Aviation matters. Connecting the world even as geopolitical divides deepen is a vital mission that requires cost-effective, safe, efficient and sustainable airlines. The results of this AGM should set the direction for even more effective global connectivity," said Willie Walsh, IATA Director General.

Chairman of the Board of Pegasus Airlines and Chairman of the IATA Board of Governors, Mehmet T. Nane, said, "We are enormously proud to welcome our industry partners to the great city of Istanbul and look forward to welcoming them all here for the IATA AGM, particularly as we look ahead to the milestone of our 100th aircraft on the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye later this year. Aviation came together to help the people of Türkiye rebuild after the tragic earthquake in February. Now, aviation is coming together to discuss vital issues related to our path to zero net CO2 emissions by 2050, the diversity of our industry, our operational recovery from the depths of COVID and many other topics."

The ever-popular CEO Insights Panel moderated by CNN's Richard Quest will feature Greg Foran (CEO, Air New Zealand), Yvonne Manzi Makolo (CEO, Rwandair), John W. Dietrich (President and CEO, Atlas Air Worldwide) and Campbell Wilson ( Managing Director and CEO, Air India).

This will be the second time the AGM will be held in Istanbul, which was last held in 2008. Türkiye is recovering strongly from the pandemic shutdown. In 2022, travel to/from Türkiye increased by almost 60% and it is now the seventh largest international passenger market in the world.

"Since we were last in Istanbul, Türkiye has become an incredible global aviation powerhouse. Its operators are leading the way in regional and international connectivity, and the magnificent new airport puts the lack of investment in airports in other nations to shame. There is no doubt that Türkiye's importance to global aviation will continue to grow significantly," Walsh said.