What are the main objectives of IATA?

IATA aims to be the force for value creation and innovation driving a safe, secure and profitable air transport industry that sustainably connects and enriches the world. IATA's mission is to represent, lead, and serve the airline industry.



The International Air Transport Association (IATA) serves as the global trade association for the airline industry, and in 2026, its objectives are focused on safety, sustainability, and digitalization. Primarily, IATA works to standardize aviation practices to ensure a high level of global safety through the IOSA (Operational Safety Audit). A critical 2026 objective is the "Fly Net Zero" initiative, which aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 by promoting Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and carbon-offsetting policies. Additionally, IATA drives the "One ID" project, which uses biometrics for a paperless passenger journey, and the "Modern Airline Retailing" initiative, which seeks to simplify the way tickets and ancillaries are sold and settled. By representing over 330 airlines, IATA’s ultimate goal is to lead the industry toward a more profitable, environmentally responsible, and technologically integrated future.

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Focus areas
  • Safety. IATA states that safety is its highest priority. ...
  • Simplifying the Business. Simplifying the Business was launched in 2004. ...
  • Environment. IATA members and all industry stakeholders have agreed to three sequential environmental goals: ...
  • Services. ...
  • Publications - standards.


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Most importantly, IATA provides a powerful, unified and experienced voice that supports and promotes the interests of its members through:
  • International recognition and lobbying.
  • Targeting key industry priorities.
  • Driving industry change.
  • Reducing costs.
  • Communication campaigns.
  • Training and other services.


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The IATA's 4-Pillar Strategy
  • Technology.
  • Operations.
  • Infrastructure.
  • Socio-Economic Initiatives.


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IATA defines the world into 3 areas (IATA area 1/2/3), and defines the IATA area into small areas (IATA Tariff sub-area). North America / South America / Hawaii etc. South America (Brazil, Chile, Peru etc.) Europe / Middle East etc.

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IATA has a complete range of services to enable travel agencies to thrive, whatever your size or business model: Simplify and improve your relationships with airlines, to better serve travel customers. Increase efficiency through streamlined operations, to keep costs down.

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IATA assigns a unique two-character code (Airline Designator Code) to all airlines – even the ones that aren't IATA members. It consists of 2 letters or a letter and a digit. For example, AA stands for American Airlines, KL for KLM, 7S for Ryan Air, etc.

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While both organizations may have their own respective safety initiatives, IATA has a strong focus on the commercial health of its member airlines. While the ICAO may examine economic development through air transportation, it is much more focused on aviation safety for its member nations.

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IATA is considered to be one of the most basic resources for a travel agent because most airline bookings are done through the IATA portal. In order to book from IATA, the travel agent must get registered with IATA as an IATA travel agent.

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IATA was founded in Havana, Cuba, on 19 April 1945. It is the prime vehicle for inter-airline cooperation in promoting safe, reliable, secure and economical air services - for the benefit of the world's consumers. The international scheduled air transport industry is more than 100 times larger than it was in 1945.

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IATA's location identifiers are 3-letter codes assigned to airports that have commercial activity. These codes can also be given to bus stations, heliports, rail stations, and ferry terminals if they are involved in intermodal airline travel.

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How many airport codes are there? The IATA's three letter permutation (26 x 26 x 26) allows for a total of 17,576 unique location codes. According to the organization's website, they have currently administered over 11,000 location codes worldwide.

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IATA training is required for all persons who transport dangerous goods according to IATA DGR 1.5. The IATA training rules officially are recommendatory for all but aircraft operator employees. However, most air carriers require compliance with the IATA DGR as a condition of accepting your shipments.

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Eligibility Requirements Devote a minimum of 20 hours per week to the business of selling travel. Earn a minimum of USD 5,000 in salary and/or commissions in the prior 12 months. Be at least 18 years of age. All cardholders agree to the terms and conditions contained in the Cardholder Agreement.

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IATA Members ?From 57 founding members in 1945, IATA now represents some 300 airlines in over 120 countries. Carrying 83% of the world's air traffic, IATA members include the world's leading passenger and cargo airlines.

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Basically, the ICAO is focused on civil aviation regulations, whereas IATA is a trade association for airlines. The FAA is the United States' civil aviation authority, governing domestic airlines, their operations and regulations.

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ICAO code consists of 4 letters. Certain classifications among countries and regions are used in creating these codes. The first letter stands for the region in which the airport is located, the second is for the country. The other two letters are generally given in order.

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