On 1 June, I assumed the position of Executive Director & CEO of the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) in the midst of the most acute crisis in aviation history.
My immediate priority is to support our members to remain viable during this crisis and to support Latin American and Caribbean authorities in the harmonised and timely implementation of efficient protocols for the safe reactivation of air transport.
Each aviation job generates 4 additional jobs and, together, travel and tourism generates close to 17 million jobs in the region.
We are facing a great challenge of which we can only to move forward through collaboration and joint work.
Aviation in this region has been growing steadily over the last 16 years with considerable improvements in the connectivity of our countries. In 2019, more than 300 million passengers were carried in the region and the expectation for 2020 was to reach around 5% of growth.
However, operating restrictions and border closures hit the industry hard and, by the time we are able to operate again, airlines will return with reduced capacities, fewer routes, fewer frequencies, fewer aircraft and fewer passengers. This will result in less connectivity for the region and smaller industryThis is comparable to the aviation we had in 2009, which can certainly generate some inconveniences in logistic chains and tourism that depend directly on air transport.
The travel and tourism sector contributes 8.1% of the region's GDP and in some countries such as Mexico and in the Caribbean the contribution exceeds 15%. Each aviation job generates 4 additional jobs and, together, travel and tourism generates close to 17 million jobs in the region. It is an engine of our economies and an industry that will play a key role in the economic recovery of our countries.
By 2020, it is estimated that less than 50% of planned capacity will be operating in the region and recovery of both capacity and demand will take time. Studies indicate that only until 2025 would we see 2019 levels of passenger traffic.
Therefore, we reiterate the importance and urgency of the articulated work between authorities and industry in the implementation of robust economic support measures. The EU is also working on the harmonised implementation of health protocols for a safe and timely restart of operations to give confidence to passengers.
Connectivity in the region brings opportunities even to remote places. In this continental region, which lacks alternatives such as rail, there is an urgent need to safeguard an indispensable means of transport for the population. The industry is ready to resume operations following the strictest health and safety protocols to continue providing the population with an essential service.
We have a long way to go, but it starts with a strong first step. As Winston S. Churchill said: "Attitude is a small change that makes a big difference". We are together.
