Incheon – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) has successfully concluded its 79th Annual Conference, with special thanks to ALPA Korea for their exceptional hosting of the event in Incheon, Republic of Korea.
One Association was voted into Membership by Conference. The Federation welcomes the Kuwait Pilots’ Association.
Captain Ron Hay of the United States has been confirmed IFALPA’s new president, “I am honored to be elected by my peers to lead this Federation. IFALPA represents an extraordinary network of pilot unions and associations, and it is this very network that forms the backbone of our strength.”
IFALPA bids farewell to several longstanding volunteers with deep gratitude for their service to the global piloting community. Their commitment to ensuring the highest level of aviation safety and the wellbeing of both pilots and passengers worldwide has been exceptional. Thank you for your commitment.
IFALPA also welcomes all new and returning officers. To all returning officers, thank you for your continued leadership and dedication. We look forward to achieving even greater success together. A special welcome to all new officers, the Federation will benefit from your fresh perspective.
2025 Election Results:
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) – F/O 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 John Sluys, United States
EVP Europe (EUR) – Cpt Paul Reuter, Luxembourg
REGIONAL VICE-PRESIDENTS - Africa & Middle East (AFI/MID)
AFI/South – Cpt Carl Bollweg, South Africa
AFI/West – Cpt Jules Joseph Faye, Senegal
AFI/North – Cpt Karim Elloumi, Tunisia
AFI/East – Cpt Joseph Migwi, Kenya
MID/East – Cpt Jawad El Ayache, Lebanon
MID/West – Cpt Hagay Meyer, Israel
REGIONAL VICE-PRESIDENTS - Asia & Pacific (APAC)
Asia East – Cpt Nickolas Lagouros, Singapore
SOP – Cpt Louise Pole, Australia
Asia/West – Cpt Shavantha Pedris, Sri Lanka
NOP – Cpt Lee ChoongSub, South Korea
US/CEP – Cpt Bill Bartels, USA
REGIONAL VICE-PRESIDENTS - Caribbean & North American (CAR/NAM)
CAR/East – Cpt Erich (Chris) Witt, Cayman Islands
CAR/West – Cpt Francisco E. Gomez-Ortigoza, Mexico
CAN/Arctic – Cpt Steven Bard, Canada
NAT – Cpt Kathi Hurst, United States
US/CEP – Cpt Bill Bartels, USA
REGIONAL VICE-PRESIDENTS - South America (SAM)
SAM/North – Cpt Oscar Ugarte-Salinas, Peru
SAM/South – Cpt Sebastian Olivera-Jimenez, Argentina
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 Arthur Haakonsen, Norway
Security (SEC) – F/O Jeroen Kruse, Netherlands
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
Jay Wells, United States
OUTGOING EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS
President – Cpt Amornvaj (Ben) Mansumitchai, Thailand
EVP AMF – Cpt Wouter Houben, Netherlands
OUTGOING REGIONAL VICE-PRESIDENTS
RVP SAM South - Cpt Marcelo Ceriotti, Brazil
OUTGOING STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
HUPER - Cpt Tanja Harter, Germany
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Media Contact: Emily Bitting, Senior Communications Manager, [email protected]
Note to Editors:
The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations represents more than 145,000 pilots in 75 countries. The mission of IFALPA is to promote the highest level of aviation safety worldwide and to be the global advocate of the piloting profession, providing representation, services, and support to both our members and the aviation industry.
©2025 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.