The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that Xiamen Airlines will host the 83rd IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) in Xiamen, China, from 30 May to 1 June 2027. This marks the third time China will host the prestigious event, following previous gatherings in Shanghai in 2002 and Beijing in 2012.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, expressed enthusiasm about the event being held in China, highlighting the country's significant role in the aviation industry. "China’s airlines are among the top airlines by passenger traffic in the world," Walsh stated, noting the country's leadership in technology and digitalisation to enhance efficiency.
Zhao Dong, Chairman of Xiamen Airlines, shared pride in hosting the AGM, emphasising Xiamen's historical significance as a port and commercial hub. "China is a vast and culturally diverse country, with many dynamic cities and regions beyond its best-known gateways," he remarked.
The upcoming opening of Xiang'an International Airport later this year is set to bolster Xiamen's status as a transportation and business centre. Xie Bing, CEO and President of Xiamen Airlines, highlighted the city's unique appeal, saying, "AGM guests can look forward to discovering the rich culture, warm hospitality, coastal beauty, and a relaxed lifestyle that create the distinctive spirit and vitality of Xiamen."
The decision to host the AGM in Xiamen was made during the 82nd IATA AGM in Rio de Janeiro, underscoring China's growing influence in the global aviation sector
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