Dublin has been named as the host city for the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) AGM in 2016, with Aer Lingus spearheading the campaign to bring it to the capital.
The IATA is a trade association for 250 of the world's major carriers; 84 per cent of the total air traffic. The decision to host in Ireland was announced at this year's AGM, which took place this week in Miami, Florida.
The event will be held from 1 to 3 June in the RDS, Dublin (pictured) next year and will see over 1,200 delegates from all over the world visit the capital. It is estimated to be worth approximately €1.6 million to the economy, according to Business and Leadership.
The bid to host in Dublin was lead by Aer Lingus, which celebrates 80 years in business next year, with aid from the Irish Aviation Leadership Group, Fáilte Ireland’s Dublin Convention Bureau and the Department of Transport.
Stephen Kavanagh, chief executive of Aer Lingus said: “Air transportation plays a vital role in Irish social and economic life and the Irish have a proud history of contribution to the development of our global industry.”
Meanwhile, it was announced that IAG chief Willie Walsh, who last week got the thumbs-up from the Irish government for IAG to take over Aer Lingus will, serve as chairman of the IATA's board of governors form June next year.
