MONTREAL — Marc-Philippe Lumpé has been named Chief Airline Operations Officer for Transat.

The airline industry veteran will take over from Jean-François Lemay, who will work alongside Lumpé during a transition period.  Lumpé, currently based in London, is scheduled to assume his new duties in Canada on June 1, subject to receiving his work permit in Canada.

Lumpé’s 20+ years of experience includes management positions with Virgin Atlantic Airways, Qatar Airways, Air Berlin and Thomas Cook Airlines. He was a pilot for Lufthansa and holding several posts in the German armed forces, and is now a reserve lieutenant colonel.

“I am very excited to be joining an airline that is known among its Canadian and international customers for its operational efficiency and friendly service,” says Lumpé. “As part of Transat’s senior management team, I will put my energy and skills to work on an ambitious strategic plan to further develop everything that makes Air Transat the world’s best leisure airline and to ensure its long-term success.”

Transat President and CEO Annick Guérard says the company is  delighted to welcome Lumpé to the Transat team: “His extensive experience in aviation, particularly in the areas of operations, quality, maintenance, procurement and IT, as well as his managerial skills, both strategic and operational, are undeniable assets for the long-term recovery and development of our aviation activities.”

Guérard also thanked Lemay for his hard work and leadership. “I want to express my sincere thanks to Jean-François for the many years he has devoted to Transat, and in particular his nearly 10 years leading Air Transat,” she said. “As a pillar of the excellent relationship we have with our unionized staff, Jean-François has demonstrated an unwavering commitment and has led key initiatives for the airline which are laying solid foundations for the future, including the reduction of air costs and transformation of the fleet.”