Airlines UK appoints Lord McLoughlin as new Chairman

July 23rd, 2021

The Executive Committee of Airlines UK has today announced the appointment of Lord McLoughlin CH as its new Chairman.

 

Lord McLoughlin, who has had an extensive career at the top of UK politics for more than 30 years, will take up the position on 1 August, replacing Jane Middleton, who has completed her second 3-year term.

 

Patrick McLoughlin was the Member of Parliament for Derbyshire Dales between 1986 and 2019. His experience in Government included two years as Government Chief Whip from 2010-2012, four years as Secretary of State for Transport between 2012 and 2016, and two years as Chairman of the Conservative Party and Chancellor to the Duchy of Lancaster from 2016 to 2018. During the Thatcher and Major Governments, he was Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State with responsibility for aviation between 1989 and 1992.

 

In September 2020, Lord McLoughlin took his seat in the House of Lords.

 

Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, said:

 

“We are thrilled that following an extensive recruitment process we have secured the services of Patrick as Chairman of Airlines UK. He brings with him unrivalled experience of Government and the political process, and a real passion for and understanding of aviation gained through his period as a Minister and Secretary of State. During these unprecedented times, his knowledge, and the respect in which he is held will stand the Association in good stead, as we look to emerge out of the pandemic, and myself and the Executive team are looking forward to working with him.

 

“It has been a real pleasure to work alongside Jane these past six years, who has provided excellent leadership and support to me and the team, and has had a hugely positive impact on the development of the association. Her love for aviation is infectious and she will no doubt go on to achieve many more great things in the sector over the coming years.”

 

Lord McLoughlin said:

 

“I am delighted to be taking up this role at such a critical time for the industry. Aviation has always been an area of interest for me – even outside my formal duties at the Department for Transport – and I believe strongly that despite the past 16 months the UK airlines’ sector has a strong future ahead of it, if we can work collaboratively with Ministers on providing the support – economic and otherwise – that it needs to prepare for the coming challenges. 

 

“We need to realise what we have in this country – the most dynamic, competitive and consumer-friendly aviation sector in the world but this shouldn’t be taken for granted and needs nurturing. There is much that we can achieve if we work together in the spirit of partnership. 

 

“I pay tribute to Jane’s outstanding leadership these past 6 years, which has seen so much change in a short space of time, and look forward to building on her legacy.”

 

Jane Middleton said:

 

“It has been an honour to Chair Airlines UK for the past six years, during which time the organisation and wider aviation industry has changed almost beyond recognition. Working closely with our world-class airlines has allowed me to see up close what a force for good aviation really is and how proud we should be as a country to have such a competitive and thriving industry, be it passenger or cargo, domestic or international. 

 

“Never has the work of an industry body been more important than it is now and I am delighted to pass the baton to Patrick who I know that, along with Tim and the Executive team, will continue to take the organisation from strength to strength as we build back stronger, greener and better from the pandemic.”