IATA
Transportation & Travel abbreviation · Aviation
| Stands for | International Air Transport Association |
|---|---|
| Categories | Transportation & Travel |
IATA stands for International Air Transport Association, an aviation abbreviation.
Trade association of about 350 airlines, founded in 1945 and headquartered in Montreal with executive offices in Geneva, that sets industry standards for tickets, baggage, cargo and data exchange. IATA assigns the three-letter airport codes and two-character airline codes printed on boarding passes.
Example: Your bag tag shows the IATA code SFO, which is why your suitcase went to San Francisco.
Usage notes
Pronounced "eye-AH-tuh." Founded in Havana in April 1945, succeeding an International Air Traffic Association formed in 1919. IATA codes differ from the four-letter ICAO codes used by pilots and controllers: Los Angeles is LAX to IATA but KLAX to ICAO. IATA also runs the settlement system through which travel agencies pay airlines.
Related abbreviations
More aviation abbreviations
- GS – Glideslope
- HSI – Horizontal situation indicator
- HUD – Head-up display
- IA – Inspection Authorization
- IAP – Instrument approach procedure
- IAS – Indicated airspeed
- ICAO – International Civil Aviation Organization
- IFE – In-flight entertainment
- IFR – Instrument flight rules
- ILS – Instrument landing system
- IMC – Instrument meteorological conditions
- IR – Instrument rating