ABTA is delighted to welcome back Willie Walsh, chief executive of International Airlines Group, to talk at The Travel Convention in Palma, one year on from his presentation at the Malta Convention. Mr Walsh will talk about the proposed increase in Air Passenger Duty (APD); the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS); airport capacity; how the industry is going to overcome the public and government’s concerns around the environmental impact of aviation and if, and how, IAG is going to change the game for aviation.

Willie Walsh became chief executive of International Airlines Group (IAG) in January 2011, joining from British Airways where he was chief executive. IAG is the parent company of British Airways and Iberia and one of the world’s largest airline groups, with more than 400 aircraft flying to 200 destinations, and carrying more than 55 million passengers each year.

Mark Tanzer ABTA Chief Executive said: “Last year Willie Walsh was one of the star turns in Malta. His insights on key issues that affect the entire industry will once more make for essential listening. He has now taken on a new major role and it will be fascinating to hear how he intends to address the challenge and opportunities offered by the merger of BA and Iberia.”