Amman - Arabstoday
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.