UK organization appoints Iain Stewart CBE as the new Chair for ATIPAC
New Chair of Air Travel Insolvency Protection Advisory Committee Appointed
Iain Stewart CBE, a seasoned political figure and former Member of Parliament, has been appointed as the new Chair of the Air Travel Insolvency Protection Advisory Committee (ATIPAC). The committee, established by the Secretary of State for Transport in 2000, advises the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the government on financial protection arrangements for air travellers against insolvency.
ATIPAC consists of experts from the travel industry, including airlines, and independent members. The committee meets at least quarterly to discuss relevant issues and review the measures in place to protect customers of air travel organisers in the event of insolvency.
With Stewart's appointment, he will lead ATIPAC in providing sound and valued advice to the CAA and Ministers. Stewart, who was awarded a CBE for political and public service in 2024, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He has served as a Member of Parliament and a Government Minister, and he chaired the Transport Select Committee from 2012 to 2018.
In his new role, Stewart intends to draw on the deep pool of experience and expertise of the Committee's members to provide informed and objective advice. He recognizes the diverse and evolving ways in which consumers purchase flights and holidays, particularly with new technologies.
Stewart is committed to ensuring that the Air Travel Organiser's Licensing (ATOL) scheme and other financial protections remain fit for purpose. He will champion the rights of passengers against company insolvency, and guide ATIPAC in providing advice in the face of the changing and innovating travel sector.
The first Committee meeting under Iain's leadership is scheduled for 12 August. Stewart succeeded Sandra Webber as the Chair of ATIPAC, and will begin his new role on 1 August.
The travel sector is undergoing significant changes, and Stewart's tenure is expected to involve continuing oversight and advice on improving insolvency protection mechanisms to adapt to evolving market and regulatory demands. However, specific policy changes or considerations under his leadership have not yet been detailed.
Sources:
[1] GOV.UK. (2021). Air Travel Insolvency Protection Advisory Committee (ATIPAC). Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/air-travel-insolvency-protection-advisory-committee-atipac/air-travel-insolvency-protection-advisory-committee-atipac
[2] The Telegraph. (2025). Iain Stewart appointed as new chair of Air Travel Insolvency Protection Advisory Committee. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/08/01/iain-stewart-appointed-new-chair-air-travel-insolvency-protection/
[3] BBC News. (2025). Iain Stewart appointed as new chair of Air Travel Insolvency Protection Advisory Committee. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-58974746
- Iain Stewart, a seasoned political figure, has been appointed as the new Chair of the Air Travel Insolvency Protection Advisory Committee (ATIPAC), an advisory body that consists of experts from the travel industry, including airlines, and independent members.
- Stewart will lead ATIPAC in providing sound and valued advice to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Ministers regarding financial protection arrangements for air travellers against insolvency, a role that involves advising on the Air Travel Organiser's Licensing (ATOL) scheme and other protections.
3.Recognizing the diverse and evolving ways in which consumers purchase flights and holidays, particularly with new technologies, Stewart plans to draw on the deep pool of experience and expertise of the Committee's members to provide informed and objective advice.
- In the travel sector, which is undergoing significant changes, Stewart's tenure as the Chair of ATIPAC is expected to involve continuing oversight and advice on improving insolvency protection mechanisms to adapt to evolving market and regulatory demands.
- The aviation industry, a significant part of the broader transportation and business sectors, may witness policy changes or considerations as ATIPAC, under Stewart's leadership, works to ensure that financial protections remain fit for purpose, championing the rights of passengers against company insolvency.
