Turkish Airlines is hosting the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) World Safety and Operations Conference (WSOC), which opened today in Istanbul under the theme “Performance Through People.” Running from October 6 to 8, the conference brings together aviation leaders and professionals from around the world to examine how people, technology and global standards can work together to strengthen aviation safety and operational resilience.
As the aviation industry increasingly relies on technology, data, artificial intelligence and automation to identify and manage risks, WSOC 2026 is focusing on the skills, experience and judgment of aviation professionals and their role in turning these advances into safer and more resilient operations.
Turkish Airlines CEO Ahmet Olmuştur delivered an opening address and joined the CEO panel titled “Geopolitical Risk and its Impact on People Performance,” sharing insights into the operational challenges facing the global aviation sector.
“Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Turkish Airlines,” said Olmuştur. “The value of our investments in technology is realized through the knowledge, experience and sound judgment of our people.”
He added that a strong safety culture depends on continuous learning, open communication and shared responsibility, noting that hosting the global aviation community in Istanbul provides an opportunity to exchange experience and strengthen cooperation across the industry.
Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President, Operations, Safety and Security, emphasized the central role of people in aviation safety, noting that technology can enhance insight and decision-making, while the skills, judgment and leadership of aviation professionals remain essential to translating these capabilities into safer operations.
The conference features four main tracks covering Safety, Cabin Operations, Operations and Crisis Management. Sessions will address issues including geopolitical risks and their impact on human performance, human-centered safety practices, the development of future aviation safety talent and the human factors involved in emergency response planning.
Additional workshops and forums will explore airspace efficiency and resilience, data-driven safety analysis, emergency preparedness and turbulence.
By hosting WSOC 2026, Turkish Airlines is supporting international cooperation and the exchange of operational experience, while reinforcing the aviation industry’s shared focus on putting people at the center of safety and resilience.
