Canada's Travel Industry Directory
Listed in Travel Associations
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is the main global trade association representing the world’s airlines. Founded in April 1945 in Havana, Cuba, it succeeded an earlier industry group created in 1919. It is an industry association that represents more than 300 airlines from over 120 countries, accounting for around 80 percent of global air traffic. Its headquarters are in Montreal, Canada, with a major executive office in Geneva, Switzerland.
IATA’s core mission is to support safe, reliable, efficient, and economically sustainable air transport. It develops and promotes global technical and operational standards that help reduce risk and improve safety across the industry. The association also works to simplify and standardize airline processes, allowing carriers to operate more efficiently, control costs, and deliver more predictable services to passengers and cargo customers.
In addition, IATA serves as the collective voice of the airline industry. It represents member airlines in discussions with governments and international organizations on regulation, taxation, infrastructure, and consumer policy. IATA manages key industry services such as airline and airport codes, ticketing and cargo standards, and financial clearing systems. It works closely with the International Civil Aviation Organization and other partners on safety, security, environmental goals, and the digital transformation of air transport.
