The chief executive of Hong Kong based airline Cathay Pacific, Tony Tyler, has been nominated to take over the leadership of the International Air Transport Association next July, IATA said on Friday.

The airline association said in a statement that its board of governors would recommend Tyler's appointment to replace current IATA director general and chief executive, Giovanni Bisignani, when he retires.

"Tony's leadership of Cathay Pacific through challenging times prepares him well for the job. His knowledge of Asia will help IATA take advantage of opportunities in the industry's largest market," said David Bronczek, chairman of the IATA Board of Governors.

IATA's annual general meeting in June 2011 in Cairo will consider Tyler's nomination before he is scheduled to take up his new duties on July 1.

Tyler paid tribute to Bisignani's achievements, including the introduction of electronic ticketing for passenger travel and IATA's programme to tackle climate change and cut the airline industry's emissions.

"We constantly have to adapt to changing market conditions, new business models, different traffic patterns and frequent crises," the 55 year-old said.

"I am fully prepared to lead future changes to help all participants in this great industry be even more successful," he added.

IATA represents some 230 carriers that account for more than 90 percent of scheduled air traffic globally but does not include many of the big budget airlines.