The International Air Transport Association, known as IATA, was founded in 1945. Representatives of airlines from 31 countries created it in Havana, Cuba, in April of that year.
IATA succeeded the earlier International Air Traffic Association, which had been established in 1919. The postwar organization was designed to help airlines cooperate on technical standards, commercial practices, and the orderly development of international air transport. Its work became especially important as civil aviation expanded rapidly after 1945.
IATA is not the same as ICAO. IATA is an industry association representing airlines, whereas ICAO is a United Nations agency responsible for international civil aviation standards and recommended practices. Travelers most commonly encounter IATA through two-letter airline codes, airport codes, ticketing systems, and baggage-industry standards.