Emirates promotes first Emirati female pilots
Jun 5, 2026 at 1:57 PM
The international aviation industry will gather from June 6 to 8, 2026, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the 82nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the World Air Transport Summit (WATS). This marks the first time since 1999 that the AGM will take place in South America. The event will be hosted by LATAM Airlines Group, which is expected to welcome around 1,500 industry leaders, government representatives, and media personnel.
Return to South America after 27 years
Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, expressed his pleasure at the return to South America after 27 years. He emphasized that the region has made significant investments in aviation infrastructure over the past decades, enhancing the economic and social benefits of air connectivity. The Brazilian aviation sector already contributes 2.1% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Walsh pointed to the rich tourism resources, the potential for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, and growing exports. He announced that the AGM program will highlight the necessary policy measures and changes to realize Brazil’s potential in aviation.
According to IATA data, Brazil welcomed nine million international visitors in 2025. The country’s aviation sector, including airlines, airport operators, and manufacturers, employs 246,800 people and generates an economic output of 10.3 billion USD, which accounts for 0.5% of the total GDP. Considering the entire aviation value chain, including employee spending and tourism activities, the sector supports a total of 1.9 million jobs and contributes 46.4 billion USD, or 2.1%, to the GDP.
Demand in Brazilian air transport remains strong. In 2025, Brazil recorded an 11.5% growth in passenger demand compared to the previous year, with both the domestic and international markets exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Domestic traffic surpassed the 100 million passenger mark for the first time, while international demand increased by 17% compared to 2024 and by 20.4 percentage points compared to 2019 figures.
Agenda of the World Air Transport Summit
Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, stated that it is an honor to welcome members of the global aviation community to Brazil. He emphasized that the aviation market in Brazil significantly contributes to the country’s economic development and that LATAM Airlines Group plays a key role in this progress. The event provides an opportunity to create conditions that further strengthen aviation in Brazil and across South America as a catalyst for growth and development.
The World Air Transport Summit will take place immediately after the AGM and will address key topics in the aviation industry with an ambitious agenda. Highlights include a CEO panel moderated by Richard Quest from CNN, featuring prominent figures such as Luis Rodrigues, CEO of TAP Air Portugal, Con Korfiatis, CEO of Oman Air, Güliz Öztürk, CEO of Pegasus Airlines, and Adrian Neuhauser, CEO of Abra.
Key topics to be addressed at WATS include realizing the potential of Brazilian aviation, closing the gap between sustainable aviation fuel production capacity and airline needs, and securing airspace to manage growth in an increasingly conflict-ridden environment. Other topics include trade, tariffs, and the role of air freight, passenger psychology in stressful situations, as well as passenger rights and prospects for better regulation. Additionally, the eighth edition of the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards will take place, honoring individuals and organizations committed to gender equality in the industry.
