IATA Brings World Passenger and Financial Symposium to Macao

The upcoming joint World Financial Symposium (WFS) and World Passenger Symposium (WPS) by IATA in Macao (SAR), China on 28–29 October 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal event for the aviation industry.

Theme
“From Vision to Value: The Next Era of Air Travel” — focusing on how airlines can turn emerging technologies into tangible improvements for both passengers and business performance.

Program Highlights
- Opening remarks: Sandrine Le Borgne (IATA Interim Director General & CFO) and Stanley Pun (President, Civil Aviation Authority of Macao).
- IATA Industry Economic Outlook and 2026 Global Passenger Survey results.

Specialized tracks:
- Retail & Distribution (Offers & Orders): Practical adoption of modern airline retailing and AI-driven personalization.
- Financial Services & Processing: Risk management, hedging, payment cost control, and adapting finance to the “orders” model.
- Passenger Experience & Accessibility: Expanding biometrics, digital identity, and simplifying border/baggage processes.

China Focus
Chinese airline leaders will spotlight how digital innovation, Offers & Orders, and One ID are fueling growth in the region’s aviation sector.

Key Speakers
- Stanley Pun (Civil Aviation Authority of Macao SAR)
- Fangxing Fu (CFO, China National Aviation Holding Corporation)
- Tim Yu (President, Hainan Airlines Holding Co.)
- Tamur Goudarzi Pour (EVP Strategy, Lufthansa Group)
- Nipun Aggarwal (CCO, Air India)
- Julius Thairu (CCO, Kenya Airways)
- Uku Sarekanno (Deputy Executive Director, Frontex)

This event is essentially where finance meets passenger experience, with AI, digital identity, and new payment solutions at the center.