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IATA says “opportunity is there” for more air links between North Asia and Latin America
July 2nd 2026
North Asia and Latin America are considered high-potential aviation markets however due to the geographical distance, there are not many air links between them. Read More » There is a good chance that connectivity between those two regions is growing. Several factors in the global environment, such as trade wars, geopolitical issues, conflicts or airspace closures, might motivate carriers to choose alternative routes, including North Asia-Latin America.
“Airlines in North Asia are showing resilience and business innovations. And they have found alternative markets to connect. Major markets and destinations such as Europe and North America remain important to them. Latin American, even Africa, are alternative new markets, thus bringing more options,” Dr. Xie Xingquan, Regional Vice President, North Asia a International Air Transport Association (IATA) told Orient Aviation Daily Digest (OADD) on sidelines of last month’s IATA 82nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) & World Air Transport Summit (WATS) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, hosted by LATAM Airlines Group.
Decisions to open connections between the regions need to take into consideration operational challenges: “Due to the distance, there are requirements about capability, aircraft requirements, and also market demand issues,” Dr. Xie explained. Despite this, the last 12 months have seen new connectivity added. “China Eastern has already started long-haul operations to Argentina, stopping over New Zealand,” Dr. Xie said, bringing out the example of the highly commented flight by China Eastern Airlines (CEA) utilizing the so-called “Southern link” route.
“In terms of air cargo, I think there are a lot of opportunities for the airlines,” Dr. Xie said, and pointed out the important economic factor to consider was the potential of these links: “The use of airfreight connecting the two regions is suitable for high-value products.”
The growing potential of routes between North Asia and Latin America suggests we may see more direct links between the regions. “I think the opportunity is there. For me, this is my first time visiting Brazil. With the better timing, with more flights available, I think there will be more travelers coming to this continent and this country,” Dr. Xie concluded.
