The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the 2025 World Air Transport Summit (WATS have been slated for 1st to 3rd June in New Delhi, India.
This event will bring in leaders of the global aviation industry, and India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, is expected to deliver a keynote address to delegates.
Likewise, IndiGo is the host airline for the upcoming AGM which was last held in India in 1983.
It is estimated that up to 1,700 participants will be in attendance, including industry leaders, government officials and media.
Back to India
IATA director-general Willie Walsh expressed delight at bringing the AGM back to India after more than four decades, citing the significant role played by the country in the global aviation sector.
Walsh said: “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. The AGM will allow aviation leaders and journalists from around the world to witness first-hand how India’s rapidly modernizing and expanding aviation sector is contributing to the country’s overall economic and social development.”
At present, the Indian aviation industry directly employs 369,700 people, generating $5.6 billion of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
When indirect, induced, and tourism impacts are included, the totals rise to 7.7 million jobs and $53.6 billion of the GDP.
IndiGo chief executive and chair of the IATA Board of Governors Pieter Elbers went so far as to say that this is India’s time.
As Elbers puts it: “Aviation is a powerful force for good worldwide, and that is particularly evident in India. 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. 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.”
What’s on for WATS 2025?
WATS, which follows immediately after the AGM, will address key issues facing the aviation industry.
Walsh said: “The AGM is always a moment for the industry to reflect and regroup in the face of enormous economic, geopolitical and technological forces ahead. I’m confident this gathering will deliver value to our stakeholders and strengthen our commitment to progress and collaboration.”
The popular CEO Panel moderated by CNN’s Richard Quest will feature:
- Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo
- Joanna Geraghty, CEO, JetBlue
- Adrian Neuhauser, CEO, Abra Group
- Richard Smith, COO International, and CEO Airline, FedEx
Key topics to be addressed at 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 programme will be the sixth edition of the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards.
These awards recognize individuals and organizations who are advancing gender balance in the industry through the 25by2025 initiative.
