Airlines News Page 103
LATAM Airlines Group to Host 82nd IATA AGM in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 82nd IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June 2026, hosted by LATAM Airlines Group. “We are excited to accept LATAM’s offer to host IATA’s 82nd AGM in Rio de Janeiro. The last time the IATA AGM was in South America was in 1999, also in Rio. It will be a great opportunity to take stock of changes over two decades of development that have seen strengthening air connectivity successfully support major world events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics. By meeting in the largest aviation market in South America, the AGM will highlight the great potential for aviation to be an even more powerful strategic force driving social and economic prosperity,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
Luis Gallego Chairs IATA Board
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Luis Gallego, CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG), has assumed his duties as Chair of the IATA Board. His one-year term began at the conclusion of the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, India, on 2 June 2025. Gallego is the 83rd Chair of the IATA Board on which he has served since 2018. Gallego succeeds IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers, who will continue to serve on the Board.
Willie Walsh’s Report on the Air Transport Industry at the 81st IATA AGM
In 2025 airlines will make a $36 billion profit on revenues of $979 billion. While those are big numbers, let’s remember this equates to a net margin of a mere 3.7% or $7.20 net profit per passenger. Our profitability is not commensurate to the enormous value that we create at the heart of a value chain supporting 3.9% of global GDP and providing and supporting jobs for 86.5 million people.
SWISS to serve starred Ticino cuisine aloft
SWISS will be taking its premium inflight guests on a culinary journey to sunny Southern Switzerland from 4 June onwards. For the latest chapter in the airline’s ‘SWISS Taste of Switzerland’ food and beverage program, starred Michelin chef Federico Palladino of the Cuntitt restaurant in Canton Ticino has concocted a range of exquisite meals for the SWISS First and SWISS Business cabins, including smoked trout with Sbrinz panna cotta, lamb loin with potato mantecata and shortcrust tartlet with pistachio cream.
American Airlines now offers TSA PreCheck Touchless ID for AAdvantage members at select airports
AAdvantage® members traveling through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) will be eligible to enjoy a streamlined process at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport security checkpoints through TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID. This program provides eligible members who choose to participate with the ability to move through security with ease at select airports. After an identity match compares a customer’s image to photos they previously provided to the government, such as those in a passport, Global Entry or a visa card, the customer will be able to move through security faster with ease.
PSG Returns to Paris with Qatar Airways, Airline Dedicates Special UEFA Champions League Livery
Paris welcomes back its Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) champions and the UEFA Champions League (UCL) trophy on-board a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 decorated with special painted livery. The celebration marks the continuation of an historic weekend, where the award-winning airline was proud to showcase its partnership portfolio.
IndiGo, Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic Announce Partnership
IndiGo, Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic today announced plans to build an industry-leading partnership connecting India with Europe and North America, with ambitions to grow to a global scale. India, one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, is at the heart of this collaboration. By linking IndiGo’s extensive domestic network with Delta’s strength in North America and the transatlantic, the extensive reach of Air France-KLM in Europe and North America, and the U.K. and transatlantic presence of Virgin Atlantic, the partnership is poised to offer travelers broader access, smoother journeys, and a more consistent experience across continents. Linking dozens of cities in the United States, Canada, Europe and India, the airlines aim to meet rising demand for international travel while setting new standards for connectivity and cooperation in global aviation.
Airline Profitability to Strengthen Slightly in 2025 Despite Headwinds
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced updates to its 2025 airline industry financial outlook, showing improved profitability over 2024 and resilience in the face of global economic and political shifts.
Policy Shortcomings Puts SAF Production at Risk
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that it expects Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production to reach 2 million tonnes (Mt) (2.5 billion liters) or 0.7% of airlines’ total fuel consumption in 2025.
$1.3 Billion in Airline Funds Blocked by Governments
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that $1.3 billion in airline funds are blocked from repatriation by governments as of end April 2025. This is a significant amount, although it is an improvement of 25% compared with the $1.7 billion reported for October 2024. IATA urged governments to remove all barriers preventing airlines from the timely repatriation of their revenues from ticket sales and other activities in accordance with international agreements and treaty obligations.
Emirates Partners with Al Ain FC
Emirates and Al Ain Football Club have today announced a partnership which will see the airline as an Official Partner of the Club. The partnership comes as Al Ain FC marks a historic milestone, earning a spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup™. The Club will compete at the prestigious FIFA tournament kicking off on 14 June in the US. Emirates will also become the Official Airline Partner of the Club during the 25/26 season.
Springboks to Face Barbarians FC in 3rd Edition of the Qatar Airways Cup
Qatar Airways is proud to announce the 3rd edition of the Qatar Airways Cup, an event that has quickly become an exciting staple in the global rugby calendar. The match will see reigning Rugby World Cup Champions South Africa face the famous British-based Barbarians FC at DHL Stadium, Cape Town, on Saturday, 28 June 2025. It will be the first-ever men’s teams clash between the two sides on South African soil.