International
Air
Transport
Association
Viale di Val Fiorita 00144 ROMA
Tel 06/5912442 Fax 06/5913517
IATA's mission is to represent and serve the airline industry. In fulfilling that mission, IATA services four groups interested in the smooth operation of the world air transport system: airlines, the general public, governments, third parties such as travel and cargo agents or equipment and systems suppliers.
For the airlines, IATA offers joint ways - beyond the resources of any single company - to exploit opportunities and solve problems. Airlines knit their individual networks into a worldwide system through IATA, despite differences in language, currencies, laws and national customs. IATA also saves them money.
For governments, Industry working standards are developed within IATA. It is thus the most effective source of airline experience and expertise upon which governments can draw. In fostering safe and efficient air transport, IATA serves the stated policy of most of the world's governments. IATA saves much effort and expense that would otherwise have to be expended in bilateral negotiations - for example, on tariffs.
For third parties, IATA is a collective link between themselves and the airlines. Passenger and cargo agents are able to make representations to the industry through IATA and derive the benefit of neutrally applied agency service standards and levels of professional skill. Equipment manufacturers and others are able to join in the airline meetings which define the way air transport goes about its business.
For the general public, IATA simplifies the travel and shipping process. By helping to control airline costs, IATA contributes to cheaper tickets and shipping costs. Thanks to airline cooperation through IATA, individual passengers can make one telephone call to reserve a ticket, pay in one currency and then use the ticket on several airlines in several countries - or even return it, for a cash refund.
The modern IATA is part of the structure of post-second world war aviation which grew out of the Chicago Conference of 1944. It replaced the International Air Traffic Association of 1919. In both organisation and activity, IATA has been closely associated with the International Civil Aviation Organisation - ICAO, the United Nation's specialised agency for civil aviation.
IATA's Head Office is in Montreal; its main executive office is in Geneva. Regional offices are in Amman, Brussels, Dakar, London, Nairobi, Santiago, Singapore and Washington D.C. In addition, there are 57 offices around the world responsible for Agency Services, Billing and Settlement Plans and Cargo Account Settlements.