Join our special opening ceremony, where we celebrate the vibrant Panamanian culture through traditional dance. Dressed in the exquisite pollera; Panama’s national dress, the dancers take to the stage to welcome you all.

Dr. Rafael Echevarne provides an in-depth market analysis of the Latin American and Caribbean aviation landscape, exploring macro trends, regional dynamics, and their implications for ground operations.

This high energy opening debate brings together sector leaders to explore today’s most pressing commercial and operational challenges across the Americas region, with perspectives from airlines, handlers, airports, and industry bodies.

This is a forum for putting your biggest business concerns to the panel so please email us your questions at confernences@groundhandling.com

This session examines the realities of operating in a high pressure, 24/7 environment and the importance of supporting staff motivation and mental wellbeing. It also discusses how improved transparency and communication between airlines and handlers can strengthen operational collaboration and reduce avoidable friction

The session begins with a one to one conversation exploring operational efficiency, workforce dynamics, and technology adoption from Unifi’s perspective.

This session brings together senior leaders to explore how women are redefining the ground handling and GSE sectors through leadership, innovation, and people-focused strategies. Moving beyond traditional narratives, the discussion balances real operational challenges with forward-looking, practical solutions. Panellists will highlight the business value of gender diversity, emphasising strengths such as communication, attention to detail, and talent development in a rapidly evolving industry shaped by labour pressures and AI.

This joint session highlights a case study on the turnaround transformation achieved through collaboration between WFS, Frontier, and Tarmac Technologies. Multiple stations are adopting the collaboratively developed solution, and we will cover what we have seen through using AI to improve safety, SLAs, and on-time-performance. The pilot features handheld and headset communication, replacing radios and messaging apps, alongside voice AI for hands-free coordination. Integration with existing databases and ramp systems supports efficiency. The initiative involves all team roles, from remote operations in Brazil to leadership, with a focus on safe implementation, minimal disruption, and strong user adoption.

A forward-looking discussion on the evolution of PRM services, moving beyond traditional service delivery toward a more controlled, data-driven operational model. As airlines and service providers face increasing pressure around cost, performance, and passenger experience, the role of technology is shifting from support tools to real-time operational control. This session will explore how assistive service technologies, live data, and integrated service design can improve accessibility while enhancing efficiency, predictability, and profitability across PRM operations in the Americas

GHI & Fortbrand Services are delighted to invite delegates of the 10th Americas GHI Conference to join our morning run and brisk walking tour starting from, Radisson Panama Canal

A strategic overview of BLAS and its role as Panama’s leading ground handling provider, including its relationship with Copa Airlines and operational responsibilities across the regional hub.

This session presents the three-year collaboration between TLD, Copa, and Averest, highlighting the deployment of PosiCharge systems and electric GSE at PTY. Speakers will detail the operational outcomes, emissions reductions, and long-term sustainability strategy behind this transformation.

A dedicated safety debate featuring chief safety officers and safety directors from across the region, examining critical risks and organisational responsibilities. The session will include discussion on safe handling of lithium batteries, standardisation, and training frameworks

A practical exploration of total cost of ownership versus upfront investment, using real case examples to demonstrate how long term planning, sustainability choices, and collaborative procurement can reduce cost and improve reliability.

This session explores how partnerships on the ramp enable the successful transformation of GSE operations. Building on the NTO project, TCR shares operational learnings from JFK, demonstrating how close collaboration between airlines, ground handlers, and terminal operators deliver real results. Drawing on TCR’s global experiences, the discussion highlights how shared objectives and tailored solution-building allow stakeholders to drive measurable improvements on the ramp. 

A forward looking session on the deployment of autonomous systems in airport environments. Speakers will share operational insights, regulatory considerations, and lessons learned from implementing autonomous vehicles and robotics across North American airports.

A wide ranging conversation on how AI and digital tools are reshaping workforce strategy. The session explores smarter training pathways, wellbeing considerations, and how operators can move from attrition focused thinking to strategic workforce development.

Location: Biomuseo - Amador Causeway 136, Panama City, Panama

Location: Biomuseo Amador Causeway 136, Panama City, Panama

Ground handling has been the quietest superpower in aviation for a hundred years, enabling every flight while remaining largely invisible in the industry's bigger conversations. An honest reality check to the AI moment reveals: the technology is not the bottleneck, but data readiness and organizational commitment are, and the gap between proof of concept and production is where most of the industry is currently stuck. This opening frames the day ahead as a practical guide to closing that gap and positions the people in the room as the ones who can actually close it.

An exploration of the technologies transforming ramp operations and turnaround performance. The session covers AI enabled cameras, robotics, smart glasses, and digital workflow tools, with potential live demonstrations.

AI in ground handling is ready, but the data isn't. This panel tackles the standardisation gaps, interoperability challenges, and commercial data agreements standing between today's siloed operations and a fully integrated, AI-driven future.

This discussion focuses on how smart airports powered by AI metahumans will deliver real operational value across Latin American aviation. Bringing together four key perspectives - the technology developer, the ground handler, the airline, and the airport operator - we'll explore how collaboration across the ecosystem will transform operations, enhance efficiency, and redefine the passenger experience at scale.