CAPA Airline Leader Summit Americas 2026

Join CAPA - Centre for Aviation, the world's most trusted source for aviation intelligence, for a comprehensive snapshot of the state of commercial aviation across the globe. Featuring exclusive insights generated from CAPA's extensive data and aviation knowledge tools, this session will not only examine key performance metrics for aviation, but will examine implications for major trends in regional aviation that are shaping the industry's outlook.

Peter Smith is SVP of Strategic Partnerships - Travel, at Cover Genius, the insurtech for embedded protection. Prior to Cover Genius, Peter was Head of New Business at Holiday Extras, a UK and European provider of travel ancillaries, responsible for developing their partnerships and driving revenue. He has also gained insight into e-commerce platforms as Head of Sales for the UK for CarTrawler, one of the most widely distributed car rental booking engines in the world.

Abhi Manoj Shah has been Chief Revenue Officer of Azul since September 5, 2014, and one of the founding members of the Company. Before joining our team, he worked at JetBlue Airlines from 2004 to 2008, as well as at Boeing from 2000 to 2004. Mr. Shah was elected on October 5, 2022 as President of our operating subsidiary, Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras S.A., in addition to serving as President of the subsidiary ATS Viagens e Turismo Ltda. since July 2017. Mr. Shah holds a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas and a master's degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Washington.

Mike is Vice President, Sales for the Americas at Rolls-Royce. In this role, he is responsible for all sales campaigns across North and Latin America. Mike has won over $20b in sales, including agreements with nearly a dozen new Rolls-Royce customers. Mike is a graduate of the University of Virginia and Georgetown University.

Once again, airlines entered the year with renewed optimism, only to be confronted two months later by forces largely outside their control, bringing aviation its own version of "March Madness." Surging fuel prices are accelerating the industry's transformation. And with the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz as we approach summer, concerns about the availability of fuel are accompanying concerns thus far focused on price. This session will explore some of these factors and their implications.

Gregory C. Anderson is president and CEO of Allegiant. He became CEO September 1, 2024, retaining the title of president, which he has held since August 2022. Mr. Anderson joined Allegiant in January 2010, starting in the accounting department, before quickly rising through the management ranks. He has held several leadership positions within the company including chief financial officer, principal accounting officer and treasurer. Mr. Anderson worked in corporate accounting for U.S. Airways from May 2009 until January 2010. Prior to that, he worked in public accounting for Ernst & Young. Mr. Anderson is a certified public accountant.

Disruption has become the defining challenge of modern aviation. In 2025 alone, nearly one in four passengers experienced delays or cancellations, with some peak markets seeing disruption rates climb above 30%. The pressures are coming from all directions-extreme weather events, air traffic control constraints, geopolitical tensions, and IT system failures-and they're all intensifying. The good news? AI and advanced technology are beginning to make these impacts more manageable.

Bryan Bedford was sworn in as FAA Administrator in July 2025. He leads a workforce of more than 40,000 employees dedicated to the FAA's mission to provide the safe and efficient operation of the largest and most complex aerospace system in the world.  An aviation industry veteran for more than 35 years, Bedford has a proven track record of safe operations, executive leadership and innovation.  Bedford previously served as president and chief executive officer of Republic Airways. During his 26 years at the helm of Republic, the airline grew from $85 million in revenues and 36 turboprop aircraft to more than $3 billion in revenues and an operating fleet of more than 250 jets, while maintaining a perfect passenger safety record.  In 2018, Bedford led Republic in launching the visionary LIFT Academy, the first airline-owned training academy. As the cutting-edge program began to equip pilots with the skills they need to succeed, LIFT added an aviation maintenance training program.  Bedford's previous jobs include president and chief executive of Mesaba Airlines, president and chief executive officer of Business Express Airlines, chief financial officer of Phoenix Airline Services, and chief financial officer for West Air Airlines. 

The CAPA Airline Leader Summit Americas took place in Charleston, South Carolina, hosted by Explore Charleston and the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority. This major aviation forum brought together global industry leaders to discuss the strategic growth, connectivity, and technological innovations shaping regional travel.

The traditional US airline model-building networks, filling seats, competing primarily on fares, with safety and capacity assured-seems under attack. Are we witnessing fundamental changes in air travel and navigation?

Spirit Airlines enters liquidation: is low-fare, no-frills, low-cost competition a vestige of the past?

War, regional conflict zones, and jet fuel spikes. How do airlines and air navigation service providers react to disruptive events entirely out of their control?

Governmental efforts to place flight caps to prevent delays, cancellations, carbon emissions, or noise. Is this the new world of command-and-control and a breakdown of the free market to address competition, consumer protection, or environmental consequences of air travel?

The increasing role of airlines and air traffic management to deal with safety, efficiency, and congestion, on the ground and in the air-with Advance Air Mobility on the horizon.

Leveraging customer data to create tailored experiences that passengers willingly pay for-from premium seating to low-earth orbit Wi-Fi, from priority services to branded credit cards and lifestyle partnerships.

As technology, partnerships, and resilience strategies reshape the industry, this session brings CEOs and experts together to debate whether the transformation is an evolution or a revolution-and what it means for aviation's future.

The United States experienced an unprecedented tourism crisis in 2025, with the country standing as the only nation among 184 global economies to see declining international visitor arrivals-a staggering 8.2% drop that represents a USD12.5 billion loss in international spending, while domestic tourism has simultaneously plummeted 8% from January to July compared to 2024. This dual decline affects iconic destinations like Las Vegas, which has seen six consecutive months of visitor decreases, and extends across multiple States.

Is political polarisation and policy uncertainty deterring international visitors who once flocked to American destinations? Is this a permanent shift? How are airlines and travel organisations navigating a rapidly changing environment?

As travel patterns continue to evolve, how do Gen Z and Millennial travellers prioritise sustainability, authentic experiences, and digital-first booking processes?

As the aviation landscape evolves beyond traditional revenue models, strategic partnerships have emerged as powerful catalysts for growth, with the most innovative US carriers generating up to 28% of their total revenue through collaborative ventures. Today's partnerships transcend conventional airline alliances to embrace lifestyle brands, financial institutions, and emerging mobility providers that enhance the total travel experience.

American Airlines' refreshed partnership with Hyatt demonstrates how tiered, activity-based benefits can replace static point transfers, while United's USD15 million investment in Eve Air Mobility signals a forward-looking integration with urban air taxi services that could revolutionise airport access by 2026.

As we consider the future of airline partnerships, some questions arise:

• How might carriers identify non-traditional collaborators that authentically align with their brand values?

• What technological infrastructure is required to enable seamless customer experiences across partner ecosystems?

• How can airlines structure revenue-sharing models that fairly distribute value while incentivising continued innovation across all partners?

The answers to these questions will likely determine which carriers merely survive and which truly thrive in the next decade of air travel.

Andrew Levy brings three decades of corporate and entrepreneurial experience in the aviation and telecommunications sectors to America's newest airline in nearly 15 years. Since taking flight in April 2021, Avelo has quickly emerged as America's most convenient, affordable and reliable airline. Over the course of his career, Andrew has led profitable airlines from startup to scale. Prior to launching Avelo, he was a Co-Founder and President at Allegiant Air - one of the world's most successful airlines - and CFO at United Airlines. Additionally, Andrew is a board member of Copa, Latin America's leading airline - a role he's held since 2016. He is also a board member and chair of the audit committee at AerSale - a leading supplier of aftermarket parts, whole assets and services to the commercial aerospace aftermarket. Andrew started his aviation career at ValuJet Airlines. Along the way, he also held senior leadership roles at Savoy Capital and Mpower Communications - a leading telecommunications and broadband provider. Andrew is a 2024 EY Entrepreneur of The Year for the Gulf South Region. He earned a BA from Washington University and a JD from Emory University. He is also fluent in Spanish from his Argentinian roots. Andrew resides in Houston where he enjoys spending time with his family.

The commercial aviation system was purpose-built to move large numbers of people efficiently between major markets-and it does exactly that. But the same hub-and-spoke architecture that has driven decades of growth also leaves a significant opportunity unreached: 35 million daily trips suppressed by the absence of viable air service, 84% of qualifying routes currently unserved, and a total addressable market valued at USD74 billion. These aren't failures of vision or execution-they're the natural boundaries of an infrastructure designed for a different mission.

Direct Aviation changes the equation. Enabled by hybrid-electric aircraft designed for quiet, short-field, lower-cost operations, it allows carriers to activate thin routes, expand hub catchment areas, and connect communities using underutilized airport assets already in place-without competing with the networks they've built.

For airline and airport leaders seeking profitable growth beyond congested hubs, this session offers a clear look at how a new class of aircraft opens new networks, new partnerships, and a scalable path to revenue in markets aviation has never had the tools to reach. Until now.

Airline payments have evolved from a back-office function to a strategic boardroom priority, influencing customer experience, revenue, liquidity, and competitive edge. With U.S. airlines incurring over USD 8.3 billion annually in card processing costs and customers demanding seamless digital payment experiences, modernisation is essential.

This session focuses on transforming fragmented payment systems into flexible, orchestrated platforms that drive growth and resilience.

• Payments as a strategic asset, not just a cost centre;

• Revenue impact of payment friction and failed transactions;

• CFO priorities: refunds, chargebacks, currency exposure, and interline settlement;

• Co-branded cards, wallets, and embedded finance as profit drivers;

• Shifting dynamics between airlines, banks, and card networks.

Canada's aviation industry is on the verge of transformative change as the Competition Bureau's 2025 report, "Cleared for Take-off: Elevating Airline Competition," proposes bold measures to open the skies. Key recommendations include raising foreign ownership caps, allowing up to 100% foreign ownership for domestic-only airlines, and exploring cabotage to boost competition.

These changes promise lower airfares, better service, and greater connectivity for travellers, while sparking innovation and growth across the industry. However, the report also highlights the challenges faced by Canadian North, an airline critical to serving remote communities. The Bureau notes that Canadian North has been severely impacted by the high operating costs in Canada, which threaten its financial viability and reduce essential services to these regions. This raises questions about how such reforms will balance increased competition with the need to sustain airlines that provide vital connectivity to underserved areas.

Though concerns about sovereignty remain, the potential to create a more dynamic, traveller-focused market is undeniable. Canada's skies are set to become more open, competitive, and accessible than ever before. But what's the ideal composition of Canada's domestic market? With a population of 40 million-significantly smaller than the US-how many healthy airlines can the market realistically absorb? Will these proposals open the door for more low-cost competition, or, as is the case in the US, do Canadians want more than bare-bones offerings? The future of Canada's aviation landscape will depend on finding the right balance between competition, affordability, and the sustainability of essential services.

Regional air travel in the US is at a turning point, offering airlines and regional airports a chance to redefine collaboration.

As international travel remains subdued, are US carriers adapting to this emerging trend? Are airlines managing to balance the growing demand for domestic routes with the need for profitability?

Regional airports often require smaller aircraft, yet supply chain disruptions pose challenges for many airlines. Does coach travel affect airline decisions on what routes to start? Could innovations like electric aircraft unlock new possibilities for efficient operations on shorter runways while advancing sustainability?

These pressing questions set the stage for a dynamic conversation on how airlines and regional airports can shape the future of US air travel together.

The aircraft supply chain crisis has evolved from what many hoped would be a temporary pandemic disruption into a fundamental industry challenge that demands strategic reimagining across every aspect of airline operations.

While there are small improvements in overarching supply chain disruption, a return to normal is years away, and the capacity squeeze has created a paradoxical situation where airlines must extend ageing aircraft lifespans-with their inherently higher maintenance costs and fuel consumption-precisely when sustainability commitments and operational efficiency targets are most critical. This extended operational timeline for older aircraft has created an urgent need for comprehensive workforce development, as airlines must ensure their teams are equipped to handle both legacy systems and emerging technologies.

• What fleet optimisation strategies are proving most effective in this constrained environment?

• How are airlines balancing short-term operational needs against long-term sustainability commitments?

• What training and certification challenges are airlines facing as they extend aircraft lifecycles while simultaneously preparing for next-generation technologies?

• What innovative approaches to workforce development are proving most effective for flight crews transitioning between aircraft generations, engineers managing hybrid fleets, and air traffic controllers adapting to evolving operational patterns?

• How might this extended supply chain disruption permanently reshape airline business models, competitive dynamics, and workforce requirements in ways that outlast the current crisis?

Allegiant Travel Company, CEO, Greg Anderson spoke to CAPA TV at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Americas 2026, hosted in Charleston, about latest industry trends and company developments.

CAPA Events are hosted in key markets around the world and attract the highest calibre of thought leaders and decision makers in the aviation and travel industry. Delegates are provided with unprecedented access to the latest data, insights and trends from our global team, in addition to valuable networking opportunities with executives across all sectors of the aviation and travel industry. Review CAPA's full events calendar here.

Federal Aviation Administrator Bryan Bedford spoke to CAPA TV at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Americas 2026, hosted in Charleston, about latest industry trends and company developments.

CAPA Events are hosted in key markets around the world and attract the highest calibre of thought leaders and decision makers in the aviation and travel industry. Delegates are provided with unprecedented access to the latest data, insights and trends from our global team, in addition to valuable networking opportunities with executives across all sectors of the aviation and travel industry. Review CAPA's full events calendar here.

Charleston International Airport, President & CEO, Elliott Summey spoke to CAPA TV at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Americas 2026, hosted in Charleston, about latest industry trends and company developments.

CAPA Events are hosted in key markets around the world and attract the highest calibre of thought leaders and decision makers in the aviation and travel industry. Delegates are provided with unprecedented access to the latest data, insights and trends from our global team, in addition to valuable networking opportunities with executives across all sectors of the aviation and travel industry. Review CAPA's full events calendar here.

Avelo Airlines, Founder & CEO, Andrew Levy spoke to CAPA TV at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Americas 2026, hosted in Charleston, about latest industry trends and company developments.

CAPA Events are hosted in key markets around the world and attract the highest calibre of thought leaders and decision makers in the aviation and travel industry. Delegates are provided with unprecedented access to the latest data, insights and trends from our global team, in addition to valuable networking opportunities with executives across all sectors of the aviation and travel industry. Review CAPA's full events calendar here.

Delta Air Lines, SVP Alliances, Perry Cantarutti spoke to CAPA TV at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Americas 2026, hosted in Charleston, about latest industry trends and company developments.

CAPA Events are hosted in key markets around the world and attract the highest calibre of thought leaders and decision makers in the aviation and travel industry. Delegates are provided with unprecedented access to the latest data, insights and trends from our global team, in addition to valuable networking opportunities with executives across all sectors of the aviation and travel industry. Review CAPA's full events calendar here.

IBS Software, Chief Revenue Officer, Jitendra Sindhwani spoke to CAPA TV at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Americas 2026, hosted in Charleston, about latest industry trends and company developments.

CAPA Events are hosted in key markets around the world and attract the highest calibre of thought leaders and decision makers in the aviation and travel industry. Delegates are provided with unprecedented access to the latest data, insights and trends from our global team, in addition to valuable networking opportunities with executives across all sectors of the aviation and travel industry. Review CAPA's full events calendar here.

Abra Group, CCO, Angus Clarke spoke to CAPA TV at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Americas 2026, hosted in Charleston, about latest industry trends and company developments.

CAPA Events are hosted in key markets around the world and attract the highest calibre of thought leaders and decision makers in the aviation and travel industry. Delegates are provided with unprecedented access to the latest data, insights and trends from our global team, in addition to valuable networking opportunities with executives across all sectors of the aviation and travel industry. Review CAPA's full events calendar here.

Breeze Airways, Chairman & CEO, David Neeleman spoke to CAPA TV at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Americas 2026, hosted in Charleston, about latest industry trends and company developments.

CAPA Events are hosted in key markets around the world and attract the highest calibre of thought leaders and decision makers in the aviation and travel industry. Delegates are provided with unprecedented access to the latest data, insights and trends from our global team, in addition to valuable networking opportunities with executives across all sectors of the aviation and travel industry. Review CAPA's full events calendar here.