Prime Minister Narendra Modi has delviered the keynote address at the 81st International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) commenced with an opening ceremony at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre, a state-of-the-art venue in New Delhi.
This prestigious, invitation-only event brings together a record 1,700 global aviation leaders, including CEOs, airline executives, government officials, aircraft manufacturers, and media, to discuss critical issues in the aviation industry. The event was last held in India in 1983.
The ceremony featured welcoming remarks from key figures, including IndiGo’s CEO Pieter Elbers (also the 2025 IATA Board of Governors Chair) and IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh. Delegates are attending from IATA’s 350 member airlines, representing 80% of global air traffic, strategic partners, government representatives, and select media.
Key Themes over the coming days will focus on safety, sustainability (Fly Net Zero by 2050), diversity, equity, and inclusion, and navigating complex geopolitical and operational challenges. India’s rise as the world’s third-largest aviation market by 2030, driven by orders like IndiGo’s 500 Airbus A320neo aircraft, will be a central topic.
Introductory plenary sessions today will see industry leaders addressing global aviation trends. Topics may include India’s aviation growth, sustainability initiatives, and technological advancements like AI in operations, reflecting IndiGo’s emphasis on the “fourth industrial revolution.”
The sixth edition of IATA’s Diversity & Inclusion Awards, recognising advancements in gender balance via the 25by2025 initiative, will be launched of the AGM. While the awards ceremony may occur later, June 1 could include announcements or related discussions.
Major lessors from Dublin are amongst those attending networking sessions allow delegates to connect with airline CEOs, government officials, and stakeholders like Airbus and Boeing, who are spotlighted due to India’s massive aircraft orders such as Air India’s 470-aircraft deal).
The Bharat Mandapam are hosting exhibition areas where sponsors and aviation stakeholders display innovations in aircraft technology, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and airport operations. IATA’s customizable sponsorship packages ensure prominent visibility for companies like IndiGo and global partners.
The event marks the highlight of the short history of host airline, IndiGo and Pieter Elbers’ chairmanship of IATA’s Board of Governors has grown from a 2006 startup to India’s largest carrier.
India’s aviation growth is projected to make it the third-largest market by 2030, framing talks on market access, seat-sharing with Gulf carriers, and AI-driven innovations, Pieter Elbers, CEO of Indio told the IATA AGM
