Carrying 83% of the world's air traffic, IATA members include the world's leading passenger and cargo airlines. IATA membership is open to airlines operating scheduled and non-scheduled air services that maintain an IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registration.

IATA (International Air Transport Association) membership is a "seal of approval" for commercial airlines, representing a commitment to global safety, security, and operational standards. In 2026, IATA represents about 330 airlines in over 120 countries, comprising 80% of total air traffic. For an airline, membership is high-value because it allows them to participate in the "Interline" system, meaning they can sell tickets that include segments on other IATA member airlines, and baggage can be checked through to the final destination seamlessly. To become a member, an airline must pass the IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit), which is the world's most rigorous safety assessment. For a traveler, seeing the IATA logo on an airline's website is a high-value indicator that the carrier meets international best practices for maintenance and pilot training. It also means the airline is part of a global financial clearinghouse, ensuring that if you buy a ticket in USD for a flight in Japan, the "back-end" currency exchange and payment to the airline are handled through a secure, standardized global system.