The International Air Transport Association has announced that US secretary of transportation Anthony Foxx will deliver a keynote address at the 71st IATA Annual General Meeting today.

Up to 1,000 delegates are expected to attend the global event hosted in Miami by American Airlines, FedEx, UPS and Airlines for America.

“Miami will be the capital of the global air transport industry next week as its most senior leaders gather to discuss critical issues such as safety, security, sustainability, meeting passenger demands and revitalizing the air cargo sector,” said Tony Tyler, IATA director general.

IATA is the global association of the world’s airlines headquartered in Montreal, Canada and founded in Havana, Cuba in April 1945.

The AGM brings together chief executives and senior management of its 256 member airlines that carry some 83 per cent of global traffic.

Stakeholders from across the value chain will participate in the event, including leaders from governments, international organizations, aircraft manufacturers and other industry partners.

The second day of discussions will feature panels addressing cargo strategies, airlines as investment opportunities, meeting the needs of future travellers and infrastructure for sustainable growth.

The latter panel will include the participation of Emilio González, director of Miami-Dade Aviation Department. Full

“It is fitting that we are celebrating our 70th Anniversary in Miami, less than 400 kilometres away from Havana, where we were founded.

“Miami is a great reminder of the important impact aviation has on the world.

“Its strong ties to Latin America are reinforced with a hub airport that also delivers global connectivity.

“Home to some 280,000 aviation-related jobs, aviation’s economic impact accounts for nearly a quarter of the Miami-Dade county workforce.

“And it’s a world class tourist destination largely fuelled by air connectivity,” said Tyler.

This is the fifth time the AGM is being held in the United States and the first time in the city of Miami.

The vibrant and multicultural city is known as a gateway between North America and Latin America and like aviation itself, is a city that bridges cultures and nations.

Miami is also an important air transport hub served by some 100 airlines.

Miami International Airport is a regional economic engine, generating business revenue of $33.7 billion annually and welcoming 70 per cent of all international visitors to Florida.