Cancun - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that leaders of the global air transport industry are gathering in Cancun, Mexico for the Association’s 73rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit. The AGM will feature keynote addresses on Monday by Mr. Gerardo Ruiz Esparza, Mexico’s Minister of Communications and Transport and Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, President of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

"Cancun will be the capital of air transportation as aviation leaders gather for the 73rd IATA AGM and World Air Transport Summit. The airline industry’s most senior leaders will work together to address air transport’s most critical issues. Hot topics will include finding alternative means to keep flying secure without the inconvenience of the current laptop ban, combating human trafficking, implementing the Carbon Offset and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, and modernizing air cargo processes," said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

The IATA AGM and World Air Transport Summit bring together CEOs and senior management from IATA’s 275 member airlines that carry 83% of global air traffic. Stakeholders from across the value chain will participate in the event, including leaders from governments, international organizations, manufacturers and other industry partners.

A highlight of the World Air Transport Summit is the CEO Insight panel focusing on the theme of airline turn-around stories. The panel features Oscar Munoz, CEO, United Airlines; Peter Bellew, CEO, Malaysia Airlines; Enrique Beltranena, CEO, Volaris and Rickard Gustafson, CEO, SAS Group. The panel will be moderated by CNN’s Richard Quest.

Other sessions will focus on the future of globalization, disruptive innovation and quick-fire Q&A’s with leaders on trade facilitation, aviation security and the environment.

Full program details are available online.

Cancun, a World-Class Destination Enabled by Aviation

"We are excited to be back for our third AGM in Mexico. With a million jobs in the aviation sector and a US $27.4 billion contribution to Mexico’s GDP, aviation is a major force in Mexico’s economy. That is very clear in Cancun, a thriving global tourism destination that would not exist without the robust air links that are the lifeblood of its lucrative tourism industry. Last year alone Cancun welcomed 5 million visitors," said de Juniac.

This year’s AGM is the third edition in Mexico, the first two being in Mexico City in 1966 and 1994. More than 900 delegates and media are expected to participate in this year’s event hosted by Aeromexico.

Attendance at the AGM is by invitation only. Accredited media are invited to attend, but must be pre-registered.