Why in News?

The International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) 81st Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit is being held in India from 1st to 3rd June, marking the country's first hosting of the event in 42 years.

The summit will address major industry issues such as airline economics, air connectivity, energy security, sustainable aviation fuel, decarbonisation financing, and innovation.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• International Air Transport Association (IATA) 
• Key Highlights of the PM Modi’s speech at the Summit

International Air Transport Association (IATA) 

• IATA is a global trade association of the world’s airlines. It represents, leads, and serves the airline industry, aiming to ensure safe, secure, efficient, and economical air transport.
• It represents 82% of global air traffic.
• It is headquartered at Montreal, Canada.
• Origin & members
  • IATA was founded in Havana, Cuba, on 19 April 1945. 
    • It is the successor to the International Air Traffic Association founded in the Hague in 1919 - the year of the world's first international scheduled services.
  • At its founding, IATA had 57 members from 31 nations, mostly in Europe and North America.
  • Today it has some 350 members from 120 nations in every part of the globe.
• Functions of IATA:
  • Industry Standards & Regulations: Develops global commercial and operational standards for airlines (e.g. ticketing, cargo handling).
  • Advocacy: Represents airline interests in global policy debates and with international organizations and governments.
  • Financial Systems: Manages global financial systems like BSP (Billing and Settlement Plan) and CASS (Cargo Accounts Settlement System) for efficient fund transfers.
  • Training & Certification: Provides training, certification, and operational guidance to improve safety and efficiency.
  • Sustainability: Supports the transition to net-zero emissions and promotes Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF).
  • Data & Research: Publishes reports and forecasts on industry trends, economics, safety, and performance.

Key Highlights of the PM Modi’s speech at the Summit

• PM Modi welcomed global aviation leaders, noting the return of the IATA AGM to India after 42 years.
• Highlighted India’s transformation into a more confident nation with global relevance in aviation, space convergence, and inclusive development.
• Three Pillars of India's Aviation Growth
  • Vast Market – Driven by an aspirational society.
  • Talent Pool – Youth excelling in AI, robotics, and clean energy.
  • Supportive Policies – Enabling industry-wide growth and innovation.
• Milestones in Indian Aviation
  • India is now the 3rd largest domestic aviation market.
  • Under the UDAN scheme, over 1.5 crore passengers have availed affordable air travel.
  • Annual passenger traffic has reached 240 million, projected to touch 500 million by 2030.
  • Air cargo stands at 3.5 million metric tons, to grow to 10 million by decade's end.
• Infrastructure & Fleet Expansion
  • Airports increased from 74 (2014) to 162.
  • Indian carriers have ordered 2,000+ new aircraft.
  • Airports can now handle 500 million passengers annually.
• Technology & Sustainability
  • Emphasis on green mobility and sustainable aviation fuels.
  • Showcased Digi Yatra as a paperless, digital travel model using facial recognition, setting global standards.
  • India is investing in green technologies to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint.
• Legislative & Industrial Reforms
  • Announced the Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill aligning India with the Cape Town Convention.
  • Gift City incentives and tax reforms have made India attractive for aircraft leasing.
  • The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, which replaces the Aircraft Act of 1934, brings Indian aviation laws in line with global best practices.
• Boost to Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) Sector
  • India aims to build a $4 billion MRO hub by 2030.
  • MRO facilities grew from 96 (2014) to 154.
  • 100% FDI, GST reductions, and tax simplification boosted the sector.
• Inclusive & Gender-Responsive Aviation Growth
  • Over 15% of pilots in India are women—three times the global average.
  • 86% of cabin crew and growing numbers of women engineers outpace global trends.
  • Drones empower women in agriculture, logistics, and services.
• Safety, Global Cooperation & Open Skies
  • India aligned aviation regulations with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
  • ICAO audit and Delhi Declaration highlight India’s safety and global commitment.
  • Reaffirmed commitment to Open Skies and Chicago Convention for global connectivity.