From insufficient infrastructure to taxes, tariffs, and excessive regulation: across the Americas, the aviation industry faces complex obstacles to development.
Lars Pottgiesser, Head of Business Development / Regional Vice President Office, The Americas at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), spoke to World Aviation Festival about this dynamic landscape and what needs to change moving forward.
While North America boasts a strong history in aviation with world-class infrastructure to match, IATA is looking to boost the power of the industry in Latin America and the Caribbean. Demand for air transport in these areas is high, yet airlines and airports can struggle against an unsupportive regulatory environment.
A lot of governments look to fill their coffers by implementing new taxes. In the Caribbean, that’s been a problem historically. We’re trying to work with the governments to really show the value of aviation.
Lacking extensive rail or highway networks, aviation could be hugely impactful in LatAm. A strong air transport network could be a significant contributor to increasing trade and business, as well as facilitating cultural exchange around the Americas.
A lot of people want to fly. It’s the safest form of transport, and getting people on planes is our goal. [The industry has] huge potential in the region that’s still developing and growing.
Pottgiesser analyses the market shift across this diverse region, discussing Argentina’s pro-aviation policy boost, as well as the ongoing impact of US tariffs.
I think political and economic uncertainty is certainly something that keeps airlines awake at night because the planning is just not there. But I think overall the sentiment is positive in the US too with ATC [air traffic control] reform.
🎥 Watch the full interview to hear Lars Pottgiesser’s full interview on the state of aviation in the Americas.
Questions asked include:
- What is the greatest challenge that the region is facing at the moment?
- On the flip side, what are the opportunities for growth?
- What are your predictions for how the market is developing?
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