Welcome introduction from Routes. Hear what you can expect over the course of the event.
The route development forum for the Americas
Bogota, Colombia
• 19 – 21 March 2024
Conference Programme
Bringing together high-profile speakers and senior leaders from the air service development and aviation industries.
Comprising keynote interviews, panel discussions, airline briefings and best practice workshops, the Routes Americas 2024 conference programme will provide you with exclusive insight into the key air service development issues driving change across the region, exploring the future of air service development.
Across the three-day programme, we will see speakers cover themes such as the airline network growth strategy through alliances and partnerships, what's happening in the transatlantic market and how the pilot shortage is affecting route development in the region.
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Platinum Conference Sponsor
Gold Conference Sponsor
Tuesday, 19 March 2024
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Host Opening Remarks
Hear more about why Routes Americas 2024 is taking place in Bogotá.
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Introduction to the Conference
By Platinum Sponsor Advance Aviation
Christina Cole, Senior Aviation Brand Strategist, Advance Aviation
Join us for an insightful commencement of the Routes Americas 2024 Conference Programme by this year's Platinum Sponsor Advance Aviation.
Hear from Christina Cole about how Advance Aviation can help airport partners with their challenges and goals.
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Moderated by David Stroud, Managing Director, Strategy and Consulting, ASM
Roberto Alvo has been LATAM Airlines Group’s CEO since March 2020, successfully steering the company through a restructuring process during the pandemic. The group, created by the 2012 merger of Chile’s LAN with Brazilian rival TAM, is now back in profit and on the expansion trail. In a full and frank interview, Alvo will outline the airline’s major plans for the years ahead, including its partnership with Delta Air Lines, its network strategy, and its ongoing fleet renewal plan.
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Fireside Chat – State of the Industry: Latin America and the Caribbean
Moderated by David Casey, Editor-in-Chief, Routes
The future potential of air travel in Latin America and the Caribbean is huge, emerging as one of the most dynamic regions globally. This session will outline the current state of the aviation industry in the region and what needs to be done to address such challenges as safety, infrastructure constraints, high taxes, and sustainability measures.
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Keynote Address – State of the Industry: North America
Matthew Cornelius, Executive Vice President, Airports Council International – North America
Demand remains strong for North America’s aviation industry, driven by domestic travel in the U.S. and a burgeoning transatlantic market that saw a record number of flights during the summer 2023 season. However, operational disruptions due to labour shortages persist, impacting regional connectivity, alongside uncertainties surrounding future consolidation. This session will explore the current state of the North American market and what we can expect next.
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Virtual Keynote Address
ICAO
Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary General, International Civil Aviation Organization
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Moderated by David Casey, Editor-in-Chief, Routes
Chile-based JetSMART has grown its operations to have Argentinian and Peruvian subsidiaries and will soon launch a new offshoot in Colombia. In an in-depth interview, CEO Estuardo Ortiz, who founded the ULCC in 2017, will discuss the airline’s continued expansion, including its network strategy, fleet plans, and partnership with American Airlines.
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Panel Discussion: Aviation Competitiveness in the Caribbean
Moderator: David Appleby, Director, Air Service Development Consulting, ASM
The Caribbean presents promising opportunities for improved air connectivity, both within the region and with untapped markets in South America and Europe. However, the recovery in the area lags behind 2019 levels in terms of flight frequencies and available seats.
During this discussion, a panel of aviation leaders will provide insights into the competitive landscape for airlines and airports in the Caribbean. It will cover the region’s progress on traffic and financial recovery, and future development opportunities, offering a comprehensive overview of the current state and future potential of aviation in the Caribbean.
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Keynote Interview: Arajet
Wednesday, 20 March 2024
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Panel Discussion: Elevating Colombia's Airport Infrastructure for Future Growth
Join us for a dynamic panel discussion where industry leaders and experts will discuss the crucial topic of airport infrastructure in Colombia. As the nation positions itself for economic growth and increased connectivity, the panel will explore the challenges and opportunities inherent in enhancing airport facilities.
From expanding El Dorado Airport to the opening of the new Airport for Cartagena, the discussion will cover a spectrum of strategies aimed at elevating Colombia's airports to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving aviation landscape.
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Introduction to the Conference
By Platinum Sponsor Advance Aviation
Christina Cole, Senior Aviation Brand Strategist, Advance Aviation
Join us for an insightful commencement of the second day of Routes Americas 2024 Conference Programme by this year's Platinum Sponsor Advance Aviation.
Hear from Christina Cole about how Advance Aviation can help airport partners with their challenges and goals.
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Moderated by Aaron Karp, Contributing Editor, Aviation Week Network.
Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air has already announced plans to expand its domestic network during 2024, including flying to Orlando’s main airport for the first time. The expansion coincides with delivery of the carrier’s first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft as its fleet renewal continues. During this interview, President Gregory Anderson will explain more about the company’s growth prospects, including its plans to create a joint venture with Mexico’s Viva Aerobus.
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Moderated by Michael Bell, Senior Client Partner, Aviation & Aerospace, Korn Ferry
Summer 2024 promises to be a record season for Delta Air Lines’ transatlantic network, with plans to operate some 260 weekly flights to 18 countries and 29 destinations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The airline also continues to expand across the Americas, helped by partnerships with the likes of LATAM Airlines Group and Aeromexico, and is adding more capacity to destinations in the Asia-Pacific region. Hear more about the SkyTeam alliance member’s international investments from Delta Air Lines' VP Network, Amy Martin.
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Keynote Interview: Spirit Airlines
Matt Klein, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, Spirit Airlines
Moderated by Christine Boynton, Senior Editor, Aviation Week Network
The year ahead promises to be one of change for Florida-headquartered Spirit Airlines following the failed attempt to push through a merger with JetBlue Airways. The ULCC hoped the deal would create a “viable competitor “to the ‘Big Four’ U.S. airlines. However, Ted Christie says the carrier now remains confident in its future as an independent airline. So what does the future hold for Spirit? Chief Commercial Officer Matt Klein will discuss the next steps.
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Moderated by Michael Bell, Senior Client Partner, Aviation & Aerospace, Korn Ferry
After its transition to a ULCC began in 2018, Minneapolis-based Sun Country Airlines has forged its own path within that space, working to create a schedule that caters to the preferences of leisure carriers in the market. With flights to 10 new markets slated for 2024, President Dave Davis will explain more about the carrier’s network strategy and discuss the potential for its charter and cargo businesses.
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Keynote Interview: Southwest Airlines
Ryan Green, EVP & Chief Commercial Officer, Southwest Airlines
Moderated by Aaron Karp, Contributing Editor, Aviation Week Network.
Following a year of concerted investment that fortified its operational resilience and reliability, Southwest Airlines continues a transformative journey to improve comfort and bring additional ease in doing business with the largest carrier of air passengers traveling nonstop in the United States.
Southwest and industry veteran Ryan Green will share his experiences and perspectives on how the carrier is measuring growth, deepening investment in relationships with Customers and their communities, and empowering the People of Southwest to further their award-winning Hospitality by doubling-down on offering an all-in flexibility that stays true to the Heart of Southwest.
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Best Practice Example
A guide to grow being LCCs and ULCCs in the Americas
John Pepper, Vice President Corporate Development, Allegiant Travel Company
This session will explore all the challenges and impediments that ULCCs and LCCs have faced in growing in the Americas. Hear from the Allegiant's Vice President, John Pepper, about the airline's growth strategy including its plans to create a joint venture with Mexico’s Viva Aerobus.
Thursday, 21 March 2024
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Moderated by Michael Bell, Senior Client Partner, Aviation & Aerospace, Korn Ferry
Colombia’s largest airline Avianca is expanding at a fast pace after two competitors ceased operations earlier in 2023. The carrier, which restructured during the pandemic and is now part of Abra Group alongside Brazil’s GOL, is back in profit and preparing to further bolster its fleet. Deputy Frederico Pedreira will outline what’s next for the South American airline, including its network strategy and how it intends to continue growing in a sustainable way.
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LCCs in Latin America: A Strategic Dialogue with Flybondi and Wingo CEOs
Moderated by David Appleby, Director, Air Service Development Consulting, ASM
This joint interview will delve into the dynamic landscape of LCC carriers in Latin America, featuring insights and perspectives from two of the industry leaders, the CEOs of Flybondi and Wingo. This engaging session aims to shed light on the challenges, opportunities, and strategic considerations that LCCs face in the region.
* Please note like all events, the programme is subject to change.
Speakers
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Frederico Pedreira
Chief Executive Officer and President, Avianca -
Francisco Ospina
President, Agencia Nacional de Infraestructura - ANI -
Juan Martín Caicedo
President, Cámara Colombiana de Infraestructura - CCI -
Andrés Ortega
Vicepresidente de Concesiones Aeroportuarias, Odinsa -
Jonathan Bernal
Vicepresidente de Estructuración, Agencia Nacional de Infraestructura - ANI -
María Carolina Castillo
President, Probogotá