WAM ABU DHABI: Etihad Airways, the UAE's national airline, will be host airline of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) World Passenger Symposium (WPS) 2012, to be held in Abu Dhabi in October.

Airline, travel agent, ground handlers and suppliers, as well as government representatives attend the event with the goal of finding solutions to industry challenges.

It is the first time that Abu Dhabi has hosted the WPS which will take place from 16 to 18 October and will be held at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways' President and Chief Executive Officer, said: "Etihad Airways is proud to be a key part of Abu Dhabi's hosting of the World Passenger Symposium 2012.

"The event will bring the key decision makers from the aviation industry from across the world to Abu Dhabi and provides us with another excellent opportunity to showcase what Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi has to offer." The IATA WPS is a unique event within the aviation industry as it is the only occasion in which all industry bodies and organisations come together.

The solutions the WPS looks to find within the industry include increasing ancillary revenue, understanding new distribution models; and defining a new airport experience.

Hala Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways' destination management company, will provide delegates with their ground arrangements and accommodation bookings.

WAM/MMYS