Turkish Airlines Hosts Dual Aviation Symposiums in Istanbul

Turkey

IATA’s “Destination: Transformation” brings together leaders in airline finance, retail, and passenger experience

Türkiye’s national flag carrier, Turkish Airlines, is hosting two major aviation events this week — the World Financial Symposium (WFS) and the World Passenger Symposium (WPS) — both organized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) under the overarching theme “Destination: Transformation.”

The two-day simultaneous event, which began on Wednesday, serves as a dynamic platform uniting experts and decision-makers from the fields of airline retailing, finance, and passenger experience, with a focus on strategic insights and transformative innovation.

Last year’s edition in Bangkok, Thailand, brought together 1,241 delegates, highlighting the symposiums’ growing influence within the aviation community.

“Aviation brings the world together”

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines, emphasized the industry’s unique role in fostering global connection:

“Aviation has the remarkable power to bring people together, shorten distances, unite families, accelerate trade, and make dreams come true,” Bolat said.

He noted that Turkish Airlines, serving as Türkiye’s flag carrier for over 90 years, continues to connect continents while expanding its role as a bridge between cultures and economies.

Bolat also underlined how the sector has overcome recent challenges, quickly adapted to evolving passenger expectations, and intensified its commitment to digitalization and sustainability.

“Destination: Transformation”

Under its central theme, the joint WFS and WPS events are exploring the bold evolution of air travel, with a focus on modern payment systems, financial innovation, and the future of passenger experience.

Sessions throughout the symposium address topics such as:

· Digital payment ecosystems and the integration of new financial technologies, including the digital euro

· Transformation of airline retailing and finance to meet the needs of modern travellers

· Enhancing passenger experience through personalization and seamless technology

In addition to the conference sessions, the event features a trade exhibition, where participants can discover new solutions from global partners — including Worldpay, Travelport, and leading booking and payment providers showcasing their latest technologies.

With “Destination: Transformation,” IATA and Turkish Airlines aim to highlight how innovation, collaboration, and customer-centric design are shaping the next generation of air travel.