THE International Air Transport Association (IATA) has appointed Philip Goh as its regional vice president for Asia-Pacific with effect from Monday this week.

Mr Goh succeeds Conrad Clifford, who has been IATA’s deputy director general since 1 July 2021.

Goh is a 34-year veteran of the airline industry.

In his most recent role, he was the Sydney-based regional vice president for the south west Pacific for Singapore Airlines (he held the role from 2017 through 2021).

He has held various other senior management roles at Singapore Airlines in Singapore and overseas, at Virgin Atlantic Airways in London, and has extensive experience working throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Reporting to the IATA deputy director general, Mr Goh will lead IATA’s activities across Asia-Pacific, a region covering 37 countries and territories and home to 45 IATA member airlines. He is now based in Singapore, where IATA’s regional office is located.

Mr Clifford said he was delighted to have Mr Goh succeed him.

“His extensive airline experience and deep knowledge of the region will be particularly valuable in delivering IATA’s priorities across Asia-Pacific. He is well-prepared to lead IATA’s efforts on safety, sustainability, and recovery of international travel from COVID-19,” Mr Clifford said.

“Air transport is critically important to Asia-Pacific and I am confident that Philip will be both a passionate advocate for our members’ needs and a solid partner for governments.”

Mr Goh said he is deeply passionate about the aviation industry and has been associated with its growth and development throughout his professional life.

“I am humbled to be leading the IATA Asia-Pacific team at the most challenging time in our industry’s history,” he said.

“Foremost among our immediate priorities are engaging governments to safely re-open borders, reviving the travel and tourism economy, and restoring the people-to-people connections that travel facilitates. International aviation can then return to its crucial role as an engine to deliver social and economic benefits to countries and communities in Asia-Pacific.”