Iata unveils new resolutions, next chairman

Dubai - Carsten Spohr says sustainability the 'greatest challenge' for aviation industry

The International Air Transport Association (Iata) on Friday announced that the following five resolutions have been passed at its 75th annual general meeting held in Seoul, South Korea. 
Environment: The overwhelmingly-passed resolution called on governments to implement the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (Corsia) as agreed through the UN's International Civil Aviation Organization.
The Corsia is the first global carbon pricing instrument for an industry sector. It will cap net carbon dioxid emissions from international aviation at 2020 levels. The AGM looked beyond Corsia to the next climate action commitment - cutting net emissions to half 2005 levels by 2050.
Slots: The AGM reaffirmed the importance of a harmonised global airport slot system, and called upon governments to urgently address capacity shortages. The resolution also reaffirmed that the Worldwide Slot Guidelines (WSG) is the global standard for the policies, principles, and procedures of airport slot allocation and management.
In addition, it endorsed a statement of objectives focusing on delivering consumer benefit, proving convenient schedules, ensuring transparency and non-discrimination in the process and using existing capacity to its full potential.
RFID for baggage tracking: The AGM resolved to support the global deployment of radio frequency identification (RFID) for baggage tracking. The meeting also called for the implementation of modern baggage messaging standards to more accurately track passengers' baggage in real time across key points in the journey.
The resolution commits airlines to transition to bar-coded bag tags with RFID inlays and use RFID data alerts to enact processes with airports and ground handlers that prevent potential mishandlings.
One ID: The AGM resolved to accelerate the global implementation of the One ID initiative, which uses a single biometric identifier to move passengers through airports without paper travel documents.
The Iata One ID resolution calls for stakeholders - including airlines, airports and government authorities - to work together to promote and implement a paperless passenger process utilising biometric recognition.
Disabled Passengers: The AGM resolution aims to improve the air travel experience for the estimated one billion people living with disabilities worldwide. Airlines committed to ensuring that passengers with disabilities have access to safe, reliable and dignified travel, and called upon governments to use Iata's core principles for accommodating passengers with disabilities.
These principles aim to change the focus from disability to accessibility and inclusion by bringing the travel sector together with governments to harmonise regulations and provide the clarity and global consistency that passengers expect.
New chairman: The Iata announced that Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr has assumed his duties as chairman of the Iata board of governors for a one-year term effective from the conclusion of the AGM.
"We face a number of challenges, including growing protectionism, high taxes and trade wars. Probably the greatest challenge of all is sustainability," Spohr said.
"Aviation is serious about its climate change commitments. And we will be pushing hard for governments to do their part by sorting air traffic management inefficiencies and laying the policy framework for the commercialisation of sustainable aviation fuels."
- business@khaleejtimes.com