IATA’s inaugural WDS explores data, technology and cybersecurity 

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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) successfully concluded its inaugural World Data Symposium (WDS) with a broad consensus on three key priorities:

1. To use data even more intensely to derive value: With improvements in artificial intelligence  and predictive analytics, the contribution of aviation’s rich data collection will drive  improvements in efficiency, passenger experience, and sustainability. The industry needs to  work together to address the opportunity by establishing clear data ownership structures,  investing in new solutions and attracting talent.
2. To innovate by integrating technology solutions: Innovations such as cloud computing,  automation, and digital identity are proving their value in improving efficiency while reducing  costs. The industry needs to work together to modernize standards and optimize this  potential by integrating solutions so that the passenger journey is seamless, from booking to  baggage delivery.
3. To build cyber resilience: The need for robust cybersecurity grows in tandem with the use of  technology, particularly as it integrates various players in the travel and air cargo value chains.  The industry must work together to share information even more efficiently to protect critical  infrastructure, ensure data integrity, and safeguard passenger trust.

“The inaugural IATA WDS reinforced the critical role of data, technology, and cybersecurity in  shaping the future of aviation. It also clearly demonstrated that by working together across the  aviation value chain to share information and modernize standards, we create enormous potential to  benefit our customers with even more efficient travel and shipping experiences. This was our first  WDS, but with so much potential evolving every day, it will not be our last,” said Kim Macaulay, IATA’s  Chief Information and Data Officer.

WDS was hosted by Aer Lingus in Dublin and welcomed more than 700 participants.  Use Cases for AI and Digital Identity in Aviation  

Reflecting the focus areas of WDS—data, technology and cybersecurity—IATA unveiled the results  of three proof-of-concept (PoC) programs worked on with companies that are part of IATA’s  Strategic Partnerships Program:

Cargo Acceptance Process: The PoC demonstrated the efficiency of using a large language  model (LLM) to manage regulatory compliance in the air cargo acceptance process. It also  delivered broader benefits in terms of reduced waste, optimization of cargo space, improved customer satisfaction and reduced waste/loss. More broadly, the PoC showed how LLMs  have the potential to support regulatory compliance in the air transport industry.

Agency Onboarding: This PoC looked at how the use of digital identity can reduce the time  and effort needed to onboard new agents while reducing the potential for fraud. By  implementing agency digital employee IDs, the onboarding process can be automated, linking  agency profiles with agent access seamlessly. This framework will ensure secure and reliable  identity verification, significantly reducing the time and effort for onboarding from seven  business days to seven seconds.

Passenger Entitlements: This PoC looked at how digital identity credentials (stored as virtual  credentials in a digital wallet on their mobile phone) for travelers could be combined to  automate processes such as lounge and onboard access. This will consider the passenger  identity, class of travel, loyalty program entitlements and ancillary purchases. While it is  expected to take some time to accustom travelers to using digital identity credentials, there is  tremendous potential to simplify regulatory passport and other identity checks.

“From optimizing cargo processes to strengthening identity management and enhancing passenger  experience, AI and digital identity are already transforming key processes in aviation. Through IATA’s  Data and Technology Proof of Concept program we are collaborating across the industry to think  and explore as big as possible about how all airlines, travelers and shippers can gain the most from  applying AI and digital identity to common processes,” said Macaulay.

IATA World Data Symposium was the first of various events IATA will be holding during the course of  2025.

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