The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that the 2025 World Safety and Operations Conference (WSOC) will be held in Xiamen, China. The event aims to address future challenges in aviation safety as new technologies and risks emerge.
“This year’s WSOC will have a future focus. 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,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
Zhao Dong, Chairman of Xiamen Airlines, highlighted China’s position in global aviation: “Hosting WSOC 2025 in Xiamen highlights China’s important role in shaping the future of aviation safety. 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. More importantly, the event brings together China’s insights and global expertise to forge shared best practices.”