The International Air Transport Association (IATA) declared on Wednesday a need for innovation and a renewed cooperation to strengthen the relationship between airports and airlines, a bond that would enhance aviation safety and security.

"We need a common forward-looking agenda that builds on past successes and puts innovation at the heart of our common issues," Tony Tyler told attendees at the Airports Council International (ACI) World Annual General Assembly in Marrakech, Morocco. "Airports and airlines share a common interest in making aviation safer, more secure, user-friendly, operationally efficient and environmentally responsible."

Tyler highlighted six areas where airports and airlines can bolster cooperation to innovate and deliver value -- safety, security, improving the customer experience, infrastructure investments, environment and charges.

IATA has focused on runway safety, however, the agency needs to address ground safety and reducing the $4 billion cost of ground damage, Tyler said.

"If we are serious about safety -- and we are -- there is no reason not to," said Tyler.