Press Release: Aviation Leaders Land In Rio To Define Future Regional Air Connectivity

Marking its 19th edition, Routes Americas 2026 will convene the region’s most senior air service development decision-makers in Rio de Janeiro this week from March 3-5. More than 1,000 delegates are expected to attend, including vice presidents and heads of network planning from leading airlines across the Americas.

Over the course of the three-day event, more than 3,000 meetings will take place between airlines, airports and destination representatives, creating a platform to discuss new route opportunities and shape the future of air connectivity across the region.

The event’s Conference Programme will feature more than 35 association leaders, airline executives, government ministers and industry suppliers. Confirmed sessions include:

• Celso Ferrer, CEO of GOL Linhas Aéreas, who will participate in a keynote interview outlining the airline’s post-restructuring strategy and its outlook for the Latin American market.
• Jerome Cadier, CEO of LATAM Airlines Brasil, who will discuss capacity deployment, fleet modernization—including the introduction of new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft—and the airline’s approach to growth in Brazil’s evolving competitive landscape.
• John Rodgerson, CEO of Azul Brazilian Airlines, who will set out how the carrier is navigating one of the most consequential periods in its 17-year history.
• Maria del Mar Whittaker, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at Abra Group, who will provide insight into addressing sustainability challenges across Latin America.
• Vijay Bathija, Chief Revenue Officer of Flair Airlines, who will explore the Canadian carrier’s future network strategy and growth plans.

Routes Americas 2026 is hosted by RIOgaleão Airport, Rio de Janeiro City Hall – through Invest. Rio – and Visit Rio, with GOL Linhas Aéreas, a member of Abra Group, serving as the Official Carrier.

Brazil welcomed a record 9.3 million international visitors in 2025, a 37% year-on-year increase. As the country’s second-largest city and a major financial and commercial hub, Rio de Janeiro plays a central role in sectors including energy, telecommunications, tourism and entertainment, making it a strategic setting for the region’s premier route development event.

Patrick Fehring, RIOgaleão Director of Air Business, said: “We are proud to host Routes Americas in Brazil. The strong participation of Brazilian airports and tourism organizations highlights the national relevance of this edition. Rio de Janeiro is undergoing a sustained recovery in international connectivity, and hosting the Americas’ leading route development forum reinforces our position as a strategic hub and the primary gateway for tourism to Brazil and the Southern Cone.”

Eduardo Paes, Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, said: “Hosting Routes Americas for the first time in Rio de Janeiro is a clear demonstration of the strong international momentum the city is experiencing. We are once again positioning Rio at the center of major global decision-making, strengthening our air connectivity through RIOgaleão and creating new opportunities for tourism. Rio is increasingly open to the world,”.

In this context, the event represents a concrete opportunity to showcase Rio de Janeiro to the world as a competitive destination, capable of generating demand, stimulating air traffic and attracting new airlines and investment.

Sidney Levy, president of Invest.Rio, added: “Routes Americas provides a strategic platform to connect Rio de Janeiro with the world’s leading aviation decision-makers. At Invest Rio, our role is to create a business-friendly environment that enables new opportunities, new routes and investment. Hosting this event enhances the city’s international visibility, reinforces Rio’s position as an aviation hub and drives sustainable economic development,”.

Steven Small, managing director of Routes, said: “Over the next three days, more than 3,000 meetings will take place between the region’s leading and fastest-growing airlines, airports and destinations. These strategic conversations will help define future air connectivity across the Americas.”

Small added: “Independent analysis shows that airports in previous host destinations have seen their networks grow by around 6.9% more than comparable airports within three years. With decision-makers from over 90 of the region’s leading and fastest-growing airlines here in Rio, the event provides a powerful platform for the city to showcase its growth potential and strengthen its position in the global aviation market.”