Titus Naikuni, group managing director and chief executive of Kenya Airways, has been appointed to the International Air Travel Association (IATA) Board of Governors.

Naikuni, who is serving on the board for the second time, was also appointed to the 2012 Nominating Committee during the Association’s 67th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Singapore on June 6th.

IATA is an international trade body that represents, leads, and serves over 230 airlines comprising 93 per cent of scheduled international air traffic.

The board is composed of 31 persons elected from its members, who serve without remuneration.

Their responsibilities include oversight and executive decision-making on behalf of the membership in order to provide policy directives and guidance to IATA Industry Committees, subsidiary bodies, IATA Traffic Conferences, and to industry settlement plans.

This appointment places Naikuni at the centre of decision making for the aviation industry.

It is a culmination of experience and expertise gained after eight years at the helm of one of Africa’s leading airlines, Kenya Airways, and underpins the level of confidence that IATA members place in his leadership capabilities.

Commenting on his appointment, Naikuni noted: “I am greatly honoured by this appointment and wish to express my gratitude to the IATA members for their confidence in my election to serve them.

“This appointment is very exciting, because it comes at a time when the economies of Africa are poised for takeoff.

“Transport is an important factor in Africa’s economic development and the aviation industry will undoubtedly play a major role in the pursuit of this development.”

He added: “The appointment is an indication that African airlines are ready to take their rightful place in leading the decision making in the world’s aviation industry.

“I will strive to serve the interests of all members while seeking to ensure that airlines in Africa in particular are able to meet the safety, environmental, and sustainability agendas that IATA drives.”