IATA AGM June 5, 2023: News Coverage
The IATA Annual General Meeting Starts in Istanbul
June 5th 2023
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the start of the 79th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit, in Istanbul, Türkiye, with Pegasus Airlines as the host airline. Read More » The event (4-6 June) attracts the industry’s most senior leaders from among IATA’s more than 300 member airlines, as well as senior government officials, strategic partners, equipment suppliers, and media, among many leaders from Asia reconnecting at the event for the first time after the pandemic. “Connecting the world even as geopolitical divides deepen is a vital mission that requires profitable, safe, efficient, and sustainable airlines,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
Asia is Recovering Strong but Challenges Remain
The April data show the strong path of recovery for Asia-Pacific carriers, boosted by the opening of the Chinese market, says International Air Transport Association (IATA). The domestic traffic in the region reach 102% of the pre-pandemic level, and international traffic reached 66% of the 2019 level. Asia is leading in forward booking with 124% growth compared to April 2022. At the same time the connectivity at 62% of 2019 levels is the big challenge on the way to the recovery and remains the field the carriers need to improve, said Philip Goh, IATA’s Regional VP, Asia-Pacific. In different markets the actions might include addressing the supply chain issue, allowing for restoring the capacity grounded during the pandemic or addressing the workforce shortage in the groups such as pilots, cabin crews, or ground handling staff. “Numbers of the recovery in Asia look good, but they do not reflect the reality”, said Dr. Xie Xingquan, IATA’s VP, North Asia during the media briefing at IATA AGM, warning the airports in Asia-Pacific cannot deal with the fast pace of the recovery in passenger traffic.
Digitalization is essential to facilitate massive growth in Asia
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on governments in Asia to accelerate the efforts to create the “One ID” digital solution. The rapid growth of passengers in the region means that airport infrastructure may reach the limit of capacity if new digital solutions are not introduced. “The traffic in Asia could double in 20 years. Moving away from paper is crucial to support the growth that will be massive” said Philip Goh, IATA’s Regional VP, Asia-Pacific.
