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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has changed the host country of the 78th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit from China to Qatar.
Previously scheduled to take place in Shanghai from June 19-21 and hosted by China Eastern Airlines, IATA says the decision to change the venue reflects continuing COVID19-related restrictions on travel to China.
The event will now take place in Doha on the same dates, hosted by Qatar Airways. This is the second time that the global gathering of aviation’s top leaders will be held in Qatar, the first being in 2014.
Approximately 800 representatives from IATA's member airlines, industry associate partners, international and regional associations, leading manufacturers, and industry suppliers usually attend this important annual meeting.
“It is deeply disappointing that we are not able to meet in Shanghai as planned,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “In the meantime, we are pleased to be returning to the dynamic aviation hub of Doha and the warm hospitality for which Qatar Airways, our host airline, has become famous. This year’s AGM will be an important opportunity for aviation’s leaders to reflect on the shifting political, economic, and technological realities facing air travel as the industry’s recovery from the COVID19 pandemic gathers pace.”
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