The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 2025 World Safety and Operations Conference (WSOC) will occur from October 14 to 16, 2025, in Xiamen, China. The conference is hosted by Xiamen Airlines.
IATA director-general Willie Walsh emphasized the focus of this year’s conference on developing a safer future for global aviation, stating, “Our efforts to date have made aviation operations safer. Evolving technologies, including AI, will enable us to do even better as the landscape of risks changes. WSOC is the opportunity to look at technology and risk as we examine topics including safely managing the proliferation of lithium batteries carried by travelers, GNSS interference near conflict zones, improving accident reporting, managing supply chain challenges, and maintaining spectrum integrity in the face of growing telecom needs. By addressing these and other issues today we’ll be better prepared to take on the challenges of the future.”
For Zhao Dong, the chair of Xiamen Airlines, hosting WSOC 2025 in Xiamen underscores China’s pivotal role in the evolution of aviation safety. Zhao noted, “As one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing air transport markets, China has built a strong safety record while making significant investments in new infrastructure and technology. Holding WSOC here is especially meaningful: it offers Chinese carriers a platform to share their experience in building safe and reliable operations.” He added that the event will also present China’s insights and global expertise to forge shared best practices.
Key speakers at the event include Walsh, Zhao, and Mark Searle, IATA’s Global Director of Safety, alongside:
- Xie Bing, CEO and President, Xiamen Airlines
- Senior Leadership, Civil Aviation Administration of China
- Senior Executive, COMAC
- Yannick Malinge, SVP and Chief Product Safety Officer, Airbus
- Elmarie Marais, CEO, GoCrisis
- Al Madar, VP Operational Safety and Deputy Chief Aerospace Safety Officer, Boeing
- Crispin Orr, Chief Inspector of Air Accidents, UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch
- Foong Ling Huei, Director Flight Standards, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
Four main tracks centered on safety and operations will also be discussed:
- Safety: Covering topics like predictive risk management and IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit).
- Cabin Operations: Including human factors and crew safety.
- Flight Operations: Addressing the latest in training and AI for maintenance.
- Crisis Management: Discussing developments in crisis management and communication strategies.
Additionally, various workshops will be held for attendees, including IOSA Workshop, Turbulence Aware Forum, and Airspace Optimisation Workshop.
