Abu Dhabi is to host the IATA Slot Conference - a voluntary assembly of IATA and non-IATA airlines for one of the largest gatherings in the International Airport Transport Association’s calendar. 

The biannual conference will be held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre in June next year. 

With over 200 airlines and representatives of over 60 schedules-facilitated or fully co-ordinated airports, the conference goal is for airlines and airports to obtain the slots that will give them the best possible schedule to offer their customers.

Peter Stanton, head, worldwide airport slots said: “IATA is delighted to confirm that the International Convention Centre, Abu Dhabi will host the 134th IATA Slots Conference in June 2014.

“Over 1,000 delegates are expected to attend this twice-yearly event, which sees the global airline industry come together to optimise their winter 2014 schedules.”

The conference is organised by WorldTEK Event & Travel Management.

It is being hosted in the United Arab Emirates’ capital by Abu Dhabi Airports Company, Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau – the single source business events catalyst of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.

The hosts have estimated the conference will deliver a direct economic impact of AED4.8 million (US$1.3 million) to the emirate.

Commenting on the event, Tony Douglas, chief executive, ADAC, said: “This gathering will bring many of the UAE capital’s key aviation partners, and potential partners, to a destination which has emerged as an international aviation hub, showcasing its merits as a key enabler in driving air transport connectivity between the region and the world.

“Abu Dhabi Airports Company is eager to use this opportunity to introduce delegates to the huge investment being made by Abu Dhabi into its aviation infrastructure and to develop stronger working relationships with key stakeholders and strategic partners who play a crucial role in bringing Abu Dhabi’s vision for air transport to life.”

Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau is supporting the conference under its Advantage Abu Dhabi business events incentive programme, which is seen as central to its campaign to be listed, by the International Conventions and Congresses Association, among the Top 50 association meetings destinations within the next five years.