Former British Airways boss and current Iata director general Willie Walsh has been confirmed as keynote speaker at the annual Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association dinner.
The event is to be held at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow on February 23, 2023.
Walsh took on the role at the airline trade body in 2021, following a career which has seen him at the forefront of the aviation sector starting as a pilot in 1979, with roles as chief executive of IAG, British Airways and Aer Lingus.
The audience can expect forthright views on a range of topics including the role of environmental taxes in sustainable aviation, the SPAA said.
Ruth Davidson – Baroness Davidson of Lundin Links – former leader of the Scottish Conservatives and currently a Times Radio presenter, will also speak at the dinner.
SPAA president Mike Tibbert said: “It’s an honour to have speakers of the calibre of Willie Walsh and Ruth Davidson at our annual dinner in February.
“Although the aviation-centred economy is recovering to pre-pandemic levels, and Scottish travel agency bookings for 2023 look very healthy, there are still challenges which face the sector in the short-, medium- and long-term including staff shortages, strikes and sustainability.
“We look forward to hearing our speakers’ takes on these topics in our ninth decade of running this annual industry dinner for our members.”