For the first time in its history, LATAM Airlines Group will host the AGM, the Annual General Meeting of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 2026. The event is considered the most relevant in the airline industry at a global level and, in its 82nd edition, expects to bring together around 1.700 participants to discuss the most relevant and strategic topics for the sector.
It is worth noting that Brazil has already hosted the AGM on two occasions: the second edition, in 1947, in the “imperial city” of Petrópolis, and again in 1999, also in Rio de Janeiro.
“After more than 20 years, the airline industry will be able to meet again in South America, which reflects the growing importance of the region and the great contribution of aviation as an engine of economic growth, social connectivity and sustainable development. We are extremely proud and grateful that LATAM Group has been chosen to host AGM 2026 in Brazil – the largest economy in Latin America and the main market for LATAM Group,” said Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, said: “We are delighted to accept LATAM’s proposal to host IATA’s 82nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Rio de Janeiro. The last time the AGM was held in South America was in 1999, also in Rio. This will be an excellent opportunity to reflect on the transformations that have occurred over two decades of development, in which the strengthening of air connectivity has successfully ed major global events such as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games. By meeting in South America’s largest aviation market, the AGM will highlight the great potential of aviation to become an even more powerful strategic force driving prosperity.”
Regional context: aviation growth in Latin America and the Caribbean
Between 2015 and 2025, according to IATA data (based on OAG Aviation), the Latin America and Caribbean region saw a 10,8% increase in the number of routes available to engers, rising from approximately 3.430 to more than 3.800 routes. In addition, the number of seats offered grew by 28,9% over the same period. As for the frequency of flights, it rose from 270 to more than 284, representing a growth of 5,1% over the last decade.
Air transport currently generates US$240 billion in GDP in Latin America and the Caribbean and s 8,3 million jobs. The industry has grown from approximately 159,7 million engers transported RPK (enger kilometers) in 2014 to more than 481 million in 2024 in Latin America and the Caribbean, consolidating its position as a key enabler of economic growth, social integration and sustainable development in the region.
Brazil, LATAM's main market
Brazil, the largest economy in Latin America, combines continental dimensions, intense cultural diversity and a key role in the regional economy. With around 212 million inhabitants and 8,5 million km² of territorial extension, it is the fifth largest country in the world.
Today, LATAM operates the largest flight network in Brazil in its history, connecting 55 airports within the country and reaching 90 international destinations from Brazil. Since 2021, it has led both the domestic and international markets in the country, according to data from the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), and has occupied first place in the ranking of the Brazilian Association of Corporate Travel Agencies (Abracorp) for the second consecutive year. With 20.500 employees in Brazil, LATAM launched its LATAM School in 2025, a professional training program focused on developing careers in aviation.
