IATA Announces Theme for 2024 World Safety and Operations Conference: "Embracing Innovation and Technology"

The conference comes at a time when the aviation industry is grappling with growing challenges such as regional conflicts, cybersecurity threats, and extreme weather events.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has revealed the theme for the 2024 World Safety and Operations Conference (WSOC): "Embracing Innovation and Technology for Safe and Efficient Operations." The event will take place from October 1-3, 2024, in Marrakech, Morocco, and will be hosted by Royal Air Maroc.

The conference comes at a time when the aviation industry is grappling with growing challenges such as regional conflicts, cybersecurity threats, and extreme weather events. Yet, technological advances, including AI, offer solutions to enhance safety and efficiency.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh noted, “Airlines face common challenges in an increasingly complex operating environment. Technological advances are providing unprecedented opportunities to support safe and efficient operations. WSOC 2024 is the platform for industry leaders to share knowledge and make aviation more resilient.”

Abdelhamid ADDOU, Chairman and CEO of Royal Air Maroc, emphasized the importance of the event for Royal Air Maroc as the airline embarks on a significant expansion to a 200-aircraft fleet by 2037, bringing economic growth across Morocco and Africa.

Key Speakers and Sessions

Notable speakers include:

Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA

Nick Careen, Senior VP, IATA

Mesfin Tasew Bekele, CEO, Ethiopian Airlines

Marc Parent, CEO, CAE

Michele Merkle, Director, ICAO Air Navigation Bureau

Jennifer Homendy, Chair, NTSB

Session Topics:

Risk-Based IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA)

Safety Leadership and the IATA Safety Leadership Charter

AI in Data Utilization and Resilience

Cabin and Passenger Safety Communications

Crisis Management and Family Assistance Planning

Cybersecurity and Geopolitical Risks

Workshops:

ATM Performance Workshop: Focusing on improving Air Traffic Management for operational efficiency and carbon reduction.

Just Culture Workshop: Examining the role of a Just Culture in risk management and employee motivation.

Connecting Safety and Operations Workshop: Emphasizing the integration of safety and operations to boost performance.

Turbulence Aware Workshop: Highlighting real-time turbulence data to enhance airline safety and fuel efficiency.

This year's WSOC aims to explore the intersection of technology, innovation, and safety as aviation leaders work together to tackle emerging challenges and shape the future of the industry.