The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is a worldwide trade association in the airline industry. Founded in 1945, IATA was established to regulate the international air transportation sector, set standards and increase efficiency in the sector. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, this association works with many airline companies around the world, setting standards in the industry and providing guidance on various issues related to air transportation.
Main Duties of IATA:
Setting and Developing Standards: IATA contributes to the orderly and safe conduct of international transportation by setting standards in the airline industry. These standards aim to ensure harmony between airline companies and provide passengers with a safe travel experience.
Training and Certification: IATA aims to raise the standard of professionalism in the industry by organizing training programs and certifications for airline industry employees. In this way, it is aimed to increase the number of qualified personnel in the sector and for airline companies to operate more effectively.
Cooperation Among Airlines: IATA encourages cooperation among its member airlines. It creates a platform between airlines to protect common interests and cope with industry challenges. In this way, it closely follows the developments in the sector and produces common solutions.
Security and Reliability: IATA aims to increase the reliability of air transportation by setting security standards in the aviation industry. These internationally valid standards allow all airlines to implement similar security protocols.
IATA’s Fields of Activity:
Tariff and Fee Regulations: IATA determines tariff and fee regulations regarding international transportation. This contributes to maintaining a fair and competitive environment by establishing pricing standards for air travelers.
Airline Codes and Cooperation: IATA provides each airline with a globally unique identifying code. These codes are used in reservation systems and travel documents, standardizing air transportation processes. It also encourages collaboration and code sharing between airlines.
Environmental Sustainability: IATA supports efforts to reduce the environmental impacts of the airline industry. It aims to increase sustainability in the sector by setting standards in fuel efficiency, carbon emissions and environmentally friendly aircraft technologies.
Lobbying and Relationships: IATA interacts with regulators and governments relevant to the aviation industry. It defends the interests of airline companies, responds to regulatory changes and contributes to maintaining a fair and competitive environment in the industry.
Structure and Membership of IATA:
IATA’s members include airlines operating around the world. Member companies agree to comply with the standards set by IATA and pay the fees determined by the association. IATA’s general assembly consists of representatives of member companies and meets at regular intervals to evaluate the developments in the sector.
IATA is an important organization that contributes to the regulation of the airline industry at the international level. It contributes to the reliable and effective functioning of the air transportation industry by providing guidance on setting standards, training and certification, encouraging cooperation and security. As a resource and guide for airline companies, IATA plays an active role in many issues related to air transportation around the world.
