International air traffic in the Andean Community grew 91% in 2022

International air traffic in the countries of the Andean Community (CAN) grew by 91% during the past year, in relation to 2021, with Peru at the forefront of this increase, reaching 127.5%, the regional body reported on Monday.

The CAN indicated, in a statement, that during the past year the boarding and disembarking of the airlines that operate in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peruits four member countries, reached 29,461,000 passengers.

A statistical report prepared by the General Secretariat of the Andean Community detailed that international air traffic increased by 96.3% in Bolivia, 89.5% in Colombia, 47.3% in Ecuador and Peru 127.5%.

In addition, intra-community air traffic registered a record growth of 198.1%.

The body noted that “although these figures show how air transport has become an essential service for the population” of member countries“this service still faces various challenges” you must overcome for “improve intraregional connectivity and its competitiveness”.

He also pointed out the need to promote the industry to be economically sustainable in the context of the post-pandemic.

He added that, according to the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA), by the end of 2022 the airlines operating in the region had 5 continuous years of losses that accumulated some US$ 22.7 billion.

Faced with this situation, the General Secretariat of the DOG in coordination with Peruthe country that exercises the pro tempore presidency of the organization, will hold the “First Andean Forum: Challenges of air transport in the region” on May 16.

At this meeting, which will be held at the agency’s Lima headquarters, authorities from the Andean Community, the public and private sectors, as well as various international air transport associations in the region will meet.

In the forum, which has the collaboration of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), airport infrastructure needs will be addressed to improve regional competitiveness, simplification to strengthen the efficiency and competitiveness of the sector, opportunities to improve aspects such as sustainability and innovation and regulatory and regulatory challenges in the community aviation sector.

Representatives of IATA, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the Association of International Air Transport Companies and the Airports Council International-Latin America & Caribbean will participate.

In addition, the Bolivian Civil Aviation, the General Directorate of Aerocivil of Colombia, the Peruvian Corporation of Airports and Commercial Aviation, and airlines from the four member countries, among other organizations linked to the sector.