Aviation has always been a resilient industry. With the pandemic firmly behind us, demand is strong and growing for both passenger and cargo.
Airlines have taken the necessary steps to ensure a hassle-free travel experience for passengers and an uninterrupted transportation chain for cargo. However, urgent progress is needed across the value chain. Supply chain issues must be resolved, including for aircraft, engines and spare parts, with airports and air traffic management needing to be fully staffed and operating at maximum efficiency.
There are challenges. Getting to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 is a huge undertaking—the burden of which must be shared across all industry partners. The current unstable geopolitical landscape brings issues of airspace restrictions, navigational interference, and changing visa requirements. And cash-strapped governments are evermore eager to slap taxes on aviation with little regard for their long-term impact.
These topics and more will fuel discussions, debates, and conversations at the upcoming 80th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) being held in Dubai 2-4 June 2024.
Thank you for being part of the IATA Strategic Partnerships Program. It now encompasses close to 450 partners from over 30 areas of involvement in aviation. I know that our members appreciate your partnership and derive great value from your participation.
I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible at the AGM where our members will, no doubt be eager to engage with you and your offerings.
Director General, IATA
