Chile Sets to Join US, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Colombia and More Countries in Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle East at 16th edition of the IATA Wings of Change Americas (WOCA)

Published on February 13, 2026

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Get ready for a groundbreaking event as Chile gears up to host the 16th edition of the IATA Wings of Change Americas (WOCA) in Santiago on April 8-9, 2026. This year’s conference will unite over 400 leaders from the US, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and many more countries across Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East. WOCA 2026 is poised to be the most influential aviation event of the year, shaping the future of aviation in the Americas.

With a theme of “Beyond Borders – Aviation as a Catalyst for Economic Transformation”, Chile will bring together aviation professionals to explore how aviation connectivity can drive economic growth, regional development, and sustainability. As US tourism continues to expand, the US and Latin American countries will collaborate to enhance global aviation and connect new markets. If you’re in the aviation industry or the US tourism sector, this is the event to attend. Don’t miss out on the innovative discussions, strategic partnerships, and new business opportunities waiting for you at WOCA 2026 in Chile. Read on to find out why this conference is a must-attend for US tourism professionals and how it will transform the future of air travel!

Santiago, Chile, will become the epicentre of aviation innovation and transformation as the 16th edition of the Wings of Change Americas (WOCA) conference takes place on 8-9 April 2026. This must-attend event is expected to gather over 400 aviation leaders from across the globe to discuss how aviation can drive economic growth, sustainability, and global competitiveness in the Americas. IATA (International Air Transport Association) is hosting this groundbreaking conference, with LATAM Airlines proudly serving as the host airline.

This year’s theme, “Beyond Borders – Aviation as a Catalyst for Economic Transformation”, is a direct reflection of IATA’s vision to push regional connectivity to new heights. As the US tourism sector grows globally, this conference will tackle the key issues influencing the future of air travel, including technology and sustainability. The WOCA 2026 is not just a conference; it’s a game-changer for aviation, offering a collaborative platform for global leaders to discuss innovative solutions for the industry’s challenges.

If you’re in the US tourism sector, the Wings of Change Americas conference is essential to understand the future of aviation and travel, especially with US tourism increasing and the world’s top airlines coming together in Chile to shape the future of air travel.

Santiago, Chile: A Global Aviation Hub for the IATA Wings of Change Americas 2026

Santiago, Chile’s capital, is set to shine as a key player in the global aviation industry. Hosting the IATA Wings of Change Americas 2026 conference, Santiago will bring together aviation professionals from across North America, South America, and beyond. For US travel professionals, this event provides a rare opportunity to engage directly with top airline executives, aviation regulators, and tourism leaders from Latin America, where aviation and tourism are growing at an exponential rate.

Santiago’s central location in South America makes it an ideal meeting point for industry leaders to come together and discuss critical topics such as airline partnerships, economic development, and sustainability in aviation. This is not just about business; it’s about a new era of aviation. With a strong aviation presence already in Chile, Santiago is well-equipped to host this high-profile event, becoming a global aviation hub for innovation, collaboration, and industry transformation.

For US tourism professionals, Santiago is a gateway to Latin America, offering endless possibilities for collaboration and expansion. The Wings of Change Americas conference promises to enhance US tourism’s engagement with Latin America, shaping the future of air travel in both regions.

The Future of Aviation: Key Themes at WOCA 2026 in Santiago

The 16th Wings of Change Americas conference will tackle key themes shaping the future of aviation in the Americas. From sustainability to technological innovation, this conference will focus on real-world solutions for the pressing challenges facing the global aviation industry. With over 400 aviation professionals in attendance, the conference will provide a unique platform for discussions on how to enhance connectivity, drive growth, and strengthen regional competitiveness.

Key topics on the agenda include airline partnerships, the role of technology and artificial intelligence in aviation, sustainability strategies, and the importance of air cargo in driving trade flows. For US tourists to Latin America, the importance of sustainable air travel cannot be overstated. The aviation industry is taking proactive steps to reduce its carbon footprint, and WOCA 2026 will be a critical platform for exploring these strategies.

US aviation leaders and tourism professionals will have ample opportunities to engage in discussions about how to transform the air travel sector in a way that benefits tourism, business, and regional development. The conference will also feature regulatory roundtables and executive discussions on how aviation can serve as a catalyst for economic transformation in both Latin America and the US tourism sector.

How WOCA 2026 Is Empowering the US Tourism Sector with Strategic Collaboration

As aviation and tourism are closely intertwined, WOCA 2026 will highlight how aviation’s evolution is transforming the US tourism sector. By fostering strategic collaboration between aviation and government authorities, the conference will focus on how the aviation sector can play a crucial role in accelerating economic growth across the Americas.

The US tourism sector is booming, and aviation connectivity is essential to ensuring that US tourists can easily access the beautiful destinations throughout Latin America. WOCA 2026 will bring together leaders from the aviation industry, tourism boards, and government officials to discuss how to strengthen ties between the US tourism sector and Latin American destinations. Whether it’s flight accessibility, new routes, or airline partnerships, WOCA 2026 will play a significant role in enhancing US travel to Latin America and improving global air connectivity.

Who’s Speaking at WOCA 2026? Top Aviation Leaders and Industry Visionaries to Shape the Future of Air Travel

The WOCA 2026 conference in Santiago will feature a star-studded lineup of speakers, including Peter Cerdá, Regional Vice President for the Americas at IATA, Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, Daniel Belaunde, CEO of Sky Airline, and Adrian Neuhauser, CEO of Abra Group. These industry giants will come together to share their vision for the future of aviation and how they plan to transform the industry to better serve US tourism, airline connectivity, and sustainability goals.

Gabriel Oliva, President of Avianca Group, and Estuardo Ortiz, CEO of JetSMART Airlines, will also share their insights into regional aviation challenges and opportunities for growth. This remarkable panel of speakers represents the best minds in aviation, and their discussions will provide invaluable insights for US tourism professionals looking to stay ahead in the evolving landscape of global air travel.

For US tourism professionals, the aviation industry’s future is closely tied to innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. WOCA 2026 will offer the chance to hear directly from the leaders driving this change and to gain valuable knowledge that can help boost US tourism to Latin America and across the Americas.

Don’t Miss Out on WOCA 2026: Secure Your Spot in Santiago, Chile for This Industry-Defining Event

The Wings of Change Americas 2026 conference is set to be a game-changer for the aviation industry, and if you’re in the US tourism sector, you cannot afford to miss it. This high-profile event will provide strategic insights, business opportunities, and industry knowledge that can help propel your business forward in a rapidly evolving aviation and tourism market.

Register now for WOCA 2026 in Santiago, Chile, and join aviation experts, US tourism professionals, and global leaders in transforming the future of air travel. Whether you’re looking to expand your business, form partnerships, or gain insights into the future of aviation, WOCA 2026 is the place to be. Don’t miss out on this unparalleled opportunity to engage with the brightest minds in aviation and tourism.