IATA makes Jordan its base in Mena region

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Wednesday said it is looking to strengthen its presence in Mena (Middle East and North Africa) with a regional office in Amman. One of the world's fastest growing aviation markets, Middle East traffic grew from five per cent of the global total to 11 per cent in a decade, according to IATA estimates. The Geneva-based aviation body's Mena regional office in Jordan serves IATA's 27 Mena members as well as the governments and industry stakeholders. The Mena office processes "over $18 billion [Dh66 billion] in annual settlements" for 62 countries, IATA said in a statement. Article continues below Tony Tyler, IATA's Director General and CEO, and Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's ex-Director General were in Amman for the event. "IATA is strongly committed to Jordan as the base for our important work across the region," said Tyler in a statement. He said that Mena growth has slowed to single digit figures this year. "But I am optimistic about the future. Solid economic growth, a strategic location and rapidly expanding modern infrastructure will continue to develop a leadership role for Mena in global aviation. IATA is here to support that positive development," he said.