Wings of Change Americas 2026 will take place in Santiago, Chile on 8–9 April, convening 400+ aviation leaders to discuss regional connectivity, economic growth and AI.
Summary: Wings of Change Americas 2026 (WOCA) will be staged in Santiago de Chile on 8–9 April 2026, hosted by LATAM, bringing more than 400 industry leaders together to discuss regional connectivity, economic transformation, sustainability and AI in aviation.
Wings of Change Americas 2026 will convene in Santiago de Chile on 8–9 April 2026, with LATAM acting as the host airline for the 16th edition of the conference. The event will centre on how aviation can spur regional connectivity, economic development and technological innovation across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Event overview
The conference's theme, “Beyond Borders – Aviation as a Catalyst for Economic Transformation,” will frame panels and roundtables aimed at strengthening ties between airlines, airports, regulators and governments to deepen regional air links and boost competitiveness.
Focus on expanding connectivity and economic growth
Organisers say the 2026 programme will prioritise strategic partnerships between the aviation industry and public authorities. Sessions will examine how coordinated policy and commercial initiatives can extend networks, open markets and stimulate broader economic activity across the region.
Key themes: sustainability, innovation and AI
Panels will address sustainability, technological innovation and the growing role of artificial intelligence in aviation operations and planning. The Sustainability & Innovation panel will, in particular, focus on practical steps to move the sector toward Net Zero Carbon Emissions.
- Sustainability & Innovation panel: pathways to Net Zero Carbon Emissions
- Airport Executive Roundtable: planning next-generation airport infrastructure
- Regulatory Roundtable: balancing consumer protection and industry viability
- Sessions on air cargo and logistics' role in regional trade
Speakers and regional stakeholders
The organisers expect more than 400 leaders from airlines, airports, regulators and logistics companies to attend. The speaker roster includes senior figures from the region's major carriers and industry bodies.
- Peter Cerdá, Regional Vice President for the Americas at IATA
- Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group
- Daniel Belaunde, CEO of Sky Airline
- Adrian Neuhauser, CEO of Abra Group
- Gabriel Oliva, President of Avianca Group
- Estuardo Ortiz, CEO of JetSMART Airlines
Chile's first aviation event with the new administration
WOCA 2026 will be the first major aviation industry platform in Chile to include representatives from the country's newly elected administration, underscoring aviation's rising profile in Chile's economic agenda.
Economic impact of aviation in Latin America
Aviation supports over 8.3 million jobs and contributed approximately USD 240 billion in GDP in 2023 across Latin America and the Caribbean. Forecasts indicate that these figures could nearly double by 2043, with the sector supporting around 15 million jobs and contributing about USD 500 billion to regional GDP.
Beyond employment and GDP, aviation facilitates the movement of goods, underpins tourism growth and connects remote communities to markets and services, making it a crucial enabler of regional development.
What this means for travellers and the industry
So what? For travellers, stronger regional connectivity promises more route options, competitive fares and improved access to secondary destinations. For the industry, WOCA 2026 is a forum to align policy, investment and technology—particularly AI and sustainability—to scale operations, modernise infrastructure and ensure long-term viability across Latin America and the Caribbean.
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