On Monday, June 8, the LATAM Group concluded its participation in the 82nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), held in Rio de Janeiro. As the official host of the leading gathering of the global commercial aviation industry and its authorities, LATAM welcomed the AGM on its return to South America after 27 years. This was the third time Brazil hosted the event, which featured an opening address by Brazil’s Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin.
At different moments throughout the assembly, it was highlighted how South America faces major structural challenges, such as deficient infrastructure, restrictive regulation, and a tax burden disproportionate to that of other markets. In parallel with the latest South American edition of the IATA AGM, it was also described how aviation has evolved since 1999, and how it must address today’s challenges and opportunities in order to remain relevant and strategic for all countries in the region.
“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,” said Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group.
LATAM promotes the adoption of 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.
“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,” said Jerome Cadier, CEO of LATAM Airlines Brazil.
IATA announced that Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, assumes the role of Chair of the IATA Board of Directors. Alvo thus becomes the 84th Chair of the organization’s Board of Directors, for a one-year term that will run until the next Annual General Meeting, scheduled for late May 2027 in Xiamen, China.
IATA recognizes the LATAM Group for Diversity and Inclusion
During the AGM, IATA presented the LATAM Group with the Diversity and Inclusion Award, one of the most relevant global recognitions aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in aviation. The award highlights the group’s progress in increasing female participation, especially in aircraft maintenance areas. 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.
“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,” said Juliana Rios, Vice President of IT and Digital at LATAM Airlines Group, during the ceremony.
“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,” said Daiane Mendes, aircraft mechanic at LATAM Airlines Brazil, who also represented the company at the award ceremony. Daiane 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.
ABOUT LATAM GROUP
LATAM Airlines Group S.A. and its affiliates are the principal group of airlines in Latin America present in five domestic markets in the region: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, in addition to international operations within Latin America and to / from Europe, the United States, Oceania, Africa and the Caribbean. The group has a fleet of Boeing 767, 777, 787, Airbus A321, A321Neo, A320, A320Neo, and A319 aircraft. Additionally, the Airbus 330, operated under short-term leases, is also part of the current operations.
LATAM Cargo Chile, LATAM Cargo Colombia and LATAM Cargo Brazil are the LATAM group cargo subsidiaries. In addition to having access to the bellies of the passenger affiliate’s aircraft, they have a fleet of 20 freighters. They operate on the LATAM group network as well as international routes that are solely used for freighters. They offer modern infrastructure, a wide variety of services and protection options to meet all customer needs.
All images credited to LATAM
