The International Airlines Technical Pool (IATP) is a convention of airlines made up of over 100 member airlines. In the spirit of co-operation, members of the aviation industry gather twice yearly to discuss sharing of resources, reducing costs, while improving operating efficiency. Under its auspices, members share aircraft recovery kits, aircraft parts and tooling, ground handling equipment and manpower/facilities. The membership has grown to boast 300 delegates around the world, making it a diverse and multi-cultural community. There are no boundaries and every member is encouraged to bring forward their ideas, suggestions and opinions without any political prejudice. In the spirit of a "global village" environment, IATP promotes goodwill towards all its members, explores new directions within the frame of the mission of IATP and respects the interest of all member airlines. Within its 74 year history promoting unparalleled safety in the skies, this association has not only contributed immensely to the aviation industry as we know it today, but has also forged strong bonds between airlines around the world. Competing airlines are united in the technical field. This bond, which began in 1948, was originally based solely on a gentlemen's agreement.