IATA: International Air Transport Association

What is the purpose of the International Air Transport Association?

IATA aspires to be the driving force behind a safe, secure, and successful air transport business that links and enhances the globe in a sustainable manner. The airline industry is represented, led, and served by IATA:

• Representing: The IATA promotes decision-makers’ understanding of the air transport sector and raises awareness of the advantages that aviation delivers to national and global economies. The association advocates on behalf of airlines worldwide, challenging arbitrary laws and charges, holding regulators and governments accountable, and striving for responsible regulation.
• Leading: The IATA has been developing worldwide commercial standards on which the air transport industry is established for over 70 years. The IATA’s goal is to help airlines reduce costs and improve efficiency by simplifying operations and boosting passenger convenience.
• Serving: The IATA assists airlines in operating under clearly defined norms in a safe, secure, efficient, and cost-effective manner. Professional assistance is offered to all industry stakeholders in the form of a diverse offering of goods and professional services.

Key Takeaways

• • What does IATA stand for? The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global trade association for the world’s airlines.

What are the benefits of IATA membership for airlines?

Having a membership with the IATA offers a number of benefits. They provide a strong, united, and experienced voice that supports and promotes its members’ interests.

• International recognition and lobbying
• Targeting key industry priorities
• Driving industry change
• Reducing costs
• Communication campaigns
• Training and other services

What’s the difference between the IATA and the ICAO?

While the IATA (International Air Transport Association) and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) both serve the airline industry, they are distinct and different organizations. The key differences are the following:

• IATA establishes standards for its member airlines, whereas ICAO establishes standards for member states.
• IATA promotes on behalf of its airline industry members, whereas ICAO works to establish civil aviation rules and procedures (particularly as it pertains to the actual process of flight).

The two also share a number of similarities. Notably, they were founded at similar times in history, both have an international presence, both have stated priorities of safety and environmental protection, are involved with setting international standards, and deal with commercial aviation and passenger travel.