Brian Pearce to retire from IATA

IATA’s chief economist Brian Pearce planning to retire from the association in July this year, after having served at the company since 2004.

During his time at IATA, Pearce — who also serves on the IATA’s strategic leadership team — has built IATA’s evidence-based economic analysis capabilities into “the most authoritative source of insight on aviation’s global performance”.

Pearce is also a visiting professor at Cranfield University’s Department of Air Transport and has been on panels of expert advisers for the UK Airports Commission, the UK Department for Transport and the ICAO.

Prior to IATA, his roles included director of the Centre for Sustainable Investment at the Forum for the Future, head of global economic research at the investment bank SBC Warburg in Tokyo and then London, and chief economist at Ernst & Young’s economic forecasting consultancy.

Pearce told Air Cargo News: “Firstly, with the Covid-19 crisis there is a lot to do between now and the time that I leave in July, so I am not disappearing just yet. But as this exciting and rewarding time with IATA comes to an end, I look forward to continuing my involvement with the industry in one form or another.”

Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and chief executive, commented: “Pearce has been an amazing asset for IATA and for the entire industry.

“His team’s research and analysis have been powerful tools impacting how governments develop policies to realise the economic and social benefits of a successful aviation sector. And he has become the go-to commentator on economic developments in air transport.

“Most notably is his personal contribution to promoting the airline sector’s progressive economic liberalisation, achieving an historic agreement to manage aviation’s climate change impact, and helping the world understand the devastating impact of the COVID-19 crisis on aviation.

“Pearce will leave IATA having set a very high bar for its trusted economic analysis. We wish him the best for a well-deserved retirement that will no doubt include endeavors that keep him close to aviation developments.” 

IATA said it currently recruiting for a successor to Pearce, to ensure a “smooth transition”.