The 2025 WALA Conference is the 15th annual gathering of the Worldwide Airport Lawyers Association, scheduled to take place from May 26 to 28, 2025, in Willemstad, Curaçao. This event is organized by Abiax Air and hosted by Curaçao Airport Holding, Curaçao Airport Partners, the Curaçao Tourist Board, and the Dutch Caribbean Air Navigation Service Provider.
The conference will cover a range of topics pertinent to airport law and operations. Key sessions include discussions on the liberalization of air transport, the airport ecosystem and competition, airport ownership and operation perspectives from Latin American countries, and the symbiotic relationship between tourism and airports. Additionally, there will be a focus on urban air mobility, addressing legal frameworks and regulatory challenges associated with emerging technologies in the aviation sector.
Attendees can look forward to various networking opportunities, including a welcome cocktail at the Grand Café De Gouverneur and an optional networking dinner at a local venue. The event will also feature a pre-conference seminar titled "Airport Concessions: Weaknesses after 30 Successful Years," providing an in-depth analysis of the current state and future prospects of airport concessions.
This conference is ideal for legal professionals, airport operators, policymakers, and stakeholders in the aviation industry seeking to stay abreast of the latest developments in airport law and to engage with peers from over 40 countries worldwide.
Speakers(28)
Alice Serpa Braga
Attorney at ANAC Brazil
Alice Serpa Braga is an Attorney at ANAC Brazil, focusing on aviation regulations and legal affairs.
Amna Arshad
Partner at Crowell & Moring
Amna Arshad is a Partner at Crowell & Moring, focusing on aviation regulatory compliance and enforcement matters.
Angelica Noboa Pagán
Partner at Russin, Vecchi & Heredia Bonett
Angelica Noboa Pagán is a Partner at Russin, Vecchi & Heredia Bonett in the Dominican Republic, focusing on urban air mobility law.
Avv. Laura Pierallini
Name Partner at Studio Pierallini
Avv. Laura Pierallini is the Name Partner at Studio Pierallini in Italy, specializing in aviation law and regulatory matters.
Dan Sloat
Founder & President at Advanced Air Mobility Institute
Dan Sloat is the Founder and President of the Advanced Air Mobility Institute, promoting advancements in urban air mobility.
Diego R. Gonzalez
President at Worldwide Airport Lawyers Association (WALA)
Diego R. Gonzalez is the President of WALA and serves as Legal Counsel for Aeropuertos Argentina, focusing on airport law and policy.
Dr. Benjamyn I. Scott
Principal and Founder at Airport Economics Consulting
Dr. Benjamyn I. Scott is the Principal and Founder of Airport Economics Consulting, specializing in airport law and economics.
Dr. Carlos Kaduoka
COO at SITA Américas
Dr. Carlos Kaduoka is the Chief Operating Officer of SITA Américas, focusing on innovative solutions in air transport communications and IT.
Eduardo Carvalhaes Neto
Partner at Lefosse Advogados
Eduardo Carvalhaes Neto is a Partner at Lefosse Advogados in Brazil, specializing in aviation law and regulatory matters.
Eduardo Jordao
Partner at Portugal Ribeiro & Jordão
Eduardo Jordao is a Partner at Portugal Ribeiro & Jordão, specializing in aviation and airport regulation.
Gustavo Di Cio
Managing Director at ABIAXAIR
Gustavo Di Cio is the Managing Director of ABIAXAIR, overseeing strategic initiatives in the aviation sector.
Jan Willem Storm van's Gravensade
Founder & President at Aviation Independent Consulting
Jan Willem Storm van's Gravensade is the Founder and President of Aviation Independent Consulting, offering expertise in aviation management.
Jo-Anne Arends
Legal Counsel at Aruba Airport Authority N.V.
Jo-Anne Arends provides legal counsel at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., overseeing legal aspects of airport operations.
Leila Lahbabi
Deputy General Counsel at Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA)
Leila Lahbabi is the Deputy General Counsel at ACI-NA, providing legal support to North American airports.
Manuel Alvarez Uria
Legal Department at UN Tourism
Manuel Alvarez Uria works in the Legal Department of UN Tourism, addressing legal and ethical aspects of tourism and airports.
Marcelo Garcia Rosales
Chief Aviation Policy & Head Business Advisory at NACO
Marcelo Garcia Rosales leads aviation policy and business advisory services at NACO, contributing to global airport development.
Marcos Serrano
Director de Posgrado at Universidad Austral
Marcos Serrano is the Director de Posgrado at Universidad Austral, contributing to academic research in airport infrastructure.
Peter Kirsch
Partner at Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell
Peter Kirsch is a Partner at Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell in the USA, with extensive experience in airport law and infrastructure projects.
Phillip R. Weissman
Aviation Lawyer at USA
Phillip R. Weissman is an Aviation Lawyer in the USA, providing legal services in aviation law and policy.
Rafael Echevarne
Director General at Airports Council International - Latin America and Caribbean (ACI-LAC)
Rafael Echevarne is the Director General of ACI-LAC, overseeing airport industry developments in the region.
Ricardo Hernández
CEO at Aeris Costa Rica
Ricardo Hernández is the CEO of Aeris Costa Rica, managing airport operations and development in the region.
Roangelo Lodewijks
Legal Counsel/Attorney at Curacao Airport Holding (CAH)
Roangelo Lodewijks serves as Legal Counsel and Attorney at Curacao Airport Holding, providing legal expertise in airport operations and management.
Ross Priday
Technical Director at HKA
Ross Priday is the Technical Director at HKA, focusing on safety and security in airport and aviation supply chains.
Simon Dean McCarroll
Partner at HKA
Simon Dean McCarroll is a Partner at HKA, providing expertise in airport and aviation safety and security.
Sophie Hayashi
Managing Director & Assistant General Counsel at Airlines for America
Sophie Hayashi serves as Managing Director and Assistant General Counsel at Airlines for America, focusing on legal and regulatory issues.
Steven Truxal
Director at International Institute of Air and Space Law (IIASL), Leiden University
Steven Truxal is the Director of IIASL at Leiden University, specializing in air and space law education and research.
Tatiana Arima
Legal Director at SITA
Tatiana Arima serves as Legal Director at SITA, providing legal guidance on technology solutions for the air transport industry.
Yudith Castillo
Legal Director at Grupo Punta Cana
Yudith Castillo is the Legal Director at Grupo Punta Cana, overseeing legal affairs in the tourism and aviation sectors.
Event Details
- Date
- May 26-28, 2025
- 3 days
- Location
- Buenos Aires, Curaçao
- The Rif at Mangrove Beach Corendon, Curio by Hilton
- Pricing
- $790 - $1,300
- Audience
- Legal professionals, airport operators, policymakers, aviation industry stakeholders