IATA selects Xiamen, China, to discuss the future of global aviation safety

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the next World Safety and Operations Conference (WSOC 2025) will be held from October 14 to 16 in Xiamen, China, hosted by Xiamen Airlines. The meeting will be a key forum for discussing the main challenges facing safety and operations in global aviation.

The conference will address strategic topics such as the safe management of lithium batteries in air transport, GNSS interference in conflict zones, improved accident reporting mechanisms, challenges in the aeronautical supply chain, and the protection of the radio spectrum in a context of growing telecommunications demand.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh emphasized that the WSOC will be a platform to "examine technology and risk" and to anticipate future threats with innovative solutions. For his part, Zhao Dong, President of Xiamen Airlines, noted that the selection of Xiamen recognizes China's role as one of the largest and fastest-growing markets in global aviation, highlighting the opportunity to share local experiences with the global community.

The WSOC 2025 program is organized into four main axes:

Safety: predictive risk management, data-driven IOSA audits, runway safety.

Cabin Operations: Safe transport of lithium batteries, human factors, crew safety.

Flight Operations: Resilience in Navigation, Artificial Intelligence in Maintenance, Sustainability.

Crisis Management: aircraft recovery, emergency communications, passenger and employee support.

The event will also include specialized workshops such as the IOSA Workshop, the Turbulence Aware Forum, and the Airspace Optimization Workshop, focused on sharing best practices and strengthening international cooperation around operational safety.

The host city, Xiamen, is a port and tourism hub in southeastern China, renowned for its economic dynamism, modern infrastructure, and growing importance as a business and aviation destination. Its selection as the WSOC host city reflects both the importance of the Chinese market and its international presence in the fields of connectivity and innovation.

With the participation of airlines, manufacturers, authorities, and global experts, WSOC 2025 is shaping up to be a decisive meeting point for strengthening global aviation safety in a time of profound technological and regulatory change.

Source: IATA – Press Release No. 39, September 4, 2025: “WSOC 2025 to Lay Foundations for an Even Safer Future”