to IATA.

“His decades of aviation experience will help IATA to deliver its many important global programs in the fast growing MENA region.

“I also thank Majdi for his many years of dedicated service to IATA and the aviation industry of the region,” said IATA director general Tony Tyler.

IATA’s mission is to represent, lead and serve the airline industry.

IATA brings together some 240 member airlines.

Flights by these airlines account for 84 per cent of all international scheduled air traffic.