Xiamen Airlines to Host the 83rd IATA Annual General Meeting

June 8, 2026 - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Xiamen Airlines will host the 83rd IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) from May 30 to June 1, 2027, in Xiamen, China.

“We are delighted that the 83rd IATA AGM will be held in China, hosted by Xiamen Airlines,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “China is a major player in aviation. Its airlines rank among the world’s leaders in passenger traffic and are at the forefront of leveraging new technologies and digitalization to enhance operational efficiency in the industry. Holding the AGM in China will offer global aviation leaders a firsthand look at the country’s remarkable aviation market development.”

“Xiamen Airlines is honored to host the IATA AGM and welcomes industry colleagues from around the world to Xiamen, our headquarters city and home hub,” said Zhao Dong, Chairman of Xiamen Airlines. “China is a vast country with rich cultural diversity. Beyond its well-known gateway cities, there are many vibrant regions. Xiamen, located on the southeastern coast, is a historic port city and a key hub for trade and commerce between China and the rest of the world.”

“With the new Xiang’an International Airport set to open later this year, Xiamen’s role as a transportation and business hub will be further strengthened,” noted Xie Bing, CEO and President of Xiamen Airlines. “During the AGM, guests from around the world will have the chance to experience Xiamen’s profound cultural heritage, warm and welcoming atmosphere, stunning coastal scenery, and relaxed, leisurely way of life, capturing the unique charm and vibrant energy of this remarkable city.”

The decision to select China as the host country for the 83rd AGM was made during the 82nd IATA AGM in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  This will mark the first time this premier global gathering of aviation leaders is held in Xiamen, and the third time China has hosted the IATA AGM, following previous events in Shanghai (2002) and Beijing (2012).