On 28-29 November, the Association of European Airlines convened the inaugural Aviation Leadership Summit in Brussels.  

As of 1 January 2014, Dr Temel Kotil, chief executive officer of Turkish Airlines will take over the chairmanship from Bernard Gustin, chief executive officer of Brussels Airlines who was chairing the association for the last two years.

Under the new governance structure, Dr Kotil will be the first president of the Association.

Gustin, stated: “We are glad about Dr Kotil’s appointment, we are convinced that under his Presidency the Association will continue strengthen the voice of its member in the European institutions."

On the occasion of the summit, the Association also unveiled its new logo. 

During the two days, the Aviation Leadership Summit gathered more than 150 delegates including chief executives of AEA member airlines, partner airlines and airline associations, politicians from the European Commission and the European Parliament as well as industry partners.

Panel discussions focused on regulatory updates, the sustainability of the airline industry and how all stakeholders can work together.

At the end of the summit, Kotil announced the venue of the next Summit, which will take place in autumn 2014 in Istanbul.