09 Oct 2008
AMMAN (JT) - His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday reviewed the present challenges facing the aviation industry with IATA Director General and CEO Giovanni Bisignani.
During the meeting, attended by Royal Court Chief Nasser Lozi, the King discussed with Bisignani the role IATA can play to assist the Kingdom overcome these challenges, particularly the sharp increase in oil prices and its impact on the operational cost of this industry, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
The Monarch noted that the election of Royal Jordanian President and CEO Samer Majali as chairman of the IATA board of governors reflects a high level of cooperation between the Kingdom and IATA, besides its appreciation of Jordan's role in the field of civil aviation.
Also on Wednesday, Prime Minister Nader Dahabi met with Bisignani and discussed the current condition of the aviation industry.
During the meeting, attended by Majali, Bisignani briefed the premier on the nature of challenges facing air transport, Petra reported.
According to the IATA director general, the industry will incur losses this year due to global challenges.
Bisignani also noted that several aviation companies across the world have taken measures to overcome these losses and reduce their operational costs.
In this regard, the premier reiterated the government's commitment to support RJ.
IATA Regional Vice President Majdi Sabri was present at the meeting.
Also yesterday, IATA honoured Majali on being elected as chairman of IATA's board of governors.
Majali took over as chairman of the IATA board on June 2 and will hold the position until the 65th annual general meeting to be held in Kuala Lumpur in June next year.
Majali, a member of the board of governors since May 2005, was selected for the presidency of the board in appreciation of the airline's role in IATA, its reputation in the field of air safety, IT systems and passenger services amongst international air carriers, and for its contribution to all international and regional assemblies.
IATA was founded in Havana, Cuba, in 1945. The board of governors is its highest authority and its 31 members are elected by IATA from among 240 international airline chief executives.
