ABTA has confirmed that Steve Heapy, chief executive Jet2, has been appointed as a director of the board.

He will take up the position on March 25th.

Alistair Rowland, chair of ABTA, said: “I am delighted to welcome Steve to ABTA’s board of directors.

“He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience of the UK travel industry and joins us at a critical time for the sector.

“I, the rest of the board and ABTA’s senior leadership team look forward to working with him.”

Jet2holidays has been a member of ABTA since 2009.

Heapy said: “There has never been a time like this in travel, and ABTA has a vital role to play, both in leading a united voice for the industry and in being a trusted badge of high standards for customers.

“I welcome the opportunity to contribute to taking the organisation, and the industry, forward.”