The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that Xiamen Airlines will officially host the 83rd IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS).
The global gathering of aviation’s top leadership will take place in Xiamen, China, from May 30 to June 1, 2027.
The decision was formalized at the conclusion of the 82nd IATA AGM in Rio de Janeiro. This marks the third time China will host the prestigious event—following Shanghai in 2002 and Beijing in 2012—and the first time the global aviation community will gather in Xiamen.
“China is a major player in the aviation industry, with airlines that rank among the top globally by passenger traffic. The country is also at the forefront of how technology and digitalization can be deployed to improve efficiency. Hosting the AGM in China will allow the leaders of the global aviation industry to witness first-hand the impressive development of the Chinese market,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
Located on China’s southeast coast, Xiamen is a historical port city that continues to serve as a vital interface for commerce between China and the rest of the world. The city’s status as a premier transportation hub is set to expand significantly with the upcoming launch of Xiang’an International Airport.
“Xiamen Airlines is proud to host the IATA AGM and to welcome our industry colleagues to our home base. China is a vast and culturally diverse country, with many dynamic cities and regions beyond its best-known gateways,” said Zhao Dong, Chairman of Xiamen Airlines.
“The opening of Xiang’an International Airport demonstrates how Xiamen is growing its importance as a transportation and business hub. AGM guests can look forward to discovering the rich culture, warm hospitality, coastal beauty, and a relaxed lifestyle that create the distinctive spirit and vitality of Xiamen.” — Xie Bing, CEO & President of Xiamen Airlines
The event is expected to bring together hundreds of airline CEOs, industry stakeholders, and global media to discuss the most pressing challenges, technological advancements, and sustainability goals facing commercial aviation.
