- Introduction
- Early Days
- Growth and Development
- A Two Tier IATA
- From a New Trade Association to a New Strategic Thrust
- Ensuring the viability of air transport for the new century and millenium
While the 20th century saw the creation and formidable ascension of the air transport industry, the beginning of the 21st century is a time of challenge for the viability of aviation, and a time of major changes.
The terrible events of 9/11 showed the economical fragility of a number of major airlines.
The fast increase in jet-fuel prices and additional taxes put an additional burden on airlines.
This made IATA’s role as a trade association more crucial as ever. IATA’s Director & CEO since 2002, Giovanni Bisignani, completely restructured the association to increase its relevance and speed in driving a broad agenda for industry change.
Since 2002 IATA has spearheaded an industry agenda to enhance safety and improve efficiency.
Two major IATA initiatives were launched, re-shaping important parts of the industry:
- The IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), the first global standard for airline operational safety management.
- The Simplifying the Business programme, using technology to improve customer convenience while reducing costs in five focus areas: E-ticketing (by end 2007, there should be no more paper tickets), Bar Coded Boarding Passes (BCBP), E-freight, Common Use Self-Service (CUSS) and Radio Frequency ID (RFID).
Giovanni Bisignani has also strengthened IATA’s position as the voice of the industry, with firm advocacy and lobbying to focus governments on the long-term issues for the viability of aviation including liberalisation, environment and taxation.
IATA's role remains central to ensure that air transport stays one of the most dynamic industries. The market for air transport has changed beyond recognition during the history of the modern IATA. The industry continues to change and IATA is leading it to meet the new needs.
However, one thing has not changed - the necessity to provide service. IATA helps the airlines to achieve this objective as they meet the demands of the 21st century. The airlines have created a modern, interdependent world over the past 60 years. IATA is working to ensure that the world's most exciting industry meets its greatest possible potential.