Transat A.T. Inc. has announced the appointment of Marc-Philippe Lumpé to head its airline operations, replacing Jean-Francois Lemay, who has led Air Transat since 2013. As Chief Airline Operations Officer, Lumpe will start at Transat, June 1, subject to receiving a work permit in Canada.
Lumpé is currently based in London as Director, Turnaround & Restructuring, Aerospace & Defence for AlixPartners, a global business consulting firm. He has over 20 years of professional experience in the aviation industry and has held various management positions, including with Virgin Atlantic Airways, Qatar Airways, Air Berlin and Thomas Cook Airlines, after serving as a pilot for Lufthansa and holding several posts in the German armed forces, where he now holds the rank of reserve lieutenant colonel
Lumpe has a PhD in business administration from Cranfield University in the United Kingdom, as well as a master’s degree in economics and an MBA from the University of Hagen in Germany.
“We are delighted to welcome Marc-Philippe to the Transat team,” said Transat President and CEO Annick Guérard. “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 added, “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. 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.”
Lumpé said he is, “very excited to be joining an airline that is known among its Canadian and international customers for its operational efficiency and friendly service. 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.”
Lumpé is fluent in French, English, German and Spanish.