NASSAU, BHS. – The growth of aviation has had a direct impact on Latin America’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) , which is why Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines and now President of the Executive Committee of the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) , highlighted the fact that aviation grew 3.6 times in the region, thanks to a collective effort by all stakeholders.
However, Alvo stressed that there are still structural challenges that hinder the development of activity in the region. These include insufficient infrastructure, with almost 54% of airports in congested conditions , as well as the high cost of fuel in Latin America, surpassed only by India at a global level.
“In countries like Colombia, more than 60% of the cost of an airline ticket goes to taxes, which limits access to a means of transportation that, in a region of long distances and geographical barriers, is essential for the population,” Alvo added.
José Ricardo Botelho, CEO of ALTA, highlighted the urgency of improving airport infrastructure and the need to reduce operating costs , which in Latin America and the Caribbean are among the highest in the world.
In this context, the launch of the Competitiveness Index was announced , a tool designed to analyse and compare the conditions that impact the costs of flying in the region.
“This index will help us identify key areas for progress and improvement,” Botelho said.
In this regard, during the formal inauguration of the ALTA AGM & Airline Leaders Forum 2024 , Kenneth Romer, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation of the Bahamas, underlined the importance of this location as a strategic hub for connectivity in the Caribbean and highlighted the country’s commitment to being a model of sustainability and environmental responsibility in the region.
For this reason, as previously mentioned, the representative explained that the Bahamas launched its Strategic Aviation Plan , an initiative that aims to build a sustainable, efficient sector aligned with the highest international standards.
This plan, which includes investment in infrastructure and training of aviation professionals , reinforces the country’s commitment to remain at the forefront of the industry, ensuring that all its airports, from the center of Nassau to the smallest airport complexes on remote islands, meet international standards of safety, efficiency and sustainability.
For his part, the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Philip Edward Davis, highlighted the importance of this forum, which coincides with Aviation Week in the Bahamas, since “ connectivity is the engine of our economy and fundamental to daily life in the Bahamas ,” he said.
“From the smallest islands to our international airports, every connection ensures that our population can access essential services and opportunities,” he added.
Davis also stressed the region’s responsibility in terms of sustainability, highlighting the Bahamas’ rich biodiversity and its commitment to sustainable aviation practices that preserve the environment for future generations.
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