AGM 2026 Sessions & Highlights

Airline and technology experts look at what airlines have been doing with AI and where that might lead.

• Abha Dogra, Chief Product Officer, IBS Software
• Megan O'Keefe, Vice President Airline Solutions Product & Portfolio, Travel Unit, Amadeus
• Nikhil Ravishankar, CEO, Air New Zealand
• Andrew Sellers, Vice President Technology Strategy, Confluent

Moderator: Clare Sebastian, Correspondent, CNN

Air cargo leaders review how the sector is performing and its future prospects in light of changes in tariff policies and global trading patterns.

• Michael Steen, CEO, Atlas Air
• Janet Wallace, Managing Director Cargo Operations & Transformations, Air Canada

Moderator: Richard Quest, Anchor and Correspondent, CNN Business Editor-at-Large

Experts examine the potential for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production in Brazil, the benefits this would generate, and lessons for the rest of the world.

• Marlon Arraes Jardim Leal, Biofuels Director, Ministry of Mines and Energy, Brazil
• Patricia Grossi, Head of Carbon Markets and Biofuel Certification, Acelen Renewables
• Ricardo Pinto, Senior Specialist, Petrobras

Moderator: Clare Sebastian, Correspondent, CNN

Fact sheet: Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) (pdf)

Demand for airspace grows while conflicts limit availability. What measures (short and long-term) are needed to maintain capacity amid restrictions?

• Magdalena Jaworska-Maćkowiak, President, Polish Air Navigation Services Agency
• Chris Kempis, Director Flight Operations, Cathay Pacific

Moderator: Richard Quest, Anchor and Correspondent, CNN Business Editor-at-Large

What does data tell us about the success of passenger rights regulations? What are the prospects for improving EU261 and avoiding its replication in other markets?

• Kimberly Graber, Of Counsel, Steptoe LLP
• Thomas Reynaert, Senior Vice President External Affairs, IATA
• Alexis Von Hoensbroech, CEO, WestJet

Moderator: Clare Sebastian, Correspondent, CNN

Images of passengers evacuating aircraft with their luggage are shocking. Experts debate how to change this behavior.

• Levi Breeding, Senior Auditor, United Airlines
• Rachel Loudermilk, Managing Director Inflight Safety and Base Operations, Southwest Airlines
• Brett Molesworth, Professor of Human Factors and Aviation Safety, University of New South Wales School of Aviation

Moderator: Richard Quest, Anchor and Correspondent, CNN Business Editor-at-Large

Aviation’s center of gravity continues its relentless march east. Much of that movement is down to China’s continuing surge in traffic growth. But there are challenges, from high-speed rail to supply chain issues. A forthcoming 15^th five-year plan will be critical to the sustainable scaling up of air services.

• Xingquan (Max) Xie, Regional Vice President, North Asia, IATA

Presentation: North Asia briefing (pdf)

European air demand is expected to be strong in summer 2026. But there is a trend toward intra-European vacations rather than travel beyond the region. Moreover, significant problems remain, including the Entry Exit System, taxation, consumer protection, airport charges, and the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.

• Rafael Schvartzman, Regional Vice President, Europe, IATA

Presentation: Europe briefing (pdf)

Asia-Pacific is expected to welcome more than 4 billion passengers by 2044. That represents around 2.4 billion more passengers than today and about 41% of global growth. But the region is at a critical juncture if this growth is to be achieved sustainability. Asia-Pacific has the feedstocks and technology to become a major producer of sustainable aviation fuel, but effective policies must be implemented quickly.

• Sheldon Hee, Regional Vice President, Asia-Pacific, IATA

Presentation: Asia-Pacific briefing (pdf)

The AME briefing delved into the state of air transport across the region, the impact of the war including on airspace, demand, and fuel. Regional priorities such as blocked funds, safety high costs, regional harmonization, and capacity building were also addressed

• Kamil Alawadhi, Regional Vice President, Africa & Middle East, IATA

Presentation: Africa & Middle East briefing (pdf)

Peter Cerda focused his Americas briefing on recommendations for government measures to promote stronger air transport in the region. He noted that taxes and charges make up 29% of total ticket prices compared to 15% in North America. The potential of Latin America to grow is significant given the region’s annual trips per capita is still less than one. However, governments need to view the industry as a strategic partner, not a cash cow.

• Peter Cerda, Regional Vice President, The Americas, IATA

Presentation: Americas briefing (pdf)

Aviation aspires to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. A key element will be sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). But to get to the 500 million tonnes of SAF required by 2050 requires policy action today. Airlines also need enough carbon credits available to meet obligations in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation. Again, solutions are possible with the correct support.

• Marie Owens Thomsen, Senior Vice President Sustainability & Chief Economist, IATA
• Hemant Mistry, Director Energy Transition, IATA
• Preeti Jain, Head Net Zero Research and Programs, IATA

Presentation: Sustainability briefing (pdf)

Press releases:

• SAF Production Volumes Still Disappointing
• IATA Launches Supporting Alliance for CORSIA EEU Supply

> Sustainability fact sheets  > More on SAF  > More on CORSIA

• Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA
• Luis Gallego, CEO, IAG and Chair, IATA Board of Directors 2025-2026
• Roberto Alvo, CEO, LATAM Airlines Group

• Marie Owens Thomsen, Senior Vice President Sustainability & Chief Economist, IATA

Press release: Middle East Disruptions and High Fuel Prices Halve Airline Industry Profitability

Presentation: Industry Outlook: Energy in Crisis (pdf)

• Marie Owens Thomsen, Senior Vice President Sustainability & Chief Economist, IATA
• Hemant Mistry, Director Energy Transition, IATA
• Eleanor Budds, Research Director, Global Fuels and Refining, S&P Global

Presentation: Jet Fuel Update briefing (pdf)

Fact sheet: Fuel (pdf)

• Thomas Reynaert, Senior Vice President, External Affairs, IATA

> IATA's advocacy priorities

• Nick Careen, Senior Vice President, Operations, Safety, and Security, IATA

> Safety, Security, and Operations fact sheets

• Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA
• Roberto Alvo, CEO, LATAM Airlines Group