CAPA Airline Leader Summit Americas 2026 Announces Charleston as Host City
Two-day aviation strategy summit will unite industry leaders from across the Americas in South Carolina
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA, 26 November 2025 - CAPA - Centre for Aviation (CAPA), part of Aviation Week Network , and the world's most trusted source of market intelligence for the aviation and travel industry - is pleased to announce that Charleston, South Carolina, will host the prestigious CAPA Airline Leader Summit - Americas 2026 on 27-28 May 2026. This exclusive gathering will bring together hundreds of aviation executives, policymakers, and industry stakeholders from across North, Central, and South America to tackle the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the aviation sector.
- Charleston, South Carolina will host the CAPA Airline Leader Summit - Americas 2026 on 27-28 May, bringing together aviation executives and stakeholders from across the Americas.
- The summit will focus on key industry topics such as revenue diversification, next-generation airline partnerships, and Canadian aviation liberalisation.
- Critical challenges to be addressed include supply chain disruptions causing aircraft delivery delays, payment system inefficiencies, and urgent air traffic management modernisation needs.
- The event aims to provide strategic insights and foster collaboration to build a more resilient and innovative aviation sector in the Americas.
- Charleston International Airport’s selection as host highlights its growing reputation for innovation, connectivity, and hospitality in the aviation industry.
- The summit is part of CAPA’s global series, offering data-driven presentations, executive discussions, and networking opportunities for industry leaders.
The CAPA Airline Leader Summit - Americas 2026 will serve as the definitive forum for examining regional market dynamics and competitive landscapes across the Americas. This strategic two-day event will explore the development of pan-regional partnerships, low-cost sector performance, and market liberalisation trends, whilst analysing how global sustainability, digitalisation, and evolving consumer behaviours are reshaping aviation throughout the region.
"Charleston represents an ideal location for bringing together aviation leaders from across the Americas," said Claudia Kunz, Events Director at CAPA - Centre for Aviation. "This summit will provide attendees with unique access to industry-leading analysis and forward-looking insights that will inform strategic decision-making and foster collaborative approaches to building a more resilient and innovative aviation future across the Americas region."
Elliott Summey, President and CEO of the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: "We are honoured and thrilled to welcome the 2026 CAPA Airline Leader Summit to Charleston. Hosting this prestigious event featuring aviation leaders, investors, policymakers, and industry experts from around the world reflects Charleston International Airport's growing reputation as a leader in innovation, connectivity, and hospitality. We look forward to showcasing the Lowcountry's world-class charm whilst facilitating discussions that will help shape the future of aviation across the Americas."
Strategic Focus Areas
The summit will address critical industry challenges through executive-level discussions, data-driven presentations, and targeted networking sessions, with key focus areas including:
• Revenue diversification strategies as airlines pivot from traditional seat-selling to comprehensive revenue generation
• Next-generation partnerships exploring alliances beyond traditional codeshares
• Canadian aviation liberalisation proposals and their regional implications
Addressing Industry Crises
The summit will tackle three major industry challenges:
1. Supply chain disruption causing decade-long aircraft delivery delays and grounding 20% of fleets
2. Payment system inefficiencies costing airlines USD8.3 billion annually in processing fees
3. ATM modernisation urgent infrastructure requirements
As part of CAPA's renowned global summit series, this exclusive event will deliver actionable intelligence essential to understanding the competitive landscape in the Americas and how the region is transitioning through emerging business strategies, regulatory changes, and infrastructure investment.
- ENDS -
About CAPA - Centre for Aviation
CAPA - Centre for Aviation (CAPA), part of Aviation Week Network, is the leading provider of independent aviation market intelligence, analysis and data services covering worldwide developments. Established in 1990, CAPA's platforms help the aviation sector and supplier businesses stay informed, remain connected to industry leaders and fuel inspiration to drive change. CAPA's global C-level and corporate travel in-person and virtual Summits and Masterclasses attract executive level speakers, attendees and leading stakeholders of the global commercial aviation industry. Understanding aviation markets is our great strength and passion, along with providing CAPA members, clients and partners with an unparalleled level of expertise and insight. For more information and details on membership and events, please visit www.centreforaviation.com
About Charleston International Airport
Charleston International Airport, the state's busiest airport, serves as the primary commercial airport for the Charleston metropolitan area and the South Carolina Lowcountry region, connecting passengers to destinations across the United States and internationally.
About Aviation Week Network:
Aviation Week Network, the largest multimedia information and services provider for the global aviation, aerospace, and defence industries, serving 1.7 million professionals around the world, is part of Informa Markets, a division of Informa PLC. Aviation Week Network's portfolio of air transport solutions includes the leading brands of Air Transport World (ATW), Airport Strategy & Marketing (ASM), Aviation Daily, CAPA - Centre for Aviation, Routes and Aviation Week's intelligence and fleet data services. The air transport portfolio delivers face-to-face connections, essential news, analysis, business intelligence and data across multiple platforms while producing innovative and impactful marketing programs. For more information visit www.aviationweek.com
About Informa Markets:
Informa Markets, a subsidiary of Informa plc (LON:INF), creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio comprises more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Engineering, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibitions organizer, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, visit www.informamarkets.com
For media enquiries, please contact:
Karolina Rodriguez
Senior Marketing Manager