Aerowise attended Wings of Change Americas 2026, an event held in Santiago, Chile. The continent’s commercial aviation industry once again gathered at one of the most influential forums on the regional calendar, with an agenda centred on three key themes: costs, regulation and sustainability. Organised by IATA (International Air Transport Association), the event left participants with a clear impression: Latin America continues to have enormous growth potential, but it still operates within a structurally complex environment and emerging economies.
Aerowise took part in the event by participating in technical exchange sessions and strategic networking, in a context where a detailed understanding of the market and direct contact with decision-makers are key differentiators. In this regard, one of the most powerful messages came from Peter Cerdá (IATA President), who highlighted the impact of costs and tax pressure on the industry in the region. “Aviation cannot continue to be treated as a luxury”.
> “Aviation is a driver of economic development and connectivity. It cannot continue to be treated as a luxury through excessive taxes and disproportionate charges,” he emphasised during his speech. Cerdá also warned that, whilst demand is showing strong signs of recovery and growth, there are structural bottlenecks that could limit this development if they are not addressed in a coordinated manner.
> “Growth is there, but it is not automatic. It requires political decisions, predictable regulatory frameworks and a long-term vision,” he noted.
Costs and efficiency: the regional operational dilemma for the entire aviation sector
Across multiple panels and informal discussions, the consensus was clear: the cost structure in Latin America remains one of the main challenges. From airport charges to air navigation fees, through to ground operating costs, the region presents a situation that directly impacts the competitiveness of airlines and the affordability of air travel. In this context, the growing importance of optimisation tools, data-driven planning and efficiency in key processes such as turnaround—where every minute counts—was highlighted. The use of technology, through the use of applications, is key.
Regulatory fragmentation: a silent barrier
Another issue that featured on the agenda was the lack of regulatory harmonisation. Unlike other, more integrated markets, Latin America continues to operate under disparate regulatory frameworks, which creates friction in international operations. The need to move towards more uniform and predictable standards was a recurring call, particularly in a scenario where regional connectivity still has significant room for expansion.
Sustainability from a Latin American perspective
Far from aspirational rhetoric, the focus on sustainability was markedly pragmatic. The implementation of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) emerged as a clear objective, but one facing concrete challenges in terms of costs, availability and scalability. A cross-cutting message also emerged here: without adequate incentives and aligned public policies, the energy transition in the region will be slower than in other markets.
Aerowise: Market Analysis and Positioning
Aerowise’s participation enabled the company not only to strengthen ties with key players, but also to gain a direct insight into the challenges and opportunities currently shaping the regional commercial aviation market. In an environment where operational efficiency, flexibility and knowledge of the local context are increasingly valued, this type of event reinforces the company’s positioning within an ecosystem undergoing rapid transformation.
Beyond the panels, the true value of Wings of Change Americas 2026 is found in the corridors: in the conversations, in the off-the-record exchanges and in the chance to anticipate where the industry is heading. And the message that lingered is clear: the growth of aviation in Latin America is beyond doubt. What is at stake, however, is the pace — and the conditions — under which that growth can be sustained.
Aerowise’s Assessment
For Aerowise, participation in Wings of Change Americas 2026 leads to a clear conclusion: the regional commercial aviation market is moving towards a model in which operational efficiency and adaptability will be key determinants of competitiveness.
The company identifies three main areas of development in the short and medium term:
- Increased cost pressure and the need for comprehensive optimisation, where strategic planning and the intelligent use of data will play a central role.
- Regulatory environments that remain challenging, requiring in-depth local knowledge and management capabilities to operate efficiently across multiple jurisdictions.
- A gradual transition towards more sustainable models, shaped by economic and regulatory factors specific to the region.
Against this backdrop, Aerowise reinforces its vision of positioning itself as an agile player within the aviation ecosystem, capable of quickly interpreting market changes and supporting operators and customers in an increasingly demanding environment. Participation in such forums not only enables the anticipation of trends, but also the validation of strategies and the identification of concrete development opportunities in an industry undergoing constant transformation.
