Panama, Chile and Brazil lead the Air Transport Competitiveness Index for Latin America and the Caribbean; Mexico was positioned in twelfth place, although standing out mainly in international connectivity.

According to the third edition of this study prepared by the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) and Amadeus , Mexico is the best connected country in the region with a score of 0.94 , surpassing others. Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago and Bolivia are the least connected countries in the region with a score of 0.04.

Panama leads the infrastructure pillar with a score of 0.904, reflecting its solid aviation infrastructure. Chile follows with a score of 0.898, demonstrating comparable commitment and development in its airport sector. Ecuador, with a score of 0.862, also stands out for its airport infrastructure.

While Mexico and Colombia recorded scores of 0.609 and 0.611, and Brazil with 0.441, further down the ranking, suggesting that a larger market size does not necessarily guarantee high-quality airport infrastructure.

“These results indicate a variety of approaches and levels of investment in aviation infrastructure in Latin America, highlighting growth opportunities in various economies in the region,” the document states.

In this sense, he states that more important markets (in terms of passenger demand) such as Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Brazil show signs of growing congestion , which highlights the need to develop airport infrastructure and relevant investments.

In terms of punctuality, Mexico obtained a score of 0.85, placing 13th, in airport quality with 0.66 and position nine, in taxes and fees with 0.55 and place 18, in sustainability, place eight.

It is worth mentioning that the study analyzes the competitiveness of the airline industry in 20 countries in the region , focusing on seven fundamental pillars: operating costs, quality of infrastructure, taxes and fees on passengers, sustainability, propensity to travel, international openness and liberalization, and international connectivity.

“This study identifies key areas of excellence and improvement in aviation in the region. Its objective is to provide relevant data and analysis so that stakeholders, policy makers and industry leaders can design strategies for the sustainable growth of an essential sector for the population in Latin America and the Caribbean. We are convinced that data and collaboration are the basis for improving the competitiveness of an industry as fundamental and promising as aviation,” commented José Ricardo Botelho, Executive Director & CEO of ALTA.

Latin America and the Caribbean is one of the regions in the world with the greatest growth in air transport. More than 70% of tourists who arrive in the region do so by air; In 2023 the region exceeded 324 million passengers and by 2024 the main markets already show growth compared to pre-pandemic figures.

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