The prestigious event will feature a comprehensive program addressing critical aviation issues, including the commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The event will also recognize contributions to improving gender balance in aviation through the 25by2025 initiative.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, emphasized Dubai’s strategic significance in global aviation, highlighting its world-leading connectivity and pivotal role in the industry. “Dubai’s world-leading connectivity places it at the crossroads of the planet. And it will soon be the center of the airline industry’s leadership as it hosts the 80th IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit,” said Walsh.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, expressed enthusiasm for hosting the event in Dubai, a city renowned for its visionary leadership and progressive policies. “We look forward to hosting our industry colleagues in Dubai, Emirates’ home and hub. This is a city that has forged its place in global aviation and prospered, thanks to its visionary leaders and progressive policies that recognize air transport’s role as a key economic enabler.”
The WATS, following the AGM, will feature a comprehensive program addressing critical aviation issues. The commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 will top the agenda, with a focus on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and carbon removals. Other key topics include safety, financial sustainability, and the potential of AI in aviation. A highlight of the event will be the CEO Insights Panel, moderated by CNN’s Richard Quest, featuring Vanessa Hudson (Qantas), Sir Tim Clark (Emirates), Scott Kirby (United Airlines), and Shai Weiss (Virgin Atlantic Airways). Discussions will cover the industry’s big-picture challenges, including changing energy markets, geopolitical complexities, and evolving supply chains.
The fifth edition of the IATA Diversity and Inclusion Awards will also take place, recognizing contributions to improving gender balance in aviation under the 25by2025 initiative. Global connectivity and its economic impact will underpin the entire program. Aviation directly employs 3 million people worldwide, supporting 320 million jobs and contributing about 10% to global economic activity. In Dubai, aviation contributed 27% to the GDP in 2023, supporting $37 billion in gross value added, projected to rise to $53 billion by 2030. Aviation’s role in achieving 15 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) will be a significant focus, reinforcing the sector’s importance in global economic and social development.
