Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General, delivers his speech during the 82nd IATA Annual General Meeting & World Air Transport Summit 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
"Aviation changes the lives of over 5 billion travelers annually by taking them where they need to be or by bringing them home. We make $4.1 trillion of trade possible in a market that would not be global without us. The opportunities this creates include employment for 86.5 million women and men around the world.
While the forces of conflict and division seem to make our world more dangerous day by day, aviation makes the world a better place by bringing people together. We offer hope and enable freedom. That’s what motivates our collective efforts to make flying ever safer, more efficient, and sustainable.
Like you, I feel privileged to be part of an amazing industry. "
Watch his full speech as well as more from the Opening Session during the #IATAAGM.
Watch more videos from the IATA AGM & WATS 2026: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLM2XOQXtRLMeJRKG-ZjyymgVCUPv2tknA
Learn more about the event: iata.org/en/events/agm/agm-2026
#IATAAGM
Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General, delivers his speech during the 82nd IATA Annual General Meeting & World Air Transport Summit 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
"Aviation changes the lives of over 5 billion travelers annually by taking them where they need to be or by bringing them home. We make $4.1 trillion of trade possible in a market that would not be global without us. The opportunities this creates include employment for 86.5 million women and men around the world.
While the forces of conflict and division seem to make our world more dangerous day by day, aviation makes the world a better place by bringing people together. We offer hope and enable freedom. That’s what motivates our collective efforts to make flying ever safer, more efficient, and sustainable.
Like you, I feel privileged to be part of an amazing industry. "
Watch his full speech as well as more from the Opening Session during the #IATAAGM.
Watch more videos from the IATA AGM & WATS 2026: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLM2XOQXtRLMeJRKG-ZjyymgVCUPv2tknA
Learn more about the event: iata.org/en/events/agm/agm-2026
#IATAAGM
