CAA appoints ex-MP Iain Stewart as chair of Atipac

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has appointed former Conservative MP Iain Stewart as the new chair of the Air Travel Insolvency Protection Advisory Committee (Atipac).

Atipac advises the CAA and the government on the financial protection of air travellers against insolvency.

Stewart, a former chair of the House of Commons transport committee, succeeds Sandra Webber, who was in post for seven years.

He said: “Ensuring that the Atol scheme and other financial protections remain fit for purpose is vital for confidence in the sector.

“The ways in which consumers purchase their flights and holidays is diverse and constantly evolving, especially with new technologies.

“I look forward to drawing on the deep pool of experience and expertise of the committee’s members and providing sound and valued advice to the CAA and ministers.”

Atipac is formed of experts from the travel industry, including airlines, as well as several independent members.

The CAA said: “With Atol reform under consideration and the sector experiencing considerable changes and innovations, in his role as chair Iain will lead the committee to provide informed and objective advice on this vital area of consumer protection.”

Stewart, who represented Milton Keynes South from 2010 - 2024, was a member of the Commons transport committee from 2010 - 2013 and from 2015 - 2018, performing the role of chair from November 2022 - May 2024.

He currently holds two advisory roles, as an independent member of Transport Scotland’s audit and risk committee and as advisor and secretary for Stansted airport consultative committee.

He was awarded a CBE for political and public service in 2024.

He took up his Atipac position on August 1, ahead of the next committee meeting on August 12.