Qantas welcomed the announcement that the International Air Transport Association's 2018 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place in Sydney in June 2018.
One of the most prestigious events on the aviation calendar, the AGM – and the associated World Air Transport Summit – will attract more than 1,000 delegates and is expected to provide a boost to the NSW economy with attendees often choosing to stay and explore the region following the AGM.
The announcement of Sydney as next year's location and Qantas as host airline was made at the conclusion of IATA's 2017 AGM in Cancun. Other host cities include Dublin, Miami, Beijing, Paris, Berlin and Capetown.
Qantas is a founding member of IATA and four of its CEOs have chaired the IATA Board of Governors, including the current Group CEO, Alan Joyce, during 2012-13. Mr Joyce has served on the Board of Governors since 2009.
"We're really looking forward to hosting our airline colleagues in Sydney next year," Mr Joyce said.
"This is the first annual meeting to be held in the Asia-Pacific since 2012, so it'll be good to bring the industry back to what is the world's fastest-growing region for air travel, and give an Australian perspective on the issues and opportunities facing our industry. Sydney has been Qantas' home since the 1930s and it's Australia's global aviation gateway today, at a time when we're seeing a major tourism boom. That makes it a perfect place to discuss what I'm sure will be a big agenda of topics. It's also a warm, welcoming, beautiful, city that we're confident every delegate will love."
This will be the third IATA AGM to be held in Sydney, after the 2000 and 1961 meetings.
NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said the AGM would shine a bright light on Sydney while driving overnight visitation to the State.
"Staging business events in Sydney is a fantastic way to encourage more visitors to experience everything that's on offer in our great city – from our magnificent harbour, world-class food and wine offerings, iconic attractions and beautiful surrounding regions. We are delighted that people coming to the IATA's 2018 AGM will be here during next year's Vivid Sydney Festival and be able to see the city at its absolute best. I look forward to welcoming delegates to Australia's premier tourism and events State next year," Mr Marshall said.