Steve Gunning, managing director of IAG Cargo, which combines the brands British Airways World Cargo and Iberia Cargo, has been elected the new Chairman of the IATA Cargo Committee. The appointment follows a vote by the 15 Committee members. His term will run for two years.

A key part of the role will be to liaise with IATA's global head of cargo to ensure his work aligns with the Cargo Committee's objectives. Gunning will also be responsible for setting the agenda for Committee meetings.

The Committee was established in 1993 to provide a voice for the global cargo industry within IATA and advise its Board of Governors on cargo priorities. A current focus is driving the implementation of the e-Air Waybill (e-AWB) which helps simplify the air freight supply chain. Indeed, IATA Cargo Committee members were the first to publicly set implementation targets for the e-AWB.

Steve Gunning, managing director, IAG Cargo said of his appointment: 'Air cargo as an industry is vital to the global economy and a critically important part of the airline business. Essential to its future success is continued and sustainable growth, which is where the Committee plays an invaluable role. I have been part of the Committee since 2007 and look forward to taking on the mantle of chairman, in what are challenging times for the market.'

Gunning succeeds Ram Menen, divisional senior vice president cargo at Emirates Airline, who stepped down from the role after several terms in service. Menen will remain on the Committee.

Tony Tyler, Director General and CEO of IATA said: 'It is a challenging and exciting time for air cargo. We are very fortunate to be able to call on Steve's wide-ranging and deep experience from many years at British Airways to guide the IATA Cargo Committee with innovative ideas. Steve succeeds the strong leadership of Ram Menan who chaired the Cargo Committee for four years. On behalf of the industry, I thank Ram for his many contributions and I am confident that Steve will build on his achievements.'

The Cargo Committee is responsible for monitoring and responding to industry developments and regulations, recommending a collective position on environmental issues and implementing strategies to promote the views of airlines to regulatory bodies and stakeholders. Areas of activity include forwarder/carrier relations, cargo safety and security, cargo automation, cargo handling, cargo facilitator, cargo-related regulatory development and cargo quality standards.

There are currently 15 member organisations in the cargo committee - Air Canada, IAG Cargo, Cargolux, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, KLM, Korean Air, LAN Cargo, Lufthansa Cargo, Singapore Airlines Cargo, South African Airways, Thai Airways, United Airlines and UPS.