81st IATA AGM to Take Place in New Delhi: A Milestone for Global Aviation, ET TravelWorld
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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is set to host its 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the World Air Transport Summit (WATS) in New Delhi from 1–3 June 2025. This marks the return of the IATA AGM to India after more than four decades, last having taken place in the country in 1983. IndiGo will serve as the host airline.The high-profile gathering is expected to draw over 1,700 participants from across the globe, including airline CEOs, industry leaders, government representatives and members of the media. India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is expected to deliver the keynote address.'We are excited to bring the IATA AGM to India after a 42-year gap,' said Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA. 'India's place in global aviation has changed dramatically, particularly over the last decade. The AGM will allow aviation leaders and journalists from around the world to witness first-hand how India's rapidly modernising and expanding aviation sector is contributing to the country's overall economic and social development.'India's aviation sector supports over 369,000 direct jobs and contributes $5.6 billion in GDP. When combined with indirect, induced, and tourism-related contributions, this figure rises to 7.7 million jobs and $53.6 billion, or 1.5% of the national GDP.IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers , also Chair of the IATA Board of Governors, added, 'India's aviation market is rapidly thriving while significantly contributing to the country's socio-economic growth and IndiGo is at the forefront of this upward trajectory.'The World Air Transport Summit, which will immediately follow the AGM, is set to feature panel discussions on financing net-zero aviation , energy security, and India's aviation-led development strategy. Key speakers include Pieter Elbers (IndiGo), Joanna Geraghty (JetBlue), Adrian Neuhauser (Abra Group), and Richard Smith (FedEx). CNN's Richard Quest will moderate the flagship CEO panel.
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