It is estimated that Ecuador will receive more than 8 million air passengers in 2023. These are the projections that José Ricardo Botelho, Executive Director and CEO of the Air Transport Association of Latin America and the Caribbean (ALTA), announced during the inauguration of ALTA Aviation Law Americas 2023, last Thursday , on September 21, in Quito, where he highlighted the measures the country has taken to promote the aviation industry.

“This figure is the result of the work of a nation that has cooperated more and more with industry in recent years. As a result, while in 2000 61 percent of international tourists arrived by plane, in 2023 this figure is around 90 percent,” Botelho pointed out.

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On the other hand, the Minister of Tourism, Niels Olsen, also highlighted the actions taken by the country. “We have abolished the foreign exchange outflow tax (ISD) from airlines, reduced the Eco Delta and Tourist Power contribution rates and achieved the signing of open skies agreements with the United States, Panama, Chile and the Dominican Republic. “, he said during his speech at the event.

Olsen stated that one of the main obligations of the Government has been fulfilled: the recovery of international air connectivity, which reached 96% this month compared to March 2020, the Secretary of State expanded.

Meanwhile, Botelho described as “historic” changes in Ecuador that have allowed aviation to respond to his confidence: more flights, more connections, cheaper tickets and other benefits. He emphasized that, although the measure has only been implemented for a few months, positive results are already visible. He revealed that last August was the month with the highest number of international travelers in Ecuador’s history, with 444,479 travelers. And according to published itineraries, December 2023 will be the month with the highest international seat offer in the country’s history, with 530,441 seats offered to and from the country.

According to ALTA, Ecuador is currently an example of how promoting aviation infrastructure, meeting obligations and making the necessary changes in legislation and taxes contribute to improving connectivity and promoting growth. In this sense, Álex Moreno, Director of Business Development of the Quiport Corporation, looks back: “23 years ago, the country’s infrastructure was deficient. The first concessions began and today there is a framework of mutual trust with the authorities, actors and airlines. We hope that there will be many more public-private alliances, because we believe that this is the best way to know how arrive, let the airlines arrive,” said the expert during the first panel of the academic program of the conference.

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For his part, Mateo Estrella, adviser to the Ministry of Tourism, pointed out that so far this year the country has received 29% more international visitors compared to 2022. “Sales in the sector increased by 15%, exceeding 3.5 million dollars. “Tourism is a powerful tool for social development,” he said.

Oswaldo Ramos, Deputy Director General of Civil Aviation (DGAC), also highlighted the results of the implemented policies. “We saw a 12% increase in domestic flights and 6% in international flights. They are income for the country, which stays in the country, and that is good news. “It reflects the work of everyone involved,” he said.

There is progress, but we still have a long way to go

However, Mariela Anchundia, legal manager of Latam Airlines, assures that there is still a long way to go. “Quito has an airport at a high altitude. It is one of the 40 best airports in the world; It is confirmed in customer satisfaction surveys. But it is also one of the most expensive airports in the region. We must continue to work in a coordinated manner to see how we can be more competitive. When there is coordination and will, it is achieved. An example of this is Cartagena, which was one of the most expensive airports, but there was a purpose to make the service more affordable and the prices dropped from $92 to $38,” he said.