The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has appointed Juan Carlos Salazar of Colombia as the new Secretary-General of the organization for a three-year term, beginning 1 August 2021.

In a statement, the 36-state governing body said Salazar succeeds Dr. Fang Liu of China, who has held the position for two consecutive terms since 2015.

"Salazar was appointed based on his extensive professional experience in the administration of complex organizations at the national, regional and international levels," the ICAO Council said.

"He is also an expert in aviation law and standards with more than 26 years of experience in international negotiations in the fields of aviation, management, and public policy."

Since January 2018, Salazar has been serving as Director-General of Civil Aviation of Colombia at Aerocivil, a complex civil aviation organization with more than 3,100 employees and 12 trade unions.

He is also in charge of a network of 72 public airports and of the sole air navigation service provider in a country that serves as a key hub for air routes in Latin America.

Salazar — who speaks fluent Spanish, English, French and Arab — also served as Chief Executive Officer of the Colombian Civil Aviation Organisation and as Senior Advisor to the Civil Aviation Authority of the United Arab Emirates.