ISTANBUL, TÜRKIYE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) has successfully concluded its 80th Conference in Istanbul, Türkiye, with sincere thanks to the Turkish Air Line Pilots’ Association (TALPA) for their outstanding hospitality and support throughout the event.
The Conference approved the admission of a new Member Association. IFALPA is pleased to welcome the Latvian Aviation Union (LAU), further strengthening the Federation’s global network.
The Conference closed on World Pilots’ Day, a global celebration of the professionalism and dedication of pilots, originally established in Türkiye. Marking the occasion, IFALPA President Captain Ron Hay highlighted the importance of continuing the work advanced throughout the week,
“A positive safety culture depends on trust and openness. As we mark World Pilots’ Day, we must continue building an environment where pilots can speak up with confidence, because that is how we make aviation safer for everyone.”
IFALPA also recognized and thanked several longstanding elected officers whose dedication and service have made a lasting impact on the global piloting community. Their contributions have played a vital role in advancing aviation safety and supporting pilots worldwide.
The Federation welcomed both newly elected and returning officers who are all volunteers. Returning officers were acknowledged for their continued leadership and commitment, while new officers were welcomed for the perspectives and experience they bring to the Federation’s ongoing work.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS
President – Cpt Ron Hay, United States
Deputy President – Cpt Akseli Meskanen, Finland
EVP Administration, Membership, & Finance (AMF) – Cpt Omar Gabriel Garcia, Mexico
EVP Technical & Safety Standards (TSS) – Cpt Stacey Jackson, Canada
EVP Professional & Government Affairs (PGA) – Cpt Kevin Judkins, United Kingdom
EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENTS (REGION)
EVP Asia & Pacific (APAC) – Cpt Jaffar Hassan, Singapore
EVP South America (SAM) – Cpt Daniel Bianco, Argentina
EVP Africa/Middle East (AFI/MID) – Cpt Rola Hoteit, Lebanon
EVP Caribbean & North America (CAR/NAM) – Cpt Gregg Hurley, United States
EVP Europe (EUR) – Cpt Paul Reuter, Luxembourg
REGIONAL VICE-PRESIDENTS
NAT – Cpt Lee (LP) Vanstory, United States
STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Accident Analysis & Prevention (AAP) – Cpt Jean-Félix Barral, France
Aircraft Design & Operation (ADO) – Cpt Nikolaus Braun, Germany
Aerodrome & Ground Environment (AGE) – Cpt Jeffrey Sedin, United States
Air Traffic Services (ATS) – Cpt Paul Vissers, Italy
Dangerous Goods (DG) – Cpt Timo Lempiäinen, Finland
Helicopter (HEL) – Cpt Matthew Nielsen, Australia
Human Performance (HUPER) – Cpt David Fielding, United Kingdom
Legal (LEG) – Cpt James Ball, Canada
Professional & Government Affairs (PGA) – Cpt Dara van Langen, The Netherlands
Security (SEC) – Cpt Jeroen Kruse, The Netherlands
Women Pilots – F/O Julia Ho, Singapore
OUTGOING EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS
EVP Caribbean & North America (CAR/NAM) – Cpt Gilles Boissonneault, Canada
OUTGOING REGIONAL VICE-PRESIDENTS
NAT – Cpt Kathi Hurst, United States
OUTGOING STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Professional & Government Affairs (PGA) – Cpt Arthur Haakonsen, Norway
Women Pilots – Cpt Maria Mar Alguacil, Spain
©2026 The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations. This publication is provided for information purposes only, in all cases pilots should follow their company’s guidance and procedures. In the interest of flight safety, reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is encouraged. It may not be offered for sale or used commercially. All reprints must credit IFALPA.