The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that the theme for the 2024 World Safety and Operations Conference (WSOC) will be “Embracing Innovation and Technology for Safe and Efficient Operations.” The event will take place from October 1-3, 2024, in Marrakech, Morocco, hosted by Royal Air Maroc.
This year’s WSOC takes place at a time when the aviation industry faces numerous operational challenges, including regional conflicts, cyber security threats, and extreme weather events. To address these complexities, the conference will focus on the potential of technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), to improve safety and efficiency.
“Airlines face common challenges with an operating environment that is growing more complex,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “At the same time, technological advances, including AI, are offering ever greater potential in support of safe and efficient operations. WSOC 2024 is the forum for industry leaders and experts to share knowledge and experience to make the industry even more resilient and robust in the face of emerging challenges.”
Abdelhamid ADDOU, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Royal Air Maroc, emphasized the importance of hosting WSOC for the airline. “Safety is aviation’s highest priority and the cornerstone of every airline’s operation. For Royal Air Maroc, hosting WSOC is an opportunity to contribute to strengthening the industry’s performance while redoubling our own efforts. This is in particularly sharp focus at Royal Air Maroc as we embark on a major expansion to become a 200-aircraft airline by 2037. This growth will bring economic and social benefits across Morocco and Africa and contribute to the region’s preparations for the 2030 FIFA Football World Cup,” he said. Mr. ADDOU will be giving a keynote speech at the event and participating in the opening plenary panel.
The conference will feature four session tracks dedicated to Safety, Cabin Operations, Flight Operations, and Crisis Management. These sessions will delve into topics such as:
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Safety:
Exploring emerging safety threats and innovative solutions for mitigating risks.*
Cabin Operations:
Enhancing passenger safety and comfort through advanced cabin technologies and procedures.*
Flight Operations:
Optimizing flight operations through technological advancements in navigation, communication, and automation.*
Crisis Management:
Developing effective strategies for responding to and mitigating operational disruptions and emergencies.Alongside the main sessions, a series of workshops will offer in-depth discussions and practical training on various aspects of aviation safety and operations.
The WSOC 2024 promises to be a crucial platform for fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, ultimately contributing to a safer and more efficient global aviation industry.