INTERNATIONAL AIR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: India will host the world’s most premier aviation event, the annual general meeting (AGM) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), next year, after a gap of 42 years.

International Air Transport Association (IATA)

• About: It is the trade association for the world’s airlines, representing some 330 airlines over 80% of total air traffic.
• Established in: 1945 by a consortium of airlines to serve as an international trade body.
• Headquarters: Montreal, Canada, serving as a central hub for its global operations.
• Mission: To advocate for, guide, and support the airline industry in various capacities.
• Membership and Representation: Currently, IATA's membership encompasses around 300 airlines, accounting for 94% of global international scheduled air traffic.
• The organization includes prominent passenger and cargo airlines from around the world within its membership.
• Significance: IATA plays a pivotal role in supporting different facets of aviation activities, including policy formulation and addressing environmental concerns within the industry.