IATA Moves Ahead with Resolutions to Upgrade Travel Experience

Photo Source: @IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) endorsed five resolutions during its 75th annual general meeting this week including a single ID initiative, cutting net emissions to half 2005 levels by 2050, and pushing for inclusive travel policies for passengers with disabilities.

IATA presented its five resolutions during its annual general meeting which was hosted by Korean Air and held together with the World Air Transport Summit for the first time in Seoul, to a crowd of 1,000 aviation leaders from 290 airlines.

The resolutions are as follows:

–With regard the environment: IATA is calling on governments to implement the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), to implement fuel efficiency measures, and to participate in a long-term switchover to sustainable aviation fuels – actions aimed achieving the industry’s 2050 commitment.

Photo Source: @IATA

–Slots: IATA is urging governments to address capacity shortages and work on delivering consumer benefit, proving convenient schedules, ensuring transparency and non-discrimination and using existing capacity to its full potential.

–Baggage tracking: IATA said it would be backing the global deployment of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) for baggage tracking and also called for the implementation of modern baggage messaging standards to more accurately track passengers’ baggage in real time across key points in the journey. Airlines are urged to transition to bar-coded bag tags with RFID inlays and use RFID data alerts to enact processes with airports and ground handlers that prevent potential mis-handlings.

–Single ID: IATA is pushing for the global implementation of the One ID initiative, which uses a single biometric identifier to move passengers through the airport, without the need for paper travel documents. All stakeholders, including airlines, airports and government authorities, are encouraged to work together to promote and implement a paperless passenger process utilizing biometric recognition.

Photo Source: @CBP

–Disabled passengers: The final resolution aims to ensure that passengers with disabilities have access to safe, reliable and inclusive travel, calling on governments to harmonize policies with relevant standards.

“The biggest achievement at this year’s AGM is that we saw strong support for resolutions that we have put forward, particularly in the environment and passenger experience,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA director general and CEO. “All these resolutions are in favor of developing our industry. We’re developing industry in a sustainable way.”

During the meeting, IATA elected Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr as the new chairman of the board of governors (BoG).

The IATA’s 76th annual general meeting will be held in Amsterdam on 22-23 June 2020, hosted by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.