A need for public policies to open up the potential for aviation in the South American market was highlighted earlier this month at the 82^nd annual IATA AGM.

The gathering of over 4,000 aviation professionals took place in Rio de Janeiro and was a chance to highlight the presence of LATAM, this year’s host airline.

The largest carrier in South America, LATAM operates a fleet of over 350 aircraft serving 160 destinations in 30 countries on every continent of the world.

However, the AGM heard that structural and regulatory challenges continue to constrain growth and aviation from reaching its full potential.

Industry leaders highlighted major structural challenges, such as deficient infrastructure, restrictive regulation, and a tax burden disproportionate to that of other markets.

Roberto Alvo, chief executive of LATAM Airlines Group, said despite the strides made since the turn of the last century aviation in South America must address these challenges in order to remain relevant and strategic for all countries in the region.

He said: “The AGM was a great opportunity to show the world the potential of South American aviation and the role it can play in the development of our countries.

“To turn that potential into greater connectivity, tourism, trade, and opportunities that benefit passengers, we need to keep promoting sound public policies with a long-term vision that allow us to increase efficiency and strengthen the region’s competitiveness.”

LATAM called for public policies capable of unlocking aviation’s potential in South America, where demand is still constrained in certain markets due to high tax costs, boarding and connection fees, litigation, and airport infrastructure limitations.

Jerome Cadier, chief executive of LATAM Airlines Brazil, added: “We are always facing very short-term battles, when we should be reducing the cost of flying and generating greater efficiency for this industry. It is necessary to ensure a long-term development vision and regulatory stability.”

LATAM will play a pivotal role in shaping future global aviation policy after Alvo assumed the role of Chair of the IATA Board of Directors at the AGM.

He became the 84th Chair of the organisation’s board, and will serve a one-year term that will run until the next AGM that will take place in Xiamen, China, next May.

IATA recognises the LATAM Group for diversity and inclusion

During the AGM, IATA presented the LATAM Group with the Diversity and Inclusion Award, commending the group’s progress in increasing female participation, especially in aircraft maintenance.

Between 2021 and 2025, the number of female maintenance technicians in the LATAM Group grew from 111 to 539 professionals, reinforcing the company’s commitment to talent development, equal opportunity, and the building of a more diverse and inclusive industry.

Juliana Rios, vice president of IT and Digital at LATAM, said: “We feel proud, but we are also fully aware that this is only the beginning. Work continues toward gender balance, ensuring that the hangar, the cockpit, and the meeting room are equally welcoming spaces for everyone.”

Daiane Mendes, aircraft mechanic at LATAM Airlines Brazil, added: “I hope to continue contributing to the company’s safety, excellence, and success, while at the same time inspiring other women to believe in their potential and seek their place in aviation.”

Mendes joined LATAM Airlines Brazil in December 2021 as an aircraft maintenance assistant and became the first woman to work in the maintenance area at Navegantes Airport, in Santa Catarina.