His Excellency, Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, The Prime Minister and Minister of Interior attended the 78th International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit (WATS), in Doha, Qatar. The opening ceremony was also attended by a number of their Excellencies the ministers and officials.
His Excellency, Jassim bin Saif Ahmed al Sulaiti, Minister of Transport, delivered a speech to delegates where he described the aviation industry as one that “unites the whole world by providing safe, secure, efficient, sustainable and accessible transportation.” He continued by saying: “This meeting is an exceptional opportunity to discuss the current situation and future challenges, particularly the focus on the sustainability agenda and how aviation moves forward with its commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
Thanking His Highness for extending his support of patronage, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said; “It is an absolute privilege to be hosting our industry partners in Qatar Airways’ home city, particularly during our milestone 25th year of operations. It is a particular honor to receive His Highness’s patronage, which shows just how proud the State of Qatar is to hold this event. Coming together face-to-face with our aviation colleagues from across the world, provides us with the opportunity to discuss global issues affecting us all today, and to plan the best way forward for the industry.”
Qatar Airways is hosting more than a thousand delegates and dignitaries, as well as figures from the international sports and entertainment worlds during the event, which has received a record number of registrations. The AGM is an opportunity for key players within IATA’s 290-member airlines to meet face-to-face and discuss topics affecting global carriers and future industry plans.
The event is being hosted by Qatar Airways for only the second time; it last came to Doha in 2014. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker is a member of the IATA Board of Governors, as well as Chairman of the OneWorld alliance, which is also meeting in the city.
Topics to be discussed will include lessons learned from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the industry’s pathway towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050; touching on environmental and sustainability challenges such as carbon offset programs, reduction of single-use plastics across the industry, and the future of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 150 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport.