The International Air Transport Association (IATA) hosted the 2026 World Legal Symposium (WLS) from February 17 to 19 in Warsaw, Poland, with LOT Polish Airlines as the host airline. This premier annual aviation law event brought together over 400 delegates, including in-house counsel, private practitioners, and government lawyers, to discuss pressing legal issues in the aviation industry.
Under the theme "Liability in a Changing World," the symposium addressed a range of topics such as traditional insured risks, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance, greenwashing, taxation, privacy, and artificial intelligence. Discussions also focused on the challenges posed by divergent national measures affecting international liability principles and their impact on global connectivity.
The event featured engaging sessions, outstanding speakers, and lively debates, providing attendees with valuable insights into the latest developments, challenges, trends, and best practices in aviation law. Additionally, the symposium offered excellent networking opportunities, fostering collaborations and expanding professional networks among industry leaders from across the globe.
The WLS is particularly beneficial for airlines and airport representatives, academia, government agencies, in-house counsel, private practitioners, and government lawyers seeking to stay informed and connected in the evolving field of aviation law.
Speakers(17)
Alice Braga
Chair at ICAO Legal Committee
Alice Braga is the Chair of the ICAO Legal Committee, leading international legal initiatives in aviation.
Barry Alexander
Partner at Victor Rane
Barry Alexander is a Partner at Victor Rane, specializing in aviation law and litigation.
Bartholomew J.
Clara De Castro
Senior Vice President - Legal at Philippine Airlines
Clara De Castro is the Senior Vice President of Legal at Philippine Airlines, managing the airline's legal operations.
Elias Corona
Data Protection Officer at Cathay Pacific
Elias Corona serves as the Data Protection Officer at Cathay Pacific, ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations.
Elizabeth Hichens
Head of Regulatory, Competition & Litigation at British Airways plc
Elizabeth Hichens is the Head of Regulatory, Competition & Litigation at British Airways, overseeing legal compliance and litigation matters.
Jeremy Moreton
Head of Legal-GBS at International Airlines Group
Jeremy Moreton serves as the Head of Legal-GBS at International Airlines Group, managing legal services for the group.
Jiefang Huang
Zhou Gengsheng Chair Professor at Wuhan University
Jiefang Huang is the Zhou Gengsheng Chair Professor at Wuhan University, specializing in aviation law.
Jinsong Li
Vice President at Travelsky Technology Limited
Jinsong Li is the Vice President at Travelsky Technology Limited, focusing on aviation technology solutions.
Juan Carlos Mencio
Vice President Legal Affairs & Compliance at LATAM Airlines Group
Juan Carlos Mencio serves as the Vice President of Legal Affairs & Compliance at LATAM Airlines Group, overseeing legal and compliance matters.
Katie Caplan
Managing Counsel – Alliances at United Airlines
Katie Caplan is the Managing Counsel for Alliances at United Airlines, handling legal aspects of airline partnerships.
LOT Polish Airlines Representative
LOT Polish Airlines
A representative from LOT Polish Airlines, the host airline for the symposium, contributing insights into airline liability challenges.
Leslie MacIntosh
Corporate Secretary and Acting General Counsel at IATA
Leslie MacIntosh serves as the Corporate Secretary and Acting General Counsel at IATA, overseeing legal affairs and corporate governance.
Micha42 Fijo42
President & CEO at LOT Polish Airlines
Micha42 Fijo42 is the President and CEO of LOT Polish Airlines, leading the national carrier of Poland.
Michael Gill
Director, Legal Affairs & External Relations Bureau at ICAO
Michael Gill serves as the Director of the Legal Affairs & External Relations Bureau at ICAO, managing legal and external relations.
Sophie Hayashi
Managing Director and Assistant General Counsel at A4A
Sophie Hayashi is the Managing Director and Assistant General Counsel at Airlines for America (A4A), focusing on legal and regulatory issues.
Weijun Wang
General Secretary at Shanghai International Arbitration Center
Weijun Wang serves as the General Secretary at the Shanghai International Arbitration Center, specializing in arbitration and dispute resolution.
Event Details
- Date
- February 17-19, 2026
- 3 days
- Location
- 🇵🇱 Warsaw, Poland
- Sofitel Warsaw Victoria
- Audience
- Airlines and airport representatives, academia, government agencies, in-house counsel, private practitioners, and government lawyers.
- Attendees
- Over 400 delegates