The International Air Transport Association World Legal Symposium, which gathered over 300 international aviation law experts to discuss the legal implications of emerging forces driving the development of air transport, was held in Shanghai from Feb 19 to 21.

The symposium focused on topics such as the application of artificial intelligence, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, cybersecurity, and the growing wave of consumer protection regulations – issues that extend well beyond the scope of the 1944 Chicago Convention (Convention on International Civil Aviation).

Hosted by China Eastern Airlines, this is the second time the conference has been held in Shanghai.

Notable attendees included Liang Nan, deputy head of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, Wang Zhiqing, chairman of China Eastern Airlines, Leslie MacIntosh, corporate secretary and acting general counsel at IATA, and Michael Gill, director of the Legal Affairs and External Relations Bureau of the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Since the signing of the Chicago Convention in 1944, the global aviation industry has undergone groundbreaking changes. The number of global air passengers is expected to surpass 5 billion in 2025, MacIntosh said.

As the industry continues to evolve, the legal framework around aviation must expand to address topics such as AI, ADR mechanisms, privacy protection, consumer rights, and cybersecurity threats.

Regarding these issues, MacIntosh noted that the participating experts at this three-day event are expected to share their valuable insights and suggestions on how to achieve a better future for aviation.

The Shanghai International Aviation Court of Arbitration, established by IATA in 2014, is the world’s first professional arbitration body dedicated to resolving international aviation disputes.

"The SIACA will improve the regulations and standards for non-litigation dispute resolution and serve as a model for ADR mechanisms," said Xie Xingquan, IATA's regional vice-president for North Asia and Asia-Pacific (ad interim).

Source: Shanghai Observer, thepaper.cn