The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that the 2025 World Legal Symposium (WLS) will delve into the legal implications arising from transforming forces in aviation. This important event will occur from February 18-20, 2025, in Shanghai, China.

China Eastern Airlines is spearheading the event, marking the second time Shanghai is hosting the WLS, with the inaugural event held in 2012.

According to Leslie MacIntosh, IATA’s corporate secretary and acting general counsel:

“Shanghai is a particularly significant location to host the IATA WLS… the impressive developments in Shanghai will serve as an important reminder of the Chicago Convention’s relevance.”

Discussion Points

Among the agenda items for the 2025 WLS include:

• The role of artificial intelligence (AI).
• Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods.
• Cybersecurity challenges.
• Privacy and consumer protection regulations.

As MacIntosh noted:

“… aviation has evolved into a safe, global mass transportation system on which over five billion passengers will rely in 2025. That speaks volumes about the importance of effective global standards.”

The symposium will scrutinize how the Chicago Convention and its regulations can keep pace with rapid advancements affecting the aviation sector.