Narendra Modi to deliver keynote at IATA’s 81st general meeting

Delhi: India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to deliver the keynote address at the International Air Transport Association (IATA's) 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) in New Delhi this year.

IATA announced early Friday that global aviation industry leaders are gathering for the annual meeting alongside the World Air Transport Summit (WATS), which will take place from June 1-3, 2025.

“India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is expected to deliver a keynote address to delegates,” IATA said.

India’s IndiGo is the host airline for the event, which was last held in India in 1983. The world’s airlines trade association said that some 1,700 participants, including industry leaders, government officials, and the media, are registered to attend.

IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh said, “India’s place in global aviation has changed dramatically, particularly over the last decade. The country has seen record aircraft orders, impressive growth, and world-class infrastructure developments.”

India’s aviation industry employs 369,700 people and generates $5.6 billion of GDP. When indirect, induced, and tourism impacts are included, the totals rise to 7.7 million jobs and $53.6 billion in GDP (1.5 per cent). India’s two major carriers, Air India and IndiGo, alone are on a major expansion spree.

The surge in travel demand among India’s fast-growing middle-class population, with high spending power, drives the sector’s growth. India plans to establish 150 new airports across the country. Airlines are also significantly expanding their fleets, with total aircraft orders surpassing 1,200 in the last couple of years.  

“India’s aviation market is rapidly thriving while significantly contributing to the country’s socio-economic growth, and IndiGo is at the forefront of this upward trajectory,” said Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo and Chair of the IATA Board of Governors.

“We look forward to showcasing the exciting developments in this market and India's warm hospitality during this global mega-event. This is India’s time!” said Elbers.

The World Air Transport Summit (WATS), which follows immediately after the AGM, will address key aviation industry issues.

"The AGM is always a moment for the industry to reflect and regroup in the face of enormous economic, geopolitical and technological forces ahead," said Walsh, “I’m confident this gathering will deliver value to our stakeholders and strengthen our commitment to progress and collaboration."

The popular CEO Panel moderated by CNN’s Richard Quest will feature Elbers, Joanna Geraghty (JetBlue), Adrian Neuhauser (Abra Group), and Richard Smith (COO International and CEO Airline of FedEx).

The event will discuss the financial outlook for the airline industry, how India is strategically using aviation to drive development, and the relationship between energy security, renewable energy and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production.