Istanbul Hosts the 79th IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit
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Salma Hossein
- . June 6, 2023
- . Update: June 6, 2023 8:31 pm
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that Istanbul, Turkey, is hosting the 79th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit. Pegasus Airlines has been chosen as the host airline for this prestigious event, which brings together leaders from the global aviation industry. The AGM serves as a platform for industry leaders, government officials, strategic partners, equipment suppliers, and media representatives to discuss crucial matters concerning the aviation sector.
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The Importance of the AGM
The AGM, scheduled from June 4 to June 6, 2023, is a gathering of IATA’s more than 300 member airlines and serves as a crucial forum for reviewing the aviation industry’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The attendees will strategize ways to build a sustainable future, explore the potential of technology in enhancing efficiency and customer experience, and address common regulatory challenges. The AGM aims to set the course for enhancing global connectivity and promoting profitable, safe, efficient, and sustainable airlines.
Words from IATA’s Director General
Willie Walsh, the Director General of IATA, emphasizes the significance of the event by stating that Istanbul will become the aviation capital of the world during this period. He highlights the importance of aviation in connecting the world, especially during times of geopolitical divisions. Walsh underlines that the outcomes of the AGM should steer the aviation industry towards more effective global connectivity.
The Role of Pegasus Airlines and Chairperson’s Perspective
Mehmet T. Nane, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Pegasus Airlines and Chair of the IATA Board of Governors, expresses pride in hosting industry partners in Istanbul. Nane looks forward to welcoming participants to the IATA AGM, especially as Pegasus Airlines approaches its 100th aircraft milestone on the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey later in the year. He acknowledges how the aviation industry united to support the people of Turkey after the devastating earthquake in February. Nane highlights that the AGM will address crucial topics such as achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050, enhancing diversity in the industry, operational recovery from the pandemic, and other important issues.
World Air Transport Summit Highlights
Following the AGM, the World Air Transport Summit will take place, featuring the highly anticipated CEO Insights Panel moderated by CNN’s Richard Quest. Esteemed industry leaders such as Greg Foran (CEO, Air New Zealand), Yvonne Manzi Makolo (CEO, Rwandair), John W. Dietrich (President and CEO, Atlas Air Worldwide), and Campbell Wilson (CEO and MD, Air India) will share their insights. The summit will cover various key topics, including challenges related to changing energy markets and shifting supply chains, aviation’s role in Turkey’s earthquake recovery, advances in sustainability, and lessons learned from operational challenges in 2022.
Diversity and Inclusion Awards
One of the highlights of the event will be the fourth edition of the Diversity and Inclusion Awards, sponsored by Qatar Airways. These awards aim to recognize organizations and individuals who are actively contributing to the industry’s 25by2025 initiative, which seeks to achieve greater gender balance in aviation.
Türkiye’s Growing Significance in Aviation
This is the second time Istanbul has hosted the IATA AGM, with the last one taking place in 2008. Türkiye has witnessed significant growth in its aviation sector and has become a global aviation powerhouse. Its airlines have been leading in regional and international connectivity, while the impressive new airport reflects the nation’s commitment to investing in aviation infrastructure. Türkiye has rebounded strongly from the pandemic shutdown, with a nearly 60% increase in travel to and from the country in 2022. It is currently the 7th largest international passenger market in the world.
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The 79th IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Istanbul mark a significant milestone for the global aviation industry. With leaders from airlines, government officials, strategic partners, and industry experts convening, the event serves as a platform for reviewing the industry’s recovery from the pandemic, addressing sustainability challenges, and enhancing global connectivity. Istanbul’s role as the aviation capital of the world for the duration of the event reflects Türkiye’s growing significance in the global aviation sector.
