Bisignani lays out the air transport plan for the next 40 years

IATA's director general Giovanni Bisignani set out the vision for air transport in 2050, suggesting a safer and more efficient industry centred on just a dozen groups of carriers

Speaking at the IATA AGM in Berlin, Bisgnani said the airlines needed goals of better profitability - driven by consolidation - as well as tailored infrastructure, alternative fuel and unified airspace.

He said, "Our poor profitability makes every shock a fight for survival. We have hundreds of airlines that exist only because of the archaic system of bilateral agreements. Consolidation is necessary for us to reshape the industry. The restrictions of the bilateral system are a dam that holds us back. It is time for that dam to burst.," he said.

Bisignani also said that airports should be brought into line with airline requirements and compete for airline business based on efficiency. "Commercial revenues will drive their business," he said. "I can see airports paying airlines to bring shoppers and airport revenues funding the air traffic management system."

Bisignani also told a packed conference centre that just 10 global air navigation service providers could replace the 180 today, halving the overall cost.

"We will be very near to zero accidents in 2050," he said. "We will emit half the carbon. We will have eliminated queues with integrated systems ensuring security as we process more passengers. In addition we will operate with almost no delays in globally united skies. We will share costs and profits equitably across the value chain. We will be a consolidated industry of a dozen global brands supported by regional and niche players. And we will deliver value to investors."