CONFERENCE AGENDA
CONFERENCE AGENDA
| 13:00 - 18:00 | ALTA-IATA Aero Political Committee (by invitation) - PMAs MRO - IATA presentation - ALTA presentation – advocacy - Juan Sarmiento – presentation of economic analysis for advocacy purposes 2026 |
| 15:00 - 17:00 | Registration |
| 17:00 - 19:30 | Welcome Happy Hour |
| 09:00 - 09:10 | MC Welcome |
| 09:10 - 09:30 | ALTA CEO Welcome Remarks - Peter Cerdá, CEO ALTA |
| 09:30 - 09:50 | Keynote 1: One Sky, Many Voices | Can Global Aviation Still Speak with One Voice? From geopolitical tensions to emerging technologies, aviation faces unprecedented global challenges. This keynote will examine how international cooperation can continue to drive safety, connectivity and sustainable growth in an increasingly fragmented world. - Michael Gill, Director, Legal Affairs & External Relations Bureau, ICAO  Michael Gill · ICAO |
| 09:50 - 10:10 | Keynote 2: A Regional Economic Reading for the Year Ahead An executive briefing on the economic trends defining the region's outlook, exploring how inflation, interest rates, exchange rates, consumer confidence, and geopolitical developments are expected to influence aviation demand, commercial strategy, and growth opportunities across LAC. - Juan Sarmiento, Head of Economics ALTA |
| 10:10 - 10:35 | Keynote 3: Flying Through Sanctions | Aviation in a Fragmented World As geopolitical tensions reshape global aviation, sanctions have become an increasingly complex legal and commercial challenge. This keynote will examine the evolving compliance risks, cross-border restrictions, and regulatory developments shaping the industry's global operations Lori Scheetz, Partner, Wiley Law  Lori Scheetz · wiley |
| 10:35 - 11:15 | Networking Break and Official Event Picture |
| 11:15 - 11:35 | Keynote: La importancia de armonizar ciertas materias regulatorias para facilitar el desarrollo del sector aéreo de la región La presentación abordará la situación actual y el impacto de las limitaciones y/o inconsistencias en materias de derechos de tráfico, flexibilidad operacional, aplicación de tratados internacionales, pasajeros disruptivos y ciberseguridad  Juan Menció · LATAM AIRLINES |
| 11:35 - 12:55 | Keynote 4 and panel discussion 1: Taxed for Takeoff | Is Brazil's Tax System Leveling the Playing Field or Tilting It? Tax policy has become a key factor shaping competition in Brazil's aviation market. This section will examine its impact on local and foreign airlines and explore opportunities for a more balanced and competitive environment.  Edgar Gomes · TAGD Advogados Andre Teives · TAP Portugal Antonio Orlandini · LATAM AIRLINES Renata Fonseca · Gol Luisa Medina · Di Ciero Advogados |
| 12:55 - 14:30 | Lunch |
| 14:30 - 15:20 | Panel 2: Cargo Under Pressure | Drones, Cross-Border E-Commerce and Regulatory Frameworks Racing to Keep Up Innovation is transforming air cargo faster than regulation can adapt. This panel will examine the legal challenges shaping the future of cross-border commerce, drones and digital logistics. - Moderator: Eric Hartman, Representative Latin America TIACA Panelists: - Diogo Elias, CEO, Avianca Cargo - Santiago Alvarez, Vp Commercial, Latam Cargo - Ariel Diaz, Vice President, Legal and Regulatory Affairs at FedEx Express Latin America and Caribbean Division  Eric Hartman · TIACA Diogo Elias · AVIANCA Cargo Ariel Diaz · FedExSantiago Alvarez · LATAM CARGO |
| 15:40 - 16:30 | Panel 3: Cape Town in Practice: Bridging the Gap Between Treaty and Reality While the Cape Town Convention has strengthened aircraft financing, its implementation continues to vary across jurisdictions. This panel will explore the legal and institutional challenges, recent experiences in Latin America, and the reforms needed to ensure its effective application.  Jessi Saba · Sierra AbogadosJuan Menció · LATAM AIRLINES Ken Basch · Basch Rameh Advogados Carlos Eduardo Torres · Avianca Chester Salazar del Pozo · OACI |
| 16:50 - 17:40 | Keynote 6 and panel 8: Navigating the U.S. Legal Landscape | Trade, Tariffs and Cross-Border Risk The U.S. legal landscape continues to shape aviation across the Americas. This discussion will explore the legal and commercial considerations affecting cross- border transactions, trade and dispute prevention.  Jonathon Foglia · Cozen O'Connor Ronce Almond · American AirlinesRobert Wirick · A4A |
| 17:40 - 19:00 | Welcome Cocktail |
| 09:00 - 09:20 | Keynote 5: Regulating the Third Dimension | How the FAA Is Building the Future of Advanced Air Mobility As Advanced Air Mobility becomes a reality, regulators face the challenge of safely integrating a new generation of aircraft into existing aviation systems. This keynote will examine how the FAA is building the regulatory framework that will define the future of eVTOL operations and transform the next era of aviation.  Lynsey Scott · FAA |
| 09:20 - 09:40 | Keynote 7: The Brussels Effect | How EU261 Changed Passenger Rights Worldwide EU261 has reshaped passenger rights far beyond Europe. This keynote will examine its global influence and the lessons it offers for airlines and policymakers.  Diego Olmedo · PionAirLaw |
| 09:40 - 10:45 | Keynote 8 and panel 7: Inside the Incident | Real Cases, Real Consequences in Handling Disruptive Passengers Disruptive passenger incidents continue to test airlines both operationally and legally. Through real case studies, this panel will examine the legal lessons, enforcement challenges and emerging trends shaping the industry's response.  Richard Galindo · Avianca Ivette Franco · Copa Airlines Alejandro Piera · GHP - Guanes, Heisecke y Piera Giselle Deiro · HFW |
| 10:45 - 11:30 | Networking Break |
| 11:30 - 12:20 | Panel 8: When AI Talks to Passengers | Who Is Liable When Technology Gets It Wrong? From AI-powered chatbots to automated customer interactions, artificial intelligence is reshaping the passenger experience. But when these systems make mistakes, who bears legal responsibility? This panel will examine the emerging legal risks associated with AI, the evolving expectations of consumers, and the regulatory approaches that could shape the future of aviation.  Melissa Hidalgo · Spingarn Sergio Ribeiro · Clyde and Co. Alfonso Aranalde · McKitrick AviationDiego Martinotti · American Airlines |
