The lack of interoperable systems across the air transport value chain is emerging as the biggest obstacle to industry progress, senior IATA officials told delegates at the Trip.com Airline Global Conference (AGC) 2026. Speaking at the event, IATA representatives argued that airlines, airports, technology providers, and distributors are investing heavily in digitalization and artificial intelligence, but are held back by fragmented, non-standardized IT architectures.
According to IATA, many stakeholders continue to run legacy platforms that cannot easily exchange data or support end-to-end digital processes, limiting the impact of innovations such as advanced retailing, dynamic offers, and AI-powered operations. The association stressed that modern, interoperable standards are essential if carriers are to automate workflows, improve disruption management, and deliver more personalized, seamless journeys.
Industry leaders at AGC 2026 also flagged data governance and quality as critical preconditions for effective AI deployment, noting that poorly aligned systems undermine both customer experience and operational efficiency. IATA called for coordinated action on common schemas, governance frameworks, and clearer contractual expectations around data exchange, warning that organizations working in isolation risk missing the benefits of the current AI wave.