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 route 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
Book your place View the event programme
Tuesday, 19 March 2024
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Opening Remarks
Hear more about why Routes Americas 2024 is taking place in Bogotá.
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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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Keynote Address – State of the Industry: Latin America and the Caribbean
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
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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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
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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Dominican Republic-based Arajet launched commercial operations in September 2022, operating from a hub at Santo Domingo’s Las Américas International Airport. Since then, the carrier has expanded its network to more than a dozen countries in the Americas, including recent additions Argentina and Canada. In this interview, CEO Victor Pacheco will lift the lid on Arajet’s bold ambitions.
Wednesday, 20 March 2024
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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 Alain Bellemare, EVP and President-International.
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The year ahead promises to be one of change for Florida-headquartered Spirit Airlines as efforts continue to push through a planned merger with JetBlue Airways. The ULCC hopes the deal will create a “viable competitor “to the ‘Big Four’ U.S. airlines. Chief Commercial Officer Matt Klein will discuss Spirit’s growth profile and competitive position, and explain how the Spirit of tomorrow could differ from the one we know today.
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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.
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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Airline Briefing
Exclusive updates direct from key airline decision makers and network planners.
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Airline Briefing
Exclusive updates direct from key airline decision makers and network planners
* Please note like all events, the programme is subject to change.
Speakers
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Frederico Pedreira
Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Avianca -
Trevor Sadler
Chief Executive Officer, interCaribbean Airways -
Roberto Alvo
Chief Executive Officer, LATAM -
Victor Pacheco
Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Arajet -
Dave Davis
President, Sun Country Airlines -
Michael Bell
Senior Client Partner, Aviation & Aerospace, Korn Ferry