Looking back at what has been another outstanding year, I would like to take a moment to highlight and celebrate you, our IATA Strategic Partners. You have enriched our conversations, shared your valuable expertise and meaningfully engaged in meetings, forums, insight sessions and IATA Events through your participation in panel discussions, testimonials and networking opportunities.
2025 was indeed a special year.
Since it was established 35 years ago, the Strategic Partnerships Program has become the key engagement platform for solution providers to work collaboratively with IATA to improve the state of the air transport industry. We have collectively benefited through the exchange of ideas and best practices, developing standards with a priority on safety, while positioning our industry for success.
This year has also seen the number of Strategic Partners surpass the “500” mark reaching “525 in 2025” - the highest level of Strategic Partners in the Program ever recorded! Based on a solid value proposition in the portfolio of over 30 areas on offer, the number of Partners in “Sustainability” has more than doubled, while those who joined the “Data and Technology Proof of Concept” area of involvement has skyrocketed.
I also want to assure you that we have taken your suggestions int account during the year and taken the pulse of our Partners who were looking to IATA to create other interesting areas of involvement. I am pleased that this has resulted in the successful launch of the new “Payments” area last June. We very much look forward to welcoming you and new players in this space in anticipation of the next annual “Payments Day”, which will take place in June 2026 in Geneva.
As we enter 2026, there is much to look forward to as well, including the hosting by LATAM Airlines Group of IATA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 6-8 June 2026. This is a prime opportunity for our Strategic Partners at AGM-level to engage with high and senior level representatives including 150 Airline CEOs, 400 C-suite executives, the media, as well as key representatives from regional and international associations and organizations. I invite you to take a look at our list of upcoming IATA events, which are included in our Calendar of Meetings.
Finally, as we prepare for the upcoming holiday season and reign in a New Year, let us take a moment to reflect on all that has been achieved, all the new relationships forged, all the interesting venues visited, and all the commitment and dedication we share in making this industry even better. Our vision of “working together to shape the future growth of a safe, secure and sustainable industry that connects and enriches our world” is one we all contribute to and should all be proud of!
I look forward to seeing you soon at an upcoming meeting or IATA event and take this opportunity to thank you for your valuable partnership.
With warmest wishes to you and yours,
Sebastian TIRADO
Head – IATA Strategic Partnerships Program
