A Continental Aviation Summit
From June 25 to 26, 2025, Bogotá serves as the epicentre of aviation progression, hosting the internationally acclaimed IATA Wings of Change Americas (WOCA) event at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Known as a vital nexus between public policy and private enterprise, the conference transcends borders—equalled only by the scope of its attendees. YOCA attracts aviation authorities, industry regulators, major airlines, airports, and tech partners from countries including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Bolivia, and beyond travelandtourworld.com+14iata.org+14businesstravelerusa.com+14.
Theme & Strategic Priorities: What Attendees Must Know
Under the unifying theme, “The Connectivity Frontier: Exploring New Opportunities in the Region,” WOCA 2025 delves deep into how aviation can accelerate regional integration, economic growth, and technological transformation aerolatinnews.com+7iata.org+7financecolombia.com+7. Priority topics include:
- Regional Connectivity & Market Integration: Exploring airline partnerships and route expansion across the Americas, aiming to democratize access and boost travel networks.
- Technology & Innovation: Spotlighting AI in operations, smart airports, and new distribution systems to modernize the travel ecosystem.
- Sustainability & SAF: Accelerating the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuels, carbon footprint reduction, and operational efficiencies to align with 2050 net zero goals.
- Regulation & Consumer Protection: Reviewing emerging frameworks and EU261-style protections, ensuring balance between consumer rights and airline viability.
High-Profile Speakers & Networking Essentials
The conference’s keynote lineup announces industry visionaries, including:
- Frederico Pedreira, CEO & President of Avianca (host airline) aviation.report+6financecolombia.com+6iata.org+6iata.org+12iata.org+12iata.org+12iata.org
- Peter Cerdá, IATA’s Regional Vice President for the Americas iata.org+8iata.org+8financecolombia.com+8
- CEOs from Copa Airlines, LATAM, JetSMART, and Abra Group aviation.report+15iata.org+15htrends.com+15
- Leaders and innovators from Airbus, UN Tourism, ACI‑LAC, SITA, BioD, and more iata.org+8financecolombia.com+8en.travel2latam.com+8
Corporate and government leaders converge in Bogotá for dynamic plenary panels, ministerial roundtables, and fireside chats featuring both public policymakers and private airlines. CEO roundtables and VIP meetings address route development, infrastructure investments, and regulatory collaboration.
This robust agenda ensures both macro-level strategy and micro-level coordination—offering delegates unmatched insight into regional aviation dynamics.
Program Highlights: In-depth & Action-Oriented
The two-day agenda is structured for maximum impact, blending high-profile dialogues with pragmatic workshops:
| Segment | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Plenary | Welcome addresses by Cerdá and Bogotá’s Mayor, followed by Colombia’s civil aviation director aerolatinnews.comen.wikipedia.org+6businesstravelerusa.com+6financecolombia.com+6 |
| CEO Roundtable | Critical discussion led by CNN’s Gabriela Frías with airline leaders on regional growth |
| Ministerial Tourism Roundtable | UN experts and regional tourism ministers discuss aviation’s role in cultural exchange |
| Sustainability Session | Leaders from Airbus, LATAM, Boeing, and BIO-D share SAF strategies and carbon reduction initiatives |
| Regulatory Focus | Consumer protection and fair tariff discussions led by IATA senior advisors and OliverWyman |
| Tech & Innovation Breakouts | Workshops on AI, flight optimization, digital retailing, airport modernization, and air cargo logistics |
Additionally, attendees can access exhibition booths, innovation labs, and 1:1 matchmaking sessions to seal deals, pilot projects, and regional partnerships.
Why Bogotá?
Bogotá and its flagship El Dorado International Airport (BOG) stand out as a prime venue, handling over 45 million passengers in 2024 and functioning as Latin America’s busiest cargo and passenger hub en.wikipedia.org+1businesstravelerusa.com+1. The concentration of airline corporate hubs (Avianca, Copa, LATAM Colombia) in Bogotá reinforces its strategic position as “Hub of the Americas.” Furthermore, aviation—responsible for 4.3 % of Colombia’s GDP and nearly one million jobs—anchors the nation’s economic future .
Who Should Attend?
WOCA 2025 is a must for:
- Airline executives targeting new routes, fleet strategies, or digital solutions
- Airport authorities seeking infrastructure or sustainability insights
- Government and regulatory officials shaping aviation policy
- Aircraft manufacturers and suppliers deploying next-gen tech
- Consultancies, law firms, and specialized vendors operating across the aviation value chain
Tangible Outcomes & Market Impact
Participation in WOCA yields:
- Passenger Connectivity Boost: Direct flight expansions and bilateral air service agreements enhance mobility for professionals and communities.
- Faster SAF and Green Infrastructure Rollouts: Concrete sustainability commitments help airlines align with global climate targets.
- Regulatory Confidence: Data-driven insights shape consumer protection and industry compliance frameworks for stable growth.
- Innovation Adoption: AI, digital retailing, and airport modernization pave the way for competitive differentiation.
Final Takeaways: WOCA as a Regional Catalyst
As Latin America navigates a pivotal era in post‑COVID recovery and global competitiveness, strategic dialogue and cross-sector collaboration are crucial. IATA’s WOCA 2025 in Bogotá creates a rare and powerful platform for aligning government policy with private ambition—accelerating sustainable aviation growth, expanding air access, and uplifting regional economies.
For those in aviation, government, or related industries, this is more than a conference—it’s a strategic moment to shape the future of air travel across the Americas. Missing it means missing the chance to connect, innovate, and lead in a region on the cusp of transformation.
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