LATAM Airlines to host next IATA AGM in Rio de Janeiro
The 82nd IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June 2026, hosted by LATAM Airlines Group, International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced.
'We are excited to accept LATAM's offer to host IATA's 82nd AGM in Rio de Janeiro. The last time the IATA AGM was in South America was in 1999, also in Rio. It will be a great opportunity to take stock of changes over two decades of development that have seen strengthening air connectivity successfully support major world events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics. By meeting in the largest aviation market in South America, the AGM will highlight the great potential for aviation to be an even more powerful strategic force driving social and economic prosperity,' said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General.
'LATAM is proud to host the IATA AGM in Brazil in 2026, the main market for our airline group connecting South America to the world. In addition to facilitating a successful gathering of our industry leaders, we look forward to showcasing the contributions and enormous potential for aviation in Brazil and throughout South America. We are confident that Rio de Janeiro, one of the most spectacular cities in the world with its unparalleled hospitality and beauty, will ensure a warm welcome and a memorable experience for all attendees,' said Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group.
LATAM Airlines Group connects people and cultures across South America and beyond with 153 destinations across 27 countries. In 2024, LATAM transported a record 82 million passengers and achieved significant milestones in fleet modernization and environmental sustainability.
Hosting the IATA AGM in Rio de Janeiro reflects Brazil's rich history in aviation, dating back to the pioneering efforts of Alberto Santos-Dumont, who is celebrated as one of the fathers of aviation. His historic flight in 1906 marked a significant milestone in the development of powered flight, not only in Latin America but also the entire globe, a statement said.
Previous IATA AGMs held in Brazil were in Petropolis (1947) and Rio de Janeiro (1999).
NEW CHAIRMAN
Meanwhile, Luis Gallego, CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG), has assumed his duties as Chair of the IATA Board. His one-year term began at the conclusion of the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, India.
Gallego is the 83rd Chair of the IATA Board on which he has served since 2018. Gallego succeeds IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers, who will continue to serve on the Board.
'I am honoured to be taking up the position of Chair of the IATA Board. The airline industry faces significant challenges—accelerating environmental action, managing geopolitical shifts and supply chain issues, and dealing with concerns over infrastructure capacity and costs. At the same time, the industry has incredible strengths to call on— most of all the quality of the people that strive to make aviation a safe, secure and rewarding experience for millions of travelers every day. IATA has a vital role in harnessing these human and technical resources to deliver leadership and innovation. I look forward to playing my part in steering IATA in its long mission for a strong and successful airline industry,' said Gallego.
Gallego has nearly 30 years of broad experience in the aviation industry. He became IAG's chief executive in September 2020, joining from Iberia, where he was chairman and chief executive from January 2014. During his tenure at Iberia, he turned the airline around and improved its efficiency, customer service and brand. Before that, Gallego launched Iberia Express, as chief executive from January 2012, making the new Iberia subsidiary one of the most efficient and punctual airlines in Europe.
Gallego joined Iberia Express from Vueling where he was chief operating officer from 2009, when the airline merged with the low-cost carrier Clickair which he co-founded in 2006. He held various posts at Spanish regional airline Air Nostrum between 1997 and 2006.
'I look forward to working with Luis to deliver an agenda of IATA activities that are critical to the current and future success of our member airlines. Luis has a long and deep involvement with the complex issues which are top priorities for our Association—facilitating net zero carbon emissions by 2050, achieving a smart approach to regulation and ensuring a capacity and cost structure that can meet the growing demands for air connectivity. I also want to thank Pieter Elbers for his strong support and leadership over the past year, and in particular for his hosting of a spectacular and invigorating AGM in India,' said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
an hour ago
- Daily Tribune
Airlines less optimistic for 2025, facing ‘headwinds': IATA
Airlines yesterday revised down their traffic and profit forecasts for 2025, citing 'headwinds' for the global economy, with industry chiefs warning of the risk of increased tariffs impacting the sector. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates fewer than five billion air journeys will take place this year, compared with the previously forecast 5.22 billion. 'The first half of 2025 has brought significant uncertainties to global markets,' IATA's Director General Willie Walsh told its annual general meeting in New Delhi. But he added: 'Considering the headwinds, it's a strong result that demonstrates the resilience that airlines have worked hard to fortify.' Cumulative airline profits will reach $36 billion this year, $600 million less than expected, IATA said. Commercial aviation revenues are expected to remain below the $1 trillion forecast in the previous December projections, with IATA now reporting $979 billion. Walsh, addressing IATA delegates, called for the aviation sector to be spared from increased tariffs -- though he did not name US President Donald Trump, who unveiled sweeping duties on trading partners in April. 'Trade tensions' While looking at profits, Walsh warned that 'perspective is critical' to put industry-wide figures into context, saying that per passenger, it was still a narrow margin. 'It's still a thin buffer and any new tax, increase in airport or navigation charge, demand shock or costly regulation will quickly put the industry's resilience to the test,' he said. 'Policymakers who rely on airlines as the core of a value chain that employs 86.5 million people and supports 3.9 percent of global economic activity must keep this clearly in focus.' The organisation also expects 69 million tonnes of cargo to be transported by air this year, down from the 72.5 million previously expected. A barrel of Brent North Sea crude, the international benchmark, stands below $65 as a result of Trump's tariffs, his call to 'drill baby drill' and especially a decision by OPEC+ to hike crude output quotas. This represents an immediate boon for airlines. Jet fuel is expected to average $86 a barrel in 2025, well below the $99 average in 2024, 'accounting for 25.8 percent of all operating costs', IATA added. The 2025 total fuel bill of $236 billion is $25 billion lower than in 2024. Among the 'risks' weighing on commercial aviation, IATA identified conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, as well as 'trade tensions'. 'Tariffs and prolonged trade wars dampen demand for air cargo and potentially travel,' IATA said. 'Additionally, the uncertainty over how the Trump administration's trade policies will evolve could hold back critical business decisions that drive economic activity, and with it the demand for air cargo and business travel.'
Trade Arabia
3 hours ago
- Trade Arabia
Emirates SkyCargo launches Aerospace & Engineering vertical
Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo arm of leading Dubai-based carrier Emirates, has launched Aircraft Engines, a fit-for-purpose solution dedicated to the carriage of aviation's most critical and high-value parts. The product sits under a new vertical, Aerospace and Engineering, which meticulously balances the highest level of expertise with speed and efficiency. Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, said: "Moving highly specialised items is always an exciting challenge, and, having significantly invested in building world-class infrastructure across our network, it's a challenge that we are ready to meet." "Harnessing the technical expertise of our team, our proprietary and innovative technology and fit-for-purpose infrastructure, we liaised closely with various stakeholders to develop Aircraft Engines and a dedicated product vertical, to ensure we were able to cater to such valuable and technical cargo at every touchpoint," he stated. "Working in close co-ordination with external consultants including manufacturers and operators, Emirates SkyCargo's team of in-house experts optimised existing processes to create a dedicated solution for the global movement of engines: Aircraft Engines," he noted. By introducing Aerospace and Engineering, Emirates SkyCargo aims to provide tailored logistics and transport solutions to a sector that demands high precision, specialised handling, and speed. The vertical is designed for a targeted customer base in aviation, engineering, defence and space, such as commercial aviation companies, aircraft manufacturers and parts suppliers transporting components and engines; manufacturers producing satellites and other space technology; engineers leading the development and manufacturing of cutting-edge technologies in propulsion, avionics and materials science; and finally, governments requiring ultimate security for specialised shipments. Abbas said every step in the process is geared towards providing customers with peace of mind that their critical shipment will be handled correctly. "Certified loadmasters supervise the loading, securing and unloading of engines, managing the transfer end-to-end with specialised handling techniques, checklists, and equipment such as shock absorbing transport dollies for extra care. Emirates control tower team monitors every shipment making sure it's delivered as promised, while additional track and trace devices can be added to the booking for real time updates throughout the entire journey," he added.
Trade Arabia
3 hours ago
- Trade Arabia
Brazil, Irena to co-host first global energy planning summit
The Government of Brazil and the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) will co-host the 1st edition of Energy Planning Summit which runs until June 4 at the BNDES Headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. The event will mark the official launch of the Global Coalition for Energy Planning (GCEP), a landmark initiative emerging from Brazil's 2024 G20 Presidency to help close the investment gap in the clean energy transition through improved energy planning, said the organisers. The Summit and the Coalition will contribute to building momentum ahead of COP30 in Brazil and other key global milestones, they stated. "Although significant investment opportunities exist in emerging markets and developing economies, perceived risks remain a key barrier to investment, particularly from private sources," said Irena Director General Francesco La Camera. "Brazil has demonstrated how long-term energy planning, which incorporates investment-ready strategies, can help reduce those risks, attract private capital, scale up renewables, and strengthen local supply chains," he stated. "As GCEP Secretariat, Irena will leverage its near-universal membership and extensive repository of best practices for renewable energy planning and modelling to support countries, particularly in the Global South, in developing energy strategies that align with national development and climate goals," observed Le Camera. Alexandre Silveira, Brazil's Minister of Mines and Energy, said: 'Promoting a just and effective energy transition necessarily requires recognizing the leadership of developing countries. By advancing the Global Coalition for Energy Planning, Brazil reaffirms its commitment to multilateral dialogue and to strengthening tools that connect strategic planning, public policy, and financing mechanisms in support of a more inclusive and sustainable energy future.' This high-level event will bring together senior officials from energy planning and finance ministries in a structured dialogue to establish a new global platform for cooperation. Expected outcomes include agreement on priority workstreams, a roadmap for thematic coordination, and an initial mapping of partners ready to collaborate, said the organisers. By demonstrating how robust planning can reduce risks and unlock investment, the Summit aims to strengthen political commitment to use energy planning as a strategic tool to inform national and international development strategies.
