Turkish Airlines is hosting IATA’s World Safety and Operations Conference in Istanbul from 6 to 8 October 2026, with aviation professionals examining how training, leadership and technology can support safer operations.
Under the theme “Performance Through People”, the event focuses on the role of aviation staff in managing risk as artificial intelligence, automation and data become more deeply integrated into the industry.
Human Performance and Geopolitical Risk in Focus
Turkish Airlines CEO Ahmet Olmuştur delivered an opening address and joined the first-day CEO panel, “Geopolitical Risk and its Impact on People Performance”.
The discussion forms part of a wider programme exploring how airlines can support the people responsible for maintaining safe operations in changing and challenging conditions.
“Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Turkish Airlines. The value of our investments in technology is realized through the knowledge, experience and sound judgment of our people,” said Olmuştur.
“We believe a strong safety culture grows through continuous learning, open communication and a shared sense of responsibility.”
Four Tracks Cover Safety and Emergency Planning
The conference programme is organised into four tracks: Safety, Cabin Operations, Operations and Crisis Management.
Topics include human-centred safety practices, developing the next generation of aviation safety professionals and accounting for people’s needs in emergency response plans.
Workshops and forums will also address airspace efficiency and resilience, data-driven safety analysis, emergency preparedness and turbulence.
“People are the foundation of aviation safety. Technology can sharpen our insight and strengthen decision-making, but it is the skills, judgment and leadership of aviation professionals—supported by strong global standards—that turn these advances into safer operations,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President, Operations, Safety and Security.
“WSOC is about how we continue to invest in people, use technology with purpose and strengthen the standards that enable aviation to learn, adapt and improve.”
The event provides a forum for airlines and other aviation organisations to exchange operational experience and discuss shared approaches to safety and crisis management.
