The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that leaders of the global aviation industry will be in New Delhi for the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) which kicks off in the Indian capital tomorrow (June 1).
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to deliver a keynote address to delegates at the three-day event.
IndiGo is the host airline of the event, which was last held in India in 1983. Some 1,700 participants are registered to attend, including industry leaders, government officials and media.
"We are excited to bring the IATA AGM to India after a 42-year gap. India’s place in global aviation has changed dramatically, particularly over the last decade. The country has seen record aircraft orders, impressive growth, and world class infrastructure developments," said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
"The AGM will allow aviation leaders and journalists from around the world to witness first-hand how India’s rapidly modernising and expanding aviation sector is contributing to the country’s overall economic and social development," he noted.
According to industry experts, India’s aviation sector directly employs 369,700 people and generates $5.6 billion of GDP.
When indirect, induced and tourism impacts are included, the totals rise to 7.7 million jobs and $53.6 billion of GDP (1.5%), they stated.
"As the host airline of the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting, IndiGo warmly welcomes the global airline community to India. Aviation is a powerful force for good worldwide, and that is particularly evident in India," said Pieter Elbers, the CEO of IndiGo and Chair of the IATA Board of Governors.
"India’s aviation market is rapidly thriving while significantly contributing to the country’s socio-economic growth and IndiGo is at the forefront of this upward trajectory," he stated.
"IndiGo is proud to invite the IATA AGM back to India, and we look forward to showcasing the exciting developments in this market and the warm hospitality of India, during this global mega-event. This is India’s time!," he added.
The World Air Transport Summit (WATS), which follows immediately after the AGM, will address key issues facing the aviation industry.
"The AGM is always a moment for the industry to reflect and regroup in the face of enormous economic, geopolitical and technological forces ahead," remarked Walsh.
"I am confident this gathering will deliver value to our stakeholders and strengthen our commitment to progress and collaboration," he added.
Besides Elbers, the popular CEO Panel moderated by CNN’s Richard Quest will feature: Joanna Geraghty, CEO, JetBlue; Adrian Neuhauser, CEO, Abra Group as well as Richard Smith, COO International, and CEO Airline, FedEx.
The key topics to be addressed in the WATS include:
•The financial outlook for the airline industry
•How India is strategically using aviation to drive development
•The relationship between energy security, renewable energy and Sustainable Aviation Fuel production
•Financing aviation net zero
•The cost of payment and potential innovations
•The view of the Chief Operations Officer
A key highlight of the program will be the sixth edition of the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards, said the organisers.
These awards recognize individuals and organizations who are advancing gender balance in the industry through the 25by2025 initiative, they added.-TradeArabia News Service
