Tag Archives: IATA

IATA announces change in remittance frequency for agencies in BSP Gulf

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the upcoming change in the Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) Remittance Frequency for IATA accredited agencies from fortnightly to weekly effective January 1, 2024. This change will impact the following BSP Gulf countries: Oman, UAE and Bahrain. The changes, including remittance and settlement dates, will be reflected in the calendar application on the IATA Customer Portal before January 2024. “IATA is committed to supporting the travel agency community during this transition. The change has been communicated to all agencies and the 2024 remittance calendar will be made available by the end of the year to enable them to prepare accordingly,” said Mr. Khaled Al-Eisawi, Area Manager Gulf and Near East at IATA. “The change means that IATA will be billing travel agencies for their airline sales on weekly basis and the travel agencies will be settling their dues to IATA within a week of receiving their invoices.  As the association representing travel and tour agencies in Dubai, we encourage our member agents and corporate customers to take the necessary measures and adjust their billing and payment schedules to effectively manage the impact of this change,” said Mr. Asim Arshad, President DTTAG. IATA remains committed to the facilitation of financial settlement between IATA accredited agents and member airlines under the Passenger Agency Program umbrella.

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Middle East airline traffic reach 2019 levels : IATA report

According to IATA’s latest report passenger traffic recovery has been strong for Middle East carriers with 31.4% YoY in the second quarter of 2023. The region’s airlines saw their RPKs reach within 0.9% of their Q2 2019 levels. The Middle East outperformed the global recovery in RPKs, which reached 93.7% (within 6.3%) of pre-covid levels for the quarter. Since most of the passenger traffic for the Middle East is international, total RPKs followed similar growth trends and recovery rates as international RPKs.  Ticket sales for the region have outperformed the global average and continue to trend upward, indicating sustained passenger demand. Local holiday shifts in the region caused some fluctuations but the overall trend remains positive. The Middle East also saw a solid recovery in origin-destination (O-D) passenger traffic in Q2 2023 compared to pre-covid periods. Passenger traffic growth generally varied among the countries in the region, with the strongest performances seen in the UAE, Qatar, and Jordan. The UAE led with an impressive 17.2% growth in O-D passenger traffic, compared to the same period in 2019. Other countries such as Kuwait and Saudi Arabia were within 2% and 5.6% of full recovery. While Iran’s O-D passenger traffic remained 34.4% below pre-covid levels (Chart 86), other countries also exhibited subdued growth in the second quarter compared to the previous period. This was primarily due to the timing of Ramadan in 2023 compared to 2019.

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Emirates and IATA marshal industry to share best practices in pilot training and flight safety

Emirates and IATA hosted a training workshop on the safety of the industry both crew and passengers to share the best practices, especially after the pandemic as  travel surges across the globe. An aircraft flight deck can be a complex, challenging and high-threat environment that requires pilots to have intense focus and the ability to react and take informed decisions with agility, aided by technology. As demand for air travel increases phenomenally and airlines expand their operations, pilot training is once again sharply in focus, as they are responsible for the safety of millions of passengers and crew every single day, on every flight, on every route globally. Now more than ever, the aviation industry must use the latest best practices to train its workforce for peak performance. In the first-ever forum of its kind, Emirates and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) jointly held a workshop on pilot training and flight safety for the aviation industry. Hosted by Emirates’ Flight Operations Training together with IATA, the Evidence based training – Competency Based Training Assessment Workshop was organized at the Emirates Aviation College in Dubai on 28 October, 2022. Training experts from airlines, including Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Iceland Air, UAE Presidential Flight, Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia and Indigo and civil aviation authorities, such as General Civil Aviation Authority, UAE (GCAA) and the Irish Aviation Authority, attended the workshop. Aircraft manufacturers Airbus and Boeing, as well as the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) and training institutions, including Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) and CAE, were in attendance. Hosted by Emirates’ Flight Operations Training together with IATA, the Evidence based training – Competency Based Training Assessment Workshop was organized …

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IDnow is supporting IATA to simplify the passenger journey through digital identity

IDnow, a leading identity proofing platform provider, is pleased to announce its participation in the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Accelerate@IATA 2022 accelerator program. IDnow is working with IATA and its members, providing expertise and regulatory know-how in the field of identity proofing and digital identity. Together, IATA and IDnow are working on the shared goal of making flying more seamless and low-touch for passengers, while lowering fraud risks for airlines. IATA is the trade association for the world’s airlines, representing some 290 airlines or 83% of total air traffic. As a leading industry association, IATA is shaping industry standards and the future of aviation. Through the Accelerate@IATA program, IDnow is contributing to the IATA One ID working group. The goal of IATA One ID is to set industry standards that further streamline the passenger journey with digitalization of admissibility and a contactless process through secure biometric enabled identification. Under the One ID vision, upon completing document checks remotely, passengers will be able to arrive at the airport ready to fly and proceed through each airport touchpoint via simple biometric recognition. The objective is to achieve a truly interoperable global system across airports, airlines and governments. IDnow is collaborating with airlines and other technology providers members of the IATA Think Tank on a white paper about the application of digital identity in the air travel industry. In parallel, a proof of concept is being developed to show how digital identity can support people with reduced mobility with traveling, and airlines and airports to prioritize the required staff for the necessary support. “We are very pleased to have IDnow participation in the heart of industry innovation conversations. IDnow brings their expertise …

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Middle Eastern airlines’ traffic rose 246.5% in June compared to June 2021

According to the latest passenger data shared by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for June 2022 shows that the recovery in air travel remains strong. Middle Eastern airlines’ traffic rose 246.5% in June compared to June 2021. June capacity rose 102.4% versus the year-ago period, and load factor climbed 32.4 percentage points to 78.0%. Total traffic in June 2022 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) was up 76.2% compared to June 2021, primarily propelled by the ongoing strong recovery in international traffic. Globally, traffic is now at 70.8% of pre-crisis levels. Domestic traffic for June 2022 was up 5.2% compared to the year-ago period. Strong improvements in most markets, combined with the easing of some Omicron-related lockdown restrictions in the Chinese domestic market, contributed to the result. Total June 2022 domestic traffic was at 81.4% of the June 2019 level. International traffic rose 229.5% versus June 2021. The lifting of travel restrictions in most parts of Asia-Pacific is contributing to the recovery. June 2022 international RPKs reached 65.0% of June 2019 levels. “Demand for air travel remains strong. After two years of lockdowns and border restrictions people are taking advantage of the freedom to travel wherever they can,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. Asia-Pacific airlines had a 492.0% rise in June traffic compared to June 2021. Capacity rose 138.9% and the load factor was up 45.8 percentage points to 76.7%. The region is now relatively open to foreign visitors and tourism which is helping foster the recovery. European carriers’ June traffic rose 234.4% versus June 2021. Capacity rose 134.5%, and load factor climbed 25.8 percentage points to 86.3%. International traffic within Europe is above pre-pandemic levels in …

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Aviation Leaders Assemble in Doha for IATA’s 78th AGM

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), announced that leaders of the global aviation industry are gathering in Doha, Qatar, for the 78th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS), with Qatar Airways as the host airline. The event (19-21 June) attracts the industry’s most senior leaders from among IATA’s 290 member airlines, as well as leading government officials, strategic partners, equipment suppliers, and media. “In a few days, Doha will become the aviation capital of the world. The last time we met in Doha, in 2014, we were celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first airline flight. This year’s AGM is another momentous occasion: Airlines are simultaneously recovering from the COVID-19 crisis, setting the path to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, working to improve gender diversity, and adapting to a geopolitical environment that is undergoing its greatest shock in over three decades,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. 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. Coming together face-to-face provides us with the opportunity to discuss lessons learnt from our recent years during the pandemic, global issues affecting us all in the here and now, and to plan the best way forward for the industry.” The WATS opens immediately following the AGM. A highlight will be the third edition of the Diversity and Inclusion Awards sponsored by Qatar Airways. These awards recognize organizations and individuals who are making a difference in helping to drive the industry’s 25by2025 initiative to make the aviation industry more gender balanced. …

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SAUDIA successfully renews IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) Certification

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) has renewed the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification. Created by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), IOSA is an accredited international evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control systems of an airline. The biennial audit was conducted by a specialized international team accredited by IATA that reviews the safety and quality of airline operational processes. The audit included a review of the effectiveness of SAUDIA’s documentation of its safety procedures as well as an evaluation of the operational quality requirements and their practical application on the ground. In addition, the audit team went on scheduled flights, conducted field audits on all procedures followed during the flights, and ensured the safety and quality of operational processes besides studying the detailed operations across various relevant divisions, and it included eight sectors and operational locations: safety and quality systems, flight operations, flight dispatch, aircraft engineering and maintenance, cabin operations, ground operations, cargo operations, and aviation security. Captain Ibrahim S. Koshy, CEO of SAUDIA, expressed his pride at SAUDIA’s success in passing the audit with excellence as well as on the positive observations of IATA regarding the accuracy of the safety procedures and operational quality at SAUDIA. He said that safety procedures are part of SAUDIA’s daily operational processes and that this recognition is not the first and will not be the last, as the national air carrier has received numerous commendations from international air transport organizations. “SAUDIA applies and prioritizes strict internal procedures for the safety and quality of its operations. Passing the audit at this advanced level and receiving the best safety and operational quality reports have been made possible by the efforts of …

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Airport Show’s 20th edition opens in Dubai on a high optimism note

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, opened the 20th edition of the Airport Show, the world’s largest B2B airport industry exhibition, that had generated an overwhelming response in its new physical and digital format due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The three-day exhibition at the Dubai World Trade Centre’s (DWTC) Halls 7 and 8 has the participation of more than 95 exhibitors from 21 countries, 100-plus Hosted Buyers from over 20 countries and 36 exhibitors at five country pavilions by Switzerland, Germany, Italy, France and the UK. These numbers are overwhelming given the prevailing travel restrictions across the globe following the 21st century’s second pandemic and the massive impact it has on the airports and airlines businesses on the planet. The response to the Airport Show is a clear indication of a possible journey of the aviation industry on the road to recovery and its unfaltering confidence and tremendous efforts to revive and restore the lost business levels and the growth momentum. After formally opening and visiting the stands and pavilions at Dubai’s MICE landmark facility’s and interacting with the exhibitors about challenges and opportunities, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed said, “The aviation industry has a history of successfully bouncing back from crises and the Covid-19 pandemic is no different. The setback is temporary and we will again be on the tracks of transformation. The overwhelming response to the Airport Show is an indication of the aviation world’s strong confidence in Dubai and its global efforts.”  “I am happy to see all the industry players working together for a remarkable …

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Travelport wins long-term partnership with Business Travel Partners consortium

Travelport announced a multi-year agreement with Business Travel Partners, through e-Business Travel, one of the largest consortiums of independent IATA travel agencies in the Netherlands. The win will see Business Travel Partners members migrate to Travelport+, Travelport’s newly-launched next-generation platform that creates a simplified, capability-rich, marketplace for travel retailing. The coalition of 11 specialist travel agencies which form Business Travel Partners has wide-ranging expertise in business, marine travel and individual travelers. Travelport is providing tailored solutions for each member, catered to their individual needs and, crucially, integrated into various existing third-party software already in use. These solutions will all be built on the Travelport+ platform, which will see the agencies benefiting from a broad range of multi-source travel content, an ever-broadening array of new merchandising capabilities designed to improve the traveler experience while maximizing revenue and customer loyalty, and enhanced value generation. To date, more than half of the Business Travel Partners agencies have migrated or are in the final stages of migrating to Travelport+, with other consortium members set to migrate in the coming months. “We found Travelport offered the best combination of advanced and agile solutions, along with dedicated consultancy and support that really made a difference to a consortium with diverse needs,” said Cees Bas, Chairman of Business Travel Partners and CEO of e-Business Travel. “Major technology upgrades are seldom easy, but Travelport’s implementation process was a remarkably seamless transition, with their team effectively acting as an extension of our own.” Alistair Rodger, Group Vice President of Agency Sales for Europe at Travelport said, “Being able to meet the needs of such a diverse collection of agencies really showcases the strength of the Travelport+ platform, as well …

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Emirates commences IATA Travel Pass trials simplifying COVID-19 related travel requirements

Emirates commenced trials of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Travel Pass– a mobile app to help passengers easily and securely manage their travel in line with any government requirements for COVID-19 testing or vaccine information. The first passengers travelling from Dubai to Barcelona on EK 185 trialled the ‘digital passport’ to verify and share their pre-travel COVID-19 test status with Emirates. The trials are a step towards making travel more convenient, enabling travellers to manage COVID-19 related documentation digitally, safely and seamlessly throughout the travel experience. In the future, travellers will also be able to share vaccination certificates with authorities and airlines to facilitate travel. Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer said, “The ability to process passengers’ COVID-19 relevant data for travel digitally will be the way forward. We are pleased to have been pioneers and partner with IATA in trialling this initiative in real time and soon will be launching other initiatives to further enhance our customer experience.” The trial is being done on selected Emirates flights from Dubai to Barcelona and London Heathrow to Dubai; and will soon be expanded to include other routes. Eligible passengers are being personally invited to download the app and enrol for the digital travel pass ahead of their travels. In Dubai, Emirates has partnered with select Prime Health Care labs which are authorised to securely send test results to passengers via the app. Those travelling from the UK, can get their test done at select Screen4 labs. The IATA Travel Pass app will have an integrated registry of travel requirements to enable passengers to find accurate information on travel and entry requirements for all destinations regardless of their itinerary. Eventually …

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