The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that the 80th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from June 2-4, 2024. This marks the first time the UAE will host this prestigious event, with Emirates Airline serving as the host. 

Over 1,500 participants, including industry leaders, government officials, and media representatives, are expected to attend. H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, will deliver the opening keynote speech.

“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 Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. 

Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, emphasized the significance of the event for Dubai: “This city has forged its place in global aviation and prospered, thanks to its visionary leaders and progressive policies. Last year, aviation contributed 27% to Dubai’s GDP and supported $37 billion in gross value added.”

The World Air Transport Summit, which follows the AGM, will address critical issues in aviation. “The commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 will top the agenda,” said Walsh. Discussions will focus on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), carbon removals, safety, and financial sustainability.

A highlight of the summit 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). Key topics will include the challenges facing the airline industry, the potential for AI in aviation, advancing sustainability, collaboration between aviation and tourism, and the prospects for air cargo.

The fifth edition of the IATA Diversity and Inclusion Awards will also be presented, recognizing contributions to improving gender balance in aviation as part of the 25by2025 initiative.

Global connectivity, a central theme of the program, underscores aviation’s role in supporting the travel and tourism value chain, which accounts for about 10% of global economic activity. In Dubai, aviation’s contribution to GDP is projected to rise from $37 billion in 2023 to $53 billion by 2030. Additionally, aviation is crucial in achieving 15 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

This event promises to be a pivotal gathering for the airline industry, reflecting on its impact and future directions.