Iata calls for closer global government cooperation

The International Air Transport Association (Iata) called for an even deeper partnership with governments based on global standards in the critical areas of safety, infrastructure, security, regulation, and environment during the association’s annual general meeting in Miami this week.

“Aviation is built on partnerships and the relationship with governments is key. Airlines and governments are well-aligned on safety. But in other areas of government responsibility - infrastructure, security, regulation and environment - there are opportunities for a deeper partnership,” said Tony Tyler, Iata director general and CEO, when he delivered his report on the air transport industry.

According to him, this year some 3.5 billion people and 55 million tonnes of cargo would travel safely by air over a global network of 51 000 routes.

“For nations, connectivity is much more than a competitive advantage. It is an economic necessity. And aviation’s intangible benefits make it a force for good in the world. So there is a tremendous common interest with governments to support safe, efficient, and sustainable global connectivity that only air transport can provide,” said Tyler.

Tyler noted several critical infrastructure challenges where more alignment was needed, including finding a solution to expand airport capacity in the southeast of the UK, addressing the high cost of fuel in Brazil and Africa and keeping costs at Hong Kong International Airport competitive as it funds construction of a third runway.