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.
Platinum Conference Sponsors
Airbus always has been at the forefront of innovating new technologies, with a pioneering spirit that has redefined the aerospace industry. Our products bring people closer together, helping them unite and progress. We strive to continually push the boundaries on what is possible to safeguard our world for future generations. Find out more
Helping airports communicate the right message at the right time. As the aviation industry continues to navigate numerous challenges, creative messaging remains especially important. Our goal is to provide marketing support, creative resources, and ideas to help you reach your target audience with the most relevant message in a creative way. Find out more
Gold Conference Sponsors
We are the Peruvian company responsible for the operation, maintenance, and construction work at Jorge Chavez International Airport – Lima, Peru. During 2025, we connected 26 million passengers to 43 international and 19 domestic destinations. Find out more
PROMPERÚ is the Commission for the Promotion of Peruvian Exports and Tourism, in charge of the development and implementation of global strategies to position Peru via the promotion of its image, touristic destinations, added value exports and inversions, in accordance with the policies, strategies and objectives of the Ministry of Tourism and Foreign Trade. Find out more
Embraer is a global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil. It manufactures aircraft for Commercial and Executive aviation, Defense & Security, and Agricultural customers. The company also provides after-sales services & support through a worldwide network of wholly owned entities and authorized agents. Find out more
Tuesday, 3 March 2026
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Hear more about why Routes Americas 2026 is taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Collaborating for Connectivity
How Stakeholders Can Drive Sustainable Route Development
This panel explores why close collaboration between airlines, airports, city halls, and tourism boards is essential for the successful development of new air routes. It will showcase how aligning strategies across these stakeholders can mitigate risks, drive demand, and ensure the long-term sustainability of air routes. The discussion will explore the unique challenges faced by each stakeholder—such as commercial risks for airlines and policy or funding limitations for city halls—and provide insights into practical solutions to overcome these obstacles.
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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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Keynote Address: Airbus
Laurent Bayer, Vice President, Head of Sales Latin America & Caribbean, Airbus
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Networking Lunch
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CEO Keynote Interview: LATAM Airlines Brazil
Join Jerome Cadier, CEO of LATAM Airlines Brazil, for an inside look at how the country’s largest carrier is positioning itself for its next phase of sustainable growth. With Brazil’s domestic market continuing to expand and international demand shifting, Cadier will outline LATAM’s strategy for strengthening its lead at home while accelerating long-haul expansion abroad. The session will explore LATAM’s landmark order for up to 74 Embraer E195-E2s—aircraft that will enable the launch of new destinations and reshape regional connectivity across Brazil.
Cadier will also discuss the airline’s newly announced intercontinental routes from São Paulo to Amsterdam, Brussels and Cape Town, reflecting a renewed focus on profitable global markets. -
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Keynote Address: State of the Airport Industry
This session will explore the current state of the airport industry in the Americas and the opportunities ahead.
What are the long-term growth forecasts for the region? What changes are required to ensure sustainable and competitive air connectivity? How changing business models, ongoing consolidation and new aircraft fleet altering the landscape as we know it?
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Sky High Trivia: Delivered by Advance Aviation
Join Christina and Kayleigh for a fun and interactive trivia session on airport marketing, creative best practices, and aviation centric Q&A. The winner will receive a wooden Beechcraft airplane decanter set with highball glasses!
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Networking Break
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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.
Wednesday, 4 March 2026
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CEO Keynote Interview: Azul
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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New Aircraft, New Routes: A New Era of Network Competition
Next-generation aircraft, such as the Airbus A321XLR and A220, are revolutionising airline route networks by enabling carriers to serve thinner long-haul and mid-range routes, unlocking new city pairs that were previously unviable. These aircraft, with their lower trip costs, extended range, and improved efficiency, are driving hub-bypass strategies and opening up secondary and underserved markets.
In the transatlantic market, these shifts are particularly transformative. With capacity growth, intensifying competition, and uneven route performance already challenging yields, the introduction of next-generation aircraft is reshaping the competitive landscape. With A321XLR deliveries set to accelerate from 2026, airlines are preparing to introduce new transatlantic services that challenge traditional hub-and-spoke models, reshaping traffic flows and driving greater network fragmentation.
This panel will bring together key industry leaders to discuss how next-generation aircraft are redefining route economics and competitive dynamics. The discussion will delve into the opportunities these aircraft create for new city-pair connections, the challenges they pose for established long-haul operators, and how airlines are adapting their network strategies to mitigate overcapacity risks, defend core routes, and seize new growth opportunities.
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Fireside Chat: The Americas’ Route to Net Zero
Overcoming Regional Sustainability Challenges
Sustainability remains a critical focus for the aviation industry, yet significant challenges persist, particularly in the Americas. In this engaging fireside chat, Maria del Mar Whittaker will share her insights on the path to net zero in the region, addressing key issues such as the high cost and limited availability of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Latin America, as well as infrastructure constraints. The discussion will explore innovative solutions, strategic partnerships, and policy initiatives needed to accelerate progress. Key topics will include SAF development, operational efficiencies, and the pivotal role of airports in advancing sustainability efforts.
This intimate conversation will provide valuable perspectives on overcoming regional sustainability challenges and driving meaningful change in the aviation sector.
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Networking Lunch
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Smarter Airports: Leveraging Data for Route Development and Commercial Performance
Airports are under growing pressure to operate more efficiently, compete more effectively and deliver a higher-quality passenger experience. As technology advances and airline strategies evolve, airports are increasingly turning to smarter use of data, analytics and partnerships to strengthen commercial performance, respond to changing traveller expectations and inform route development.
This panel will explore how airports and their partners can combine intelligence, service innovation and collaboration to drive sustainable growth. From optimising non-aeronautical revenue and elevating passenger satisfaction to identifying new route opportunities and enhancing airline relationships, panellists will discuss how better decision-making across the ecosystem supports both commercial success and an improved end-to-end passenger journey.
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Overcoming the Supply Crunch: Navigating Workforce and Fleet Constraints
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.
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Fireside Chat:
Insights into Air Connectivity
Thursday, 5 March 2026
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Spotlight on the Caribbean: Aviation Connectivity
Improving intra-Caribbean air travel remains one of the region’s most pressing challenges—and greatest opportunities. This 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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Exclusive updates direct from key airline decision makers and network planners.
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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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Celso Ferrer
Chief Executive Officer, GOL Linhas Aéreas -
John Rodgerson
CEO, Azul Brazilian Airlines -
Jerome Cadier
Chief Executive Officer, LATAM Airlines Brasil -
Adam Scott
Founder and CEO, BermudAir -
Maria del Mar Whittaker
Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer, ABRA Group -
Sidney Levy
President, Invest.Rio