Welcome introduction from Routes. Hear what you can expect over the course of the event.
Routes Americas 2026
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil • ExpoRio CIDADE NOVA
• 3 – 5 March 2026
Conference Programme
The Routes Americas conference programme will feature senior leaders from the region's air service development and aviation industries to outline the latest market insights, analyse trends and share expert advice that will inform your business strategy.
Expect over 15 hours of CEO interviews, panel discussions, airline briefings and best practice workshops that will provide you with exclusive insight into the key air service development issues driving change within the industry.
Tuesday, 3 March 2026
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Opening Remarks
Hear more about why Routes Americas 2026 is taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Powerhouse Panel: State of the Region’s Industry and How Trade and Foreign Policy are Reshaping its Development
A complex geopolitical backdrop is increasingly shaping how airlines operate and compete across the Americas, prompting them to look for new opportunities and growth beyond its borders.
This high-level panel brings together industry leaders to explore these critical themes and provide strategic insights into navigating the current trade and foreign policy landscape, with special focus on long-term growth, addressing operational challenges and meeting customer expectations in an evolving regional environment.
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Networking Break
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CEO Keynote Interview: GOL
Join Celso Guimarães Ferrer Junior, CEO of GOL, for a forward-looking discussion on the airline’s post-restructuring strategy and the shifting dynamics of Latin American aviation. Fresh from exiting Chapter 11 with $1.9 billion in new financing and a renewed fleet plan, GOL is working to restore capacity, clear its engine maintenance backlog and rebuild operational resilience under the stewardship of Abra Group. Ferrer will outline how the carrier is sharpening its cost base, managing market saturation, and taking a more disciplined approach to growth. With more than 17 years at GOL, he brings a grounded and pragmatic perspective on what it takes to navigate a challenging market and emerge stronger.
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Panel Discussion: Barriers to Consolidation and Collaboration—and What It Means for Network Growth
Airline consolidation and cross-border cooperation in the Americas have never been more complex. While carriers continue to pursue deeper partnerships, joint ventures, and multi-market alliances, many of these efforts have stalled, been scaled back, or failed to achieve their intended scope. High-profile developments—such as the U.S. decision requiring Aeromexico and Delta to unwind their long-standing joint cooperation agreement, and the persistent limitations foreign-ownership caps impose on cross-border mergers—underscore how regulatory, competitive, and political constraints still heavily influence strategic ambitions across the region.
Join us for an in-depth look at how these dynamics influence route connectivity across the Americas—what opportunities are being missed, where growth is still possible, and how airlines are adapting their network strategies in an increasingly fragmented regulatory environment.
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Taxation, Regulation, and Competitiveness: Navigating the Cost Burden on Latin American Aviation
High taxes and fees, which can account for up to two-thirds of a passenger ticket's cost, are stifling aviation growth in Latin America and the Caribbean. Airlines are increasingly challenging rising airport charges and VAT proposals, such as Brazil’s potential 26% rate, which further strain the industry.
This session will examine how governments can balance fiscal demands with the economic benefits aviation brings, while addressing whether airlines are unfairly treated as revenue sources. Attendees will gain insights into the challenges posed by taxation and regulation and explore strategies to foster sustainable growth in the region.
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Networking Break
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CEO Keynote Interview
Wednesday, 4 March 2026
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Azul Brazilian Airlines CEO John Rodgerson will set out how the carrier is steering through one of the most consequential periods in its 17-year history. Founded by executives with strong JetBlue roots, São Paulo-based Azul has grown into a nationwide network serving nearly 130 Brazilian cities, alongside international services to Europe and the US, accounting for around 28% of domestic seat capacity. In this session, Rodgerson will reflect on Azul’s evolution, its Chapter 11 restructuring and the strategic decisions shaping the airline’s future—from fleet and network optimisation to the changing dynamics of consolidation in Brazil’s airline market following the collapse of merger talks with rival GOL.
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Networking Break
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Transatlantic Networks: Balancing Capacity and Opportunity
Transatlantic demand continues to show resilience, but signs of strain are emerging as capacity builds on some routes faster than yields can absorb. Intensifying competition, shifting traffic flows and uneven performance across regions are forcing airlines to reassess how much growth the market can sustainably support.
In parallel, the transatlantic landscape is evolving as long-range narrowbodies enable airlines to serve thinner routes that were not previously commercially feasible. With Airbus A321XLR deliveries expected to accelerate from 2026, airlines face new strategic choices around hub bypass, network fragmentation and the balance between scale and precision.
This panel will examine how carriers are adapting their transatlantic network strategies to manage overcapacity risks while capturing emerging point-to-point opportunities, and what these changes mean for competition, partnerships and long-term profitability across the North Atlantic.
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The Americas’ Route to Net Zero: Overcoming Regional Sustainability Challenges
Sustainability continues to be a critical focus for the aviation industry, but significant hurdles remain. The high cost and limited supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), particularly in Latin America, are compounded by infrastructure challenges. This panel will bring together key stakeholders to discuss the path to net zero in the Americas, exploring innovative solutions, partnerships, and policies to accelerate progress. Topics will include SAF development, operational efficiencies, and the role of airports in driving sustainability initiatives.
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Unlocking Growth in Secondary and Underserved Markets: The Role of Next-Gen Aircraft
As hub airports across the Americas grow increasingly congested, airlines are turning to secondary and underserved markets for growth. Advances in aircraft technology, including the Airbus A321XLR, A220, and Embraer E2, are enabling thinner long-haul and mid-range routes that bypass traditional hubs. Carriers like Avelo and Breeze are thriving domestically, while American Airlines and Air Canada plan to deploy A321XLRs from 2026 to open new transatlantic and regional routes. This panel will explore how next-gen aircraft are transforming route economics and unlocking new market opportunities.
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Overcoming the Supply Crunch: Navigating Workforce and Fleet Constraints
André Mercadante, Director of Planning & Revenue, Azul Brazilian Airlines
Aircraft delivery delays, maintenance challenges, and pilot shortages are reshaping how airlines deploy capacity. With grounded fleets and rising labor costs, route planners are prioritizing markets with strong demand and stable profitability. Airlines like Copa are reallocating aircraft to high-performing routes, while carriers such as JetBlue and Spirit are scaling back weaker services to maintain operational stability. This panel will explore strategies for overcoming supply chain and workforce constraints, ensuring efficient capacity deployment, and sustaining growth in a challenging environment.
Thursday, 5 March 2026
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Spotlight on the Caribbean: Ministerial Panel on Aviation Connectivity
Improving intra-Caribbean air travel remains one of the region’s most pressing challenges—and greatest opportunities. This ministerial panel brings together senior government leaders tourism organisations to explore practical pathways for strengthening connectivity across island nations.
Discussions will examine new models for airline–destination collaboration, the role of regional partnerships in expanding sustainable route networks, and solutions to climate-related challenges such as seasonal service disruptions. With tourism-dependent economies relying heavily on reliable air links, this session offers valuable insight into how the Caribbean can build a more resilient, accessible, and interconnected aviation ecosystem.
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Exhibitor Networking
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Industry Trends in Focus: The Rise of Premium in the Americas
As demand grows for more comfort, flexibility and differentiated experiences, airlines across the Americas—including traditionally low-cost operators like Southwest, Spirit, and Frontier—are rolling out upgraded products and new fare tiers aimed at higher-yield travellers. From enhanced seating options and priority services to reimagined loyalty features, the region is experiencing a broad shift toward premiumisation.
This panel will explore what’s driving this trend, how it is reshaping airline economics and competitive strategy, and what opportunities it creates for carriers of all business models.
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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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Steven Small
Director Events, Routes -
Francisco M Medela Alonso
Industry Affairs Director, ACI-LAC Airports Council International, Latin America & Caribbean -
Priya Karnani
VP Network Development & Scheduling, Arajet -
Adam Scott
Founder and CEO, BermudAir -
John Rodgerson
CEO, Azul Brazilian Airlines -
Bård Nordhagen
CCCO, Norse Atlantic Airways