WOCA 2025: Can Latin America Take Flight? Airline CEOs Meet in Bogota to Find Out

As Latin America’s aviation industry continues to navigate post-pandemic recovery, regulatory shifts, and growing infrastructure demands, one of the most critical forums for dialogue and strategy will take center stage in Bogotá, Colombia. The IATA Wings of Change Americas (WOCA) returns on June 25, convening over 300 aviation and government leaders to shape the region’s air transport future.

This year’s event—held under the theme “The Connectivity Frontier: Exploring New Opportunities in the Region”—will spotlight urgent issues facing the industry, from sustainability and innovation to tariffs and regulatory frameworks.

With Business Traveler serving as a media partner and co-host of the two-day conference, WOCA is poised to be the region’s most high-impact aviation summit of the year.

Why WOCA Matters

For anyone doing business in or flying across the Americas, connectivity is more than a buzzword—it’s a competitive advantage. WOCA 2025 aims to push that conversation further, inviting airlines, airports, governments, aircraft manufacturers, law firms, consultancies, and solution providers into the room for real-time collaboration.

“In an industry where operational realities shift by the week, bringing together public and private stakeholders isn’t optional—it’s essential,” said Peter Cerdá, IATA’s Regional Vice President for the Americas, who will deliver the opening keynote.

Photo: Peter Cerdá. Courtesy of IATA

With key decision-makers from Colombia’s government, major Latin American carriers, and international organizations in attendance, the agenda reflects a shared urgency to optimize regional connectivity and unlock air travel’s economic potential.

Headline Conversations

From fireside chats to ministerial roundtables, this year’s program promises depth and candor. Bogotá’s mayor, Carlos Fernando Galán, and Aerocivil Colombia’s director, José Henrique Pinto, will welcome guests with their national vision for air transport, followed by a candid CEO chat between Abra Group CEO Adrian Neuhauser and CNN journalist Gabriela Frías diving into the group’s cross-border strategy for expanding air service across Latin America.

A CEO Roundtable You Don’t Want to Miss

One of the most anticipated moments of WOCA 2025 will be the CEO roundtable: “The History and Future of Air Transport in the Americas.” Moderated by CNN journalist Gabriela Frías, this high-level discussion brings together the region’s most influential airline leaders to reflect on industry transformation—and the road ahead.

Photo: Gabriela Frias (CNN) and Fred Pedreira (CEO, Avianca). Courtesy of IATA

The panel features:

• Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines, known for Panama’s Hub of the Americas and Copa’s consistent profitability
• Frederico Pedreira, CEO & President of Avianca Group, overseeing one of Latin America’s largest and most historic carriers amid its recent restructuring
• Estuardo Ortiz, CEO of JetSMART, leading one of the region’s most dynamic ultra-low-cost carriers
• Erika Zarante Bahamón, CEO of LATAM Airlines Colombia, shaping the Colombian market for South America’s largest airline group

Together, they will tackle challenges such as fleet renewal, regional integration, sustainability, cost efficiency, and network planning. Expect bold insights, honest reflection, and sharp debate about what it will take to compete—and collaborate—across a continent as complex and varied as the Americas.

Photo: Courtesy of IATA

For any executive in the travel, tourism, or aviation ecosystem, this session alone offers priceless intelligence and perspective.

Other must-see sessions include:

• “The Connectivity Frontier: Exploring New Tourism Opportunities” featuring tourism ministers from Cuba and Guatemala, moderated by UN Tourism’s Gustavo Santos
• “Consumer Protection Regulation – What Latin America Should Learn from EU261”, led by IATA’s James Wiltshire
• A deep dive into tariffs with OliverWyman’s Carlos Garcia Martin, unpacking whether added fees are an economic necessity or political distraction
• A focused session on Colombia’s global flower exports, with Augusto Solano, CEO of Asocolflores, highlighting the vital role of air cargo in job creation and trade

Beyond the Plenaries

In addition to keynote addresses and panel discussions, attendees will have access to interactive workshops, networking breaks, and an exhibition hall showcasing the latest in aviation tech and service solutions. The program is designed to move beyond theory and into practice, with targeted sessions on AI in aviation, sustainability benchmarks, airport infrastructure, and digital distribution.

Photo: Courtesy of IATA

And with journalist Sol Suárez Jaramillo and Business Traveler’s own Enrique Perrella serving as masters of ceremony, the event promises both polish and insight from industry veterans.

Why Business Travelers Should Care

For corporate travel managers, loyalty executives, and frequent flyers, the ripple effects of decisions made at WOCA are tangible. Whether it’s faster airport processing, more nonstop routes, or smarter digital tools, the connectivity improvements discussed here often become the passenger realities of tomorrow.

“The agenda is so rich, not to mention the amazing networking opportunities,” said Cristiane Dart of SITA and IAWA, reflecting on a past edition. “I can’t wait to see what the next one brings.”

Get Involved

WOCA 2025 promises to be an essential gathering for anyone invested in the future of aviation in the Americas. By offering exclusive insights into the latest industry developments and facilitating high-level networking opportunities, the summit aims to foster impactful partnerships and shape key policies.

Interested individuals are encouraged to explore participation options by visiting IATA Wings of Change Americas and keeping up with updates at Business Traveler. As the aviation sector continues to evolve, events like WOCA 2025 will play a crucial role in steering its future.