The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced Qatar Airways as the host airline for the 70th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Transport Summit to be held in the Qatari capital Doha from June 1 – 3 next year.
The announcement was made today at the close of this year’s AGM in the South African city of Cape Town.
Over 700 aviation leaders drawn from airlines, aircraft manufacturers, engine manufacturers and airports have been in South Africa to discuss and debate key industry issues such as rising fuel prices, safety, environment and financial stability.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, who last year was voted onto the IATA Board of Governors, addressed the close of the Cape Town event after delegates were shown a glimpse of Qatar through a destination video.
“On behalf of Qatar Airways and my country the State of Qatar, bringing the IATA AGM to our capital city of Doha next year for the first time is a great honour,” he said.
“After a long 17-year gap, IATA is finally returning to the Middle East for their conference and I promise we won’t disappoint in their choice to bring this annual gathering of ours to my country. This is in recognition of the city and country fast emerging as a successful global aviation hub.”
IATA Director General and CEO Tony Tyler said: “Qatar will be a fantastic location for the 70th IATA AGM. It is at the heart of the fast-growing and dynamic Middle East region. The government understands the power of aviation to drive economic growth and development.
“And the country’s approach to aviation is a beacon for our industry. I am confident that its flagship airline Qatar Airways will host the world’s aviation community with the tremendous style and warm hospitality for which it has become famous.”
Qatar Airways has been an IATA member since 1997. In 2004, it became the first airline to join the registry of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and has to date secured the audit consistently with 100 per cent compliance.
Added Al Baker: “In my capacity as a relative newcomer on the IATA Board of Governors, it has been a pleasure working with IATA on addressing the ongoing challenges we collectively face as an industry. I will continue my commitment and dedication to support IATA members in the region and globally as Qatar Airways continues to grow in its role as a leading international airline of choice.
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