LATAM Airlines Wins Global Airline of the Year Honour At 2026 ATW Aviation Awards

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LATAM has been recognized as Airline of the Year by Air Transport World (ATW) as part of their 52nd Annual Airline Industry Awards. This recognition is given to LATAM based on their positive financial results, pioneering style of management, expansion of international air connections, and commitment to environmental sustainability.

Recognised as one of the most respected honours in the global aviation sector, the ATW Airline Industry Achievement Awards celebrate outstanding performance and innovation across airline and airport operations.

LATAM Airlines, based in Chile, secured the top honour for its strong financial results, effective management strategies, role in expanding air connectivity across Latin America and international markets, sustainability initiatives, and its significant contribution to the global air cargo sector.

The 2026 award winners also include several leading names from across the aviation industry. Peter Foster will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Scoot has been recognised as Eco-Airline of the Year and Jet2 as Value Airline of the Year. American Airlines will receive the Force for Good Award, presented jointly with the Airlink nonprofit organisation.

Additional recipients include Air Serbia for Airline Market Leader, Royal Jordanian CEO Samer Majali for Leadership Excellence, Cathay Cargo for Cargo Operator of the Year, and Pittsburgh International Airport for Airport of the Year. Air France and Groupe ADP will be honoured for their Airline-Airport Partnership, while Saudia Airlines COO Suliaman Yaqoobi will receive the Joseph S. Murphy Award.

The 52nd ATW Airline Industry Achievement Awards ceremony will take place during a gala dinner in Milan, Italy, on Thursday, 10 December 2026. The event will be held alongside the CAPA World Airline Leader Summit 2026, bringing together senior aviation executives and industry leaders from around the world.

“I congratulate all of our highly-deserving 2027 Winners who stand for the very best in the global air transport industry. We greatly look forward to honoring and celebrating them and shining a light on all the humanitarian and economic good that air transport connectivity achieves,” said ATW Editor-in-Chief Karen Walker.

“This recognition is a tremendous source of pride for everyone at LATAM and, above all, a testament to the commitment of our teams across the region. Over the past few years, we have worked to build a stronger, more efficient and sustainable group, while expanding connectivity and continuously improving the experience we offer our customers. Being named Airline of the Year reinforces our commitment to keep moving forward and to continue connecting Latin America with the world,” said LATAM Group CEO Roberto Alvo.

Lifetime Achievement recipient Peter Foster has recently retired from a long aviation career, most recently as CEO at Air Astana. Previous roles included executive posts at Cathay Pacific, Royal Brunei Airlines and Philippines Airlines. Foster said, “This is a tremendous honor and I am delighted to accept the Award on behalf of all the dedicated employees at Air Astana.”

Leadership Excellence recipient Samer Majali, CEO of Royal Jordanian, said, “It is a great honor to receive this award. Leading Royal Jordanian alongside an exceptional team is a privilege, and I proudly accept this recognition on behalf of the entire Royal Jordanian family.”