Latest news with #81stAnnualGeneralMeeting
NDTV
04-06-2025
- Business
- NDTV
IATA 2025: India Projects Major Growth In Air Travel And Cargo
New Delhi: India hosted the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) 81st Annual General Meeting at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. After a 42-year gap, the event returned to India with Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivering the keynote address and positioning the country as a rising global leader in aviation and space-tech. Speaking at the event, PM Modi said India is emerging as a global leader in aviation and space convergence. He added that India is the third-largest domestic aviation market, serving 240 million passengers annually, expected to reach 500 million by 2030. He credited the UDAN scheme for helping over 15 million, many first-time flyers, afford air travel. Operational airports have grown from 74 in 2014 to 162 today. Indian airlines have ordered 2,000+ new aircraft, and the MRO sector now has 154 facilities. He cited three growth pillars: a large, growing market; a skilled young workforce in AI, robotics, and clean energy; and strong policy support including tax reforms and 100 per cent FDI in aviation. The Prime Minister also stressed India's commitment to sustainable flying through green fuel research and innovations like Digi Yatra, a facial recognition travel system. He noted India's inclusive aviation sector, with women making up 15 per cent of pilots and 86 per cent of cabin crew, well above global averages. Highlights Of IATA 2025 Leadership Transition At IATA Luis Gallego, CEO of International Airlines Group, took over as Chair of the IATA Board from Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo. His one-year term started after the AGM. Financial Outlook And Industry Challenges IATA forecasts global airline profits of $36 billion in 2025, up from $32.4 billion in 2024 but below the earlier $36.6 billion estimate. Challenges include trade tensions, aircraft delivery delays, and supply chain issues. Industry revenues are expected to hit $979 billion, with expenses at $913 billion. Sustainability And Innovation Initiatives The aviation industry reaffirmed its goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. That said, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) will cover only 0.7 per cent of fuel needs in 2025, showing more efforts are needed. Enhanced Global Connectivity Air India and Air Mauritius expanded their codeshare partnership starting July 1, to improve travel links between India and Africa with better network integration. 2025 Diversity & Inclusion Award Winners IATA honoured Claudia Zapata-Cardone, Katherine Moloney, and Air Canada for their outstanding efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion in aviation. CFM RISE Program's Open Fan model One of the key highlights at IATA 2025 was CFM RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) program's Open Fan Model. Aimed at developing the next generation of aircraft engines, the CFM RISE program's Open Fan model, built through a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, promises a major leap in fuel efficiency. Here is what makes the CFM RISE Program special: Open Fan Design: The engine uses a unique open fan architecture, which reduces drag and increases efficiency. The fan blades are made of lightweight carbon-fibre composites. Green Compatibility: The core is being designed for compatibility with next-generation fuels, including unblended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), as well as with hybrid electric systems. Global Testing: Over 250 tests have been completed worldwide. A model engine was recently wind tunnel-tested in France, and critical turbine components have been through 3,000+ test cycles. Reducing Non-CO2 Emissions: GE Aerospace is working with NASA to study contrails and non-CO2 emissions using advanced lidar technology. Flight Testing This Decade: Airbus and CFM will conduct flight tests later this decade to evaluate the engine in real-world conditions. India Calls The World To Invest PM Modi invited global companies to invest in India's aviation sector, highlighting plans for a $4 billion MRO hub and supportive policies at Gift City. He promoted India as a full-service aviation partner, from design and manufacturing to services and sustainability, urging leaders to 'Make in India' and 'Design in India.' The 82nd IATA AGM will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 2026.
India Gazette
03-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Scale and potential of India make it a
ANI 03 Jun 2025, 18:55 GMT+10 New Delhi [India], June 3 (ANI): IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers on Tuesday said that Indian aviation has enormous growth opportunity for both domestic and international markets. The scale and potential of India have made it a 'beautiful opportunity' compared to China, which used to have significant development in terms of growth and number of aircraft and travellers a decade to reporters in New Delhi, IndiGo's CEO said, 'China had a significant development in terms of growth and number of aircraft and travellers. Probably like a decade ago, the entire development was there. When we speak about this being India's time, we see enormous growth.' Talking about the message of the 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) being held in New Delhi from June 1 to 3, IndiGo CEO said that the big message from this AGM is that this is 'India's time.' 'Big message from this AGM is this is India's time, and the scale and potential and opportunity of India have been a beautiful opportunity here to showcase that to the rest of the world,' Elbers told reporters in the National last AGM in India was held 42 years ago in 1983. It brings together more than 1,600 participants, including top global aviation industry leaders, government officials and international media CEO thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government of India for the continuous support.'With the support of the Indian government and the strong commitment not only in words but even more so in presence and in actual steps being taken and outlining the vision of the Prime Minister and outlining all the steps and the opportunities which are, I think, it has been very successful in showcasing that to the rest of the world expanding and adding more and more destinations,' he said. IndiGo's CEO stated that Indian domestic markets are witnessing enormous growth, and the opportunity for the international market is even greater. 'So if you look at that opportunity of new flights and more connections between India and Thailand and Malaysia and Singapore, the opportunity I would say is massive going forward. Again, we are taking the first steps into Europe, and clearly Italy has a lot of potential also for flights,' he Walsh, Director General of IATA, also thanked PM Modi, adding,'I think it's very exciting. I was honoured to meet the honourable Prime Minister. I think the fact that he was prepared to attend the AGM reinforced the vision that he has personally and the Indian government has for the development of the industry here. So very exciting; it was great to hear him talk firsthand about where he sees the industry developing into the future.' (ANI)
Tourism Breaking News
03-06-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Turkish Airlines Chairman Ahmet Bolat Reelected to the IATA Board of Directors
Post Views: 38 Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Ahmet Bolat, has been reelected to the Board of Directors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for a second term during the IATA's 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in New Delhi. During his three-year tenure, Prof. Bolat will continue to contribute to the global aviation vision and represent the industry among other leading aviation executives. IATA is one of the most influential international organizations shaping the global air transport sector. It plays a pivotal role in advocating the strategic interests of its member airlines and guiding the industry on key issues such as sustainability, operational efficiency, and digital transformation. Engagements of the IATA Board of Directors is instrumental in driving progress across the global aviation landscape. Commenting on his reelection, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Ahmet Bolat stated 'I am honored to be reelected to the IATA Board of Directors. This responsibility is not only a testament to the strength and vision of our airline, but also a significant opportunity to represent Türkiye's growing influence in the global aviation arena. As Turkish Airlines, we remain committed to actively contributing to IATA's strategic initiatives and the future of our industry.' Bolat's reelection reaffirms to Turkish Airlines' prominent role in global aviation and its unwavering commitment to fostering international collaboration. It also reinforces Türkiye's influential voice in shaping the future of the industry at the highest levels of global governance.
Gulf Today
03-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Emirates, Air China ink MoU to explore enhanced partnership
Emirates and Air China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a strategic framework for expanding their existing reciprocal interline cooperation. The signing took place on the sidelines of the 81st Annual General Meeting (IATA AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) in New Delhi. The MoU was signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer and Yan Fei, Air China's Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer, accompanied by senior executives from both sides. Adnan Kazim said, 'Our partnership with Air China commenced 26 years ago, and approximately 18,000 Emirates customers have benefited from the expanded connectivity offered through our interline agreement. Building on this success, we've recently announced the launch of two new Chinese cities—Shenzhen and Hangzhou—which will strengthen our East Asia operations." Yan Fei said, 'Air China highly values the cooperation with Emirates. The signing of this memorandum is an important milestone for the deepening of the cooperation between the two sides." Under the MoU, Emirates and Air China will explore a reciprocal codeshare on select routes across each other's networks. This would allow each airline to place its code on the other's flights on China-UAE trunk routes as well as beyond Beijing and Dubai to an expanded list of points. * Emirates and Air China will also develop a framework for cooperation across cargo operations and respective frequent flyer loyalty programme, enhancing their value proposition for both travellers and businesses. To further ensure seamless connectivity for customers, the two carriers will explore coordinating flight schedules or adjusting minimum connecting times. Once activated, customers of both airlines will benefit from a seamless booking process, single ticket itineraries and wider lounge access to new and exciting destinations. Beyond commercial cooperation, both carriers plan to exchange best practices in areas such as revenue management, data analytics, digitalisation, brand management and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), among others, through joint knowledge sharing and familiarisation visits. From 30th July, Emirates will operate 49 weekly flights to the Chinese mainland, including double daily services to Beijing and Shanghai as well as daily flights to Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hangzhou. WAM
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
03-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
IATA AGM ends with calls for growth, safety and sustainability in aviation
The International Air Transport Association's (IATA) 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) concluded in New Delhi on Tuesday. Global aviation leaders gathered for the three-day event, held from June 1 to 3, to discuss the industry's direction amid economic, geopolitical and environmental headwinds. This was the first time in 42 years that India hosted the IATA AGM, the previous event taking place in 1983. India's aviation ambitions highlighted by PM Modi Speaking at the conference on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India's commitment to becoming a global hub for aviation and innovation. He emphasised the continuous expansion of India's civil aviation sector. 'By 2030, the number of air travellers in the country is expected to double from 24 crore to nearly 50 crore annually,' he said. Highlighting the sector's investment potential, he added: 'India's aviation sector is a key player in the global air transport industry... India offers an excellent investment opportunity in the aviation sector for global companies.' Industry outlook: Profits rise, risks persist IATA Director General Willie Walsh shared a forecast for global airline profits, estimating they will reach $36 billion in 2025. He called the projection 'a strong result' despite economic and geopolitical turbulence. 'Considering the headwinds, it's a strong result that demonstrates the resilience that airlines have worked hard to fortify,' Walsh said. However, he cautioned that new taxes, rising charges, demand shocks or onerous regulations could strain the industry. 'Any new tax, increase in airport or navigation charge, demand shock or costly regulation will quickly put the industry's resilience to the test,' he warned. On India's regulatory landscape, Walsh stated, 'The taxation system in India is complex and there needs to be greater certainty.' Sustainability: SAF progress too slow, says Walsh The AGM also focused on sustainability, particularly the ramp-up of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production. While SAF output is expected to double to 2 million tonnes in 2025, Walsh said this would still meet only 0.7 per cent of aviation's total fuel needs. 'Even that relatively small amount will add $4.4 billion globally to the fuel bill,' he added. 'The pace of progress in ramping up production and gaining efficiencies to reduce costs must accelerate.' Safety and conflict risks dominate operational concerns Nick Careen, IATA's Senior Vice President of Operations, Safety and Security, said that although the industry carried more than 5 billion passengers in 2024, hidden challenges continue to affect operations. These include global engine shortages, GPS jamming and managing airspace amid active conflict zones. IATA reported that over 1,100 aircraft are grounded, with 69 per cent linked to a single engine type. Additionally, the Eurocontrol region saw 1,100 daily flight reroutes in 2024 due to conflict zones, contributing to higher fuel use, emissions and operational costs. Two aircraft were downed in conflict zones during the year, further underlining the safety and financial implications of geopolitical instability.
