Canadian carrier Air Transat has appointed Sonia Kurek as its new commercial director of UK, Ireland and general sales agent (GSA) markets.
Kurek is to lead the airline’s global team to develop its commercial strategy, including all sales and marketing activity across every distribution channel.
She will lead revenue responsibility in markets across Europe and the Americas, including the UK, Ireland, Portugal, Italy, Croatia, Spain, Greece, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Haiti.
Kurek joins Air Transat from British Airways, where she started in 2004 as a corporate account manager looking after corporates and TMCs moving up to sales manager – specialists markets, where she managed groups, MICE, retail and OTA, cruise, sports, students, tour operators and specialist agents.
Prior to British Airways, Kurek spent four years at travel agency Trailfinders and nine years at Australian airline Qantas as key account manager, managing the airline’s top leisure accounts and developing new business and channels.
Xavier Szwengler, vice president marketing and international sales at Air Transat, said: “I am so pleased to welcome Sonia as our new commercial director of UK, Ireland and GSA markets.
“Her proven track record in delivering strong, considered and cohesive airline commercial strategies makes her the perfect addition to the Air Transat team. I am confident her wealth of passion and expertise will ensure we continue to advance our presence in the UK, Ireland and the world”.
Air Transat recently announced a new weekly route between Gatwick and Quebec City’s Jean-Lesage Airport, which will commence in May 2022 and is one of four new 2022 routes added this year.
Kurek said: “I am delighted to be joining Air Transat at such an exciting time for the company. I have always been passionate about building strong commercial teams to drive revenue and achieve targets, whilst building on strong relationships within the industry.
“I am looking forward to utilising my 20 years’ experience in the industry to drive Air Transat’s global growth.”