MESSAGE FROM THE IAAIA CHAIRMAN

Following the huge success of last year’s conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, it is with pleasure that I introduce to you the 18th IAAIA Annual Conference to be hosted by Etihad Airways at the Intercontinental Hotel Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, between 29th November and 2nd December 2009.

Our focus this year should strike a chord with all of us within the aviation industry considering the challenging and turbulent economic climate which currently exists. Never before has it been so important for Internal Auditors to demonstrate their value-adding potential and help their airline achieve common goals. We have therefore adopted “Drilling Deeper in Shifting Sand Storms Internal Audit the Reliable Partner!” as the pivotal theme for the upcoming conference. The IAAIA Executive Committee has designed a conference programme focused on relevant industry topics being facilitated by industry experts from leading airlines and professional service firms around the world. While providing ample opportunity to engage in interactive discussions on current issues, the conference will also examine the areas of our role mandating us to identify operational improvement opportunities which often result in enhanced revenue or cost management.

The conference this year continues to offer outstanding value for money, as we maintain a special all inclusive rate of only US $995 per participant for member carriers. This provides 3 nights accommodation in a 5-star hotel, all meals, full conference registration, and evening activities. Given the non-member rate is US $1,095, I would strongly encourage any airline who is yet to submit the nominal US $100 IAAIA annual subscription fee to do so in conjunction with conference payment to ensure the benefits to your organisation extend past the conference. It is important to bear in mind that the conference provides CPE hours, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to accumulate required credits.

The host location, Abu Dhabi, is the federal capital of United Arab Emirates and the largest of the seven emirates making up the UAE. Abu Dhabi has been transformed into a modern city with high-rise buildings, broad boulevards, stunning beach fronts, and luxury hotels asserting itself as a premium tourist spot, business destination, and cultural centre within the region. We have arranged exciting social activities within the conference programme which include a dhow dinner cruise and desert safari experience.

No event of this size could take place without the work and dedication of your Executive Committee, and in this regard I would like to extend my appreciation to them and indeed all who have helped ensure we build on the platforms established by previous conferences. Special mention must also be made of our outgoing Chairperson, Raja Azura Mahayuddin, whose tireless efforts over the past years have resulted in an invaluable contribution towards the ongoing success of the IAAIA. Azura has decided to step down to focus on her new role outside Malaysia Airlines, however she continues to provide support to the Association. I’m sure you will join me in wishing her all the best with her new opportunity.

I look forward to welcoming you in Abu Dhabi, one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the Middle East, and encourage you to book early as it is certainly an experience not to be missed!

Andrew Fisher
Chairman
International Association of Airline Internal Auditors

IAAIA 2009 CONFERENCE - PROGRAM AT A GLANCE