The biggest air travel organization you've probably never heard of

[Bulldog]

12:00 AM PDT on Sunday, June 3, 2007

By GLENN FARLEY / KING 5 Aviation Specialist


 

International Air Transport Association

SEATTLE - If you fly, you probably have a favorite airline, or airlines. For better or worse, we remember airlines by name because they run lots of commercials and are frequently in the news. And besides, most of us have to fly at least occasionally. You just about can’t avoid it.

But a name you probably haven’t heard of has a great deal to do with how you fly and why you can arrive safely at your destination.  This organization is why your luggage can follow you from one airline to the other -- most of the time. And this organization is why just about every three and four star hotel room in Vancouver, BC is sold out next week.

I am not talking about the FAA, I am talking about IATA, the International Air Transport Association. 

Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, IATA claims its 250 member airlines account for 94% off all flights.  Founded in Havana, Cuba in 1945, IATA has offices in 78 countries covering some 115 nations. 

IATA’s members run from Seattle based Alaska Airlines to Zambian Airways.  All are expected to be represented at the organization’s annual general meeting in Vancouver this week. But it won’t just be the airlines. Suppliers will also be there, including the Boeing Company which will be hold a private dinner.

But the issues being taken up at the meeting are far ranging, and include trying to make sense out of security, how the industry can try and regain its profitable foothold, and how global warming and environmental pressures are creating a whole new set of challenges for the world’s air carriers.

I will be in Vancouver next week reporting for KING5.com.  Keep checking back.

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