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The modern IATA is part of the structure of post-Second World War aviation which grew out of the Chicago Conference of 1944.
It replaced the International Air Traffic Association of 1919. In both organization and activity, IATA has been closely associated with the International Civil Aviation Organization ( ICAO), the
United Nations' specialized agency for civil aviation.
IATA's head office is in Montreal; its main executive office is in Geneva.
Regional offices are in Amman, Brussels, Dakar, London, Nairobi, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago, Singapore and Washington D.C. In addition, there are 57 offices around the world responsible for Agency Services, Bank Settlement Plans and Cargo Account Settlements.
IATA's Mission
IATA's mission is to represent and serve the airline industry. In fulfilling that mission, IATA services four groups
interested in the smooth operation of the world air transport system: airlines, the general public, governments, and third parties such as travel and cargo agents or equipment and systems suppliers.
For the airlines, IATA offers joint ways - beyond the resources of any
single company - to exploit opportunities and solve problems. Airlines knit their individual networks into a worldwide system through IATA, despite differences in language, currencies, laws and national customs. IATA also saves them money.
For the general public, IATA simplifies the travel and shipping process. By helping to control airline costs, IATA
contributes to cheaper tickets and shipping costs. Thanks to airline cooperation through IATA, individual passengers can make one telephone call to reserve a ticket, pay in
one currency and then use the ticket on several airlines in several countries, or even return it for a cash refund.
For governments, industry working standards are developed within IATA. It is thus the most effective source of
airline experience and expertise upon which governments can draw. In fostering safe and efficient air transport, IATA serves the stated policy of most of the world's governments. IATA saves
much effort and expense that would otherwise have to be expended in bilateral negotiations - for example, on tariffs.
For third parties, IATA is a collective link between themselves and the airlines. Passenger and cargo agents are able to make representations to the industry through IATA and derive the benefit of neutrally applied
agency service standards and levels of professional skill. Equipment manufacturers and others are able to join in the airline meetings which define the way air transport goes about its business.
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