IATA to Host 2025 World Safety and Operations Conference in ChinaA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that the 2025 World Safety and Operations Conference (WSOC) will take place in Xiamen, China, hosted by Xiamen Airlines.

The annual global gathering brings together aviation leaders, regulators, and industry experts to address pressing challenges in air safety and operations.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh said this year’s conference will take a “future-focused” approach.
“Evolving technologies, including AI, will allow us to make aviation operations even safer as the risk landscape changes,” Walsh explained. “WSOC will be the platform to examine issues such as lithium battery safety, GNSS interference near conflict zones, supply chain challenges, accident reporting, and maintaining spectrum integrity amid telecom growth.”

Xiamen Airlines Chairman Zhao Dong highlighted the significance of hosting the event in China.
“As one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, China has made major investments in infrastructure and technology while maintaining a strong safety record,” Zhao said. “Hosting WSOC in Xiamen provides a platform for Chinese carriers to share experiences while combining China’s insights with global expertise.”

Key Speakers

The event will feature leading figures from international aviation, including:

• Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA

• Zhao Dong, Chairman, Xiamen Airlines

• Mark Searle, Global Director of Safety, IATA

• Senior leaders from the Civil Aviation Administration of China and COMAC

• Yannick Malinge, Airbus

• Al Madar, Boeing

• Crispin Orr, UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch

• Foong Ling Huei, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore

Four Expert Tracks

The WSOC will explore four main areas:

1. Safety – Risk-based safety audits, runway safety, next-generation safety auditors, and accident investigations.

2. Cabin Operations – Human factors, lithium battery handling, and crew safety.

3. Flight Operations – Competency-based training, spectrum resilience, AI for maintenance, fuel efficiency, and sustainability.

4. Crisis Management – Crisis communications, aircraft removal, leadership roles, and family/employee assistance.

Workshops and Forums

The program also includes interactive workshops:

• IOSA Workshop – Insights on IATA’s operational safety audit program.

• Turbulence Aware Forum – Data-driven tools to manage turbulence in real-time operations.

• Airspace Optimization Workshop – Global best practices to improve airspace safety and efficiency.

The WSOC is expected to draw senior executives, regulators, and safety specialists from across the aviation industry.