The International Air Transport Association (Iata) yesterday opened its 72nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit in Dublin, Ireland.

“Ireland is a great aviation country and the perfect location for the industry’s leaders to meet. Aviation is a force for good. This year, airlines will safely transport 3.8 billion passengers and 52 million tonnes of cargo. That will stimulate economies and spread prosperity. But aviation faces challenges in providing the safe, secure, efficient and sustainable connectivity that the world depends on. The next two days are an opportunity to work together as an industry to make flying even better,” said Tony Tyler, Iata’s director general and CEO.

The 72nd Annual General Meeting will feature a keynote address by Shane Ross TD, Ireland’s Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport followed by Dr Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, president of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The World Air Transport Summit will feature discussions on the top items impacting airlines including cyber security and sustainability.

The first order of business was to elect Aer Lingus CEO Stephen Kavanagh president of the AGM.

“It is a pleasure to welcome the world’s airline leaders to Dublin. Ireland has for many years played an important role in the development of the global airline industry through the innovation of its businesses and people. Today we are home to a strong airline sector, a growing North Atlantic gateway, a vibrant leasing industry and thriving activities in aerospace. We see the impact of this success in our economy where aviation and tourism support over 220,000 jobs and $10.5 billion in GDP,” said Kavanagh.

This is the second time the Iata AGM is being held in Ireland — the first being in 1962. The meeting of the world’s aviation leaders is being hosted by Aer Lingus, drawing some 1,000 participants to Dublin. The invitation-only event, which is taking place at the The Royal Dublin Society (RDS), will run till June 3. - TradeArabia News Service