LATAM Airlines Joins Avianca, Aerolineas Argentinas, Embraer, and More Aviation Companies from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Other Nations Participating at FIDAE 2026 Drawing Global Aerospace Giants, Hundreds of Exhibitors and Thousands of Visitors, Reinforcing Chile’s Position as a Leading Aviation and Business Tourism Hub

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The FIDAE 2026, the 24th edition of the International Air and Space Fair, was successfully concluded at the Pudahuel Air Base in Santiago, Chile, where Chile’s role as Latin America’s leading aviation, technology, and business tourism hub was strongly reinforced. The event was held from April 7 to 12, 2026, and was marked by the participation of 33 countries, over 250 exhibitors, 179 official and professional delegations, and more than 100 aircraft being displayed and operated across multiple demonstrations. The global aerospace and defence community was brought together in a highly structured environment where commercial aviation, military innovation, and space technologies were collectively showcased. Strategic visibility was strengthened for Latin America as major manufacturers, airlines, and defence organisations engaged in high-level discussions, demonstrations, and regulatory exchanges. Operational achievements, aircraft innovation, and regional policy frameworks were prominently highlighted throughout the fair, which was attended by both industry professionals and public audiences in large numbers, further consolidating Santiago’s position as a central aviation and aerospace convergence point.

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Global Aviation Participation and Strategic Convergence

A broad international presence was recorded as 33 participating countries were represented across aerospace manufacturers, defence agencies, aviation authorities, and commercial operators. Engagement was structured through exhibitions, technical forums, and bilateral discussions focused on air transport growth and defence modernisation. A strong emphasis was placed on the integration of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, sustainable aviation systems, and next-generation aircraft design. The presence of more than 250 exhibitors ensured that both established aerospace giants and emerging technology providers were given a shared platform. Meanwhile, 179 delegations contributed to regulatory discussions and strategic partnerships that were aimed at strengthening aviation connectivity and operational safety standards across the Latin American region and beyond.

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LATAM Airlines Operational Breakthrough at Santiago Airport

A significant operational milestone was demonstrated by LATAM Airlines, where a first-ever simultaneous dual-runway takeoff was executed at Santiago Airport. An Airbus A320 and a Boeing 787 were deployed in parallel operations, showcasing enhanced runway capacity and coordinated air traffic management efficiency. This development was aligned with international safety protocols and was positioned as a benchmark in airport operational optimisation. The achievement was recognised as a key indicator of infrastructure maturity at Santiago Airport, reflecting growing capability to handle simultaneous high-density traffic operations while maintaining compliance with global aviation standards set by industry regulatory frameworks such as IATA. The demonstration also highlighted Chile’s readiness to support future increases in passenger and cargo demand.

Aerospace Manufacturing and Defence Innovation Showcase

Major aerospace manufacturers were prominently featured, with Embraer representing Brazil through the introduction of a new demonstration livery for the KC-390 Millennium multi-mission military transport aircraft. Additional emphasis was placed on the A-29 Super Tucano, which was presented with Artificial Intelligence-enabled Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capabilities, reflecting growing integration of AI into defence aviation systems.

Meanwhile, Airbus marked its longstanding presence in Chile by showcasing high-altitude helicopter platforms and commercial A320neo configurations, reinforcing its regional market footprint. In parallel, Boeing presented long-term market forecasts projecting that Latin American carriers would require 2,365 new aircraft through 2044, underscoring sustained regional fleet expansion demand. These developments collectively indicated a strong trajectory of aircraft modernisation, defence capability enhancement, and commercial aviation expansion across Latin America.

Regional Airline Policy and Connectivity Dialogues

Regional carriers and aviation authorities were actively engaged in policy and infrastructure discussions. Aerolíneas Argentinas participated in high-level regulatory forums that focused on commercial aviation infrastructure, regional operational fees, and network connectivity expansion. These discussions were aligned with ongoing strategic codeshare developments involving LATAM Airlines, aimed at improving cross-border route integration.

At the same time, Avianca and other Northern Andean operators from Colombia and Peru contributed to debates on critical regulatory frameworks. Key focus areas included modernised ticketing systems, fare regulation structures, and the expansion of bilateral open-skies agreements across the Southern Cone. These discussions were framed within broader efforts to improve competitiveness, reduce operational barriers, and enhance passenger mobility across regional aviation markets.

Technological Innovation, Space Summit and AI Integration

A major highlight of the fair was the organisation of the Space Summit and the Dual Hub Summit, which was recorded as Chile’s inaugural Dual Innovation Forum. These platforms were designed to integrate academic institutions, military research bodies, and aerospace industries into a shared innovation ecosystem. A strong emphasis was placed on the incorporation of artificial intelligence into air traffic flow systems, enabling improved efficiency, predictive management, and enhanced safety mechanisms in aviation operations.

The forums also addressed future-oriented aerospace challenges, including space technology integration, autonomous flight systems, and digital transformation in air navigation infrastructure. Collaborative frameworks were encouraged between public and private stakeholders to ensure that technological advancements could be operationalised across both civilian and defence aviation sectors.

Public Air Show and Strategic Aviation Impact

A large-scale public air show component was attended by over 60,000 weekend visitors, reflecting strong public engagement with aerospace innovation and aviation culture. Aerial demonstrations were conducted by elite aircraft, including the F-35A Lightning II, F-16 fighter jets, and Chile’s renowned Halcones aerobatic team. These performances were structured to showcase both technological superiority and pilot precision in controlled air environments.

The public engagement element of the event was positioned as a strategic tool for promoting aviation awareness and inspiring future aerospace talent. At the same time, it contributed to Chile’s positioning as a regional hub for aviation tourism and international defence exhibitions.

Chile’s Positioning as a Regional Aerospace Power Centre

Through the successful execution of FIDAE 2026, Chile’s role as a central aviation and aerospace convergence hub in Latin America was further strengthened. The combination of commercial aviation milestones, defence innovation showcases, regulatory dialogue, and public engagement was structured into a unified platform that highlighted the country’s growing strategic importance in global aviation networks. Santiago was reinforced as a destination capable of hosting large-scale international aerospace events, supporting both economic development and technological advancement across the region.