IATA urges airlines to turn digitalisation into savings, better passenger experience

The International Air Transport Association urged airlines to translate AI, digital payments, and digital identity into cost savings, improved passenger experiences, and financial resilience. Speaking at the opening of the IATA World Financial Symposium and World Passenger Symposium in Macao, IATA interim director general and CFO Sandrine Le Borgne said the industry must realize digital benefits while controlling data and commercial relationships. IATA noted that airline retailing based on Offers and Orders is underway, with seven airlines already operating or implementing Orders and more than 20 expected from 2027. IATA also said airlines spend more than US$24.5 billion annually processing payments, and called for integrating reconciliation, settlement and revenue accounting into system upgrades.