The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is seeking enhanced information-technology-based measures that will be instrumental in surmounting the challenges facing airline business. The Director General and CEO of IATA, Mr. Giovanni Bisignani says there is need for more effective flight planning systems and calls on SITA and other systems providers to ensure their software optimizes fuel use and takes advantage of every improved routing.

He declares that IATA is already adopting a broader approach to the baggage challenge by developing a toolkit of solutions, including passenger education on packaging and labelling, more effective hub management and stronger labels that survive humid conditions; adding that IATA intends to work directly with airports around the world to implement the best solutions locally.

He further stresses the need to push governments much harder to move forward with a Single European Sky and NextGen aircraft to enable the airlines take advantage of available technology. He also makes case for global harmonization. “The patchwork of ATM requirements around the world means that we do not always fly with optimum conditions and we carry extra IT kit to cope with the differences. We are a global industry. The infrastructure must be globally harmonized, in line with the Global ATM roadmap”  explains Mr. Bisignanni.

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