Source: ALTA
After almost two years since the start of the pandemic, there are many lessons we have learned both personally and professionally. Without a doubt, many priorities were rearranged and today we have a highly thoughtful view on family, work, communities, the planet.
As I have the opportunity to visit different destinations in the region, I feel even more strongly the conviction that travel and tourism are the great enhancers of the socioeconomic well-being of our countries. We have history and unique natural beauty, a warm and friendly population, quality and authentic services.
Although technology and digital communications have become an essential part of our daily lives, we know that enjoying a destination with all our senses, falling in love with a new place and its people, embracing our loved ones in what we call affective tourism, is incomparable.
Flying Over Latin America and the Caribbean allows me to learn from the region’s leaders how the aviation industry keeps moving, despite great challenges, connecting emotions, keeping an essential service in flight generating emotional, economic, social well-being.
Today I have the pleasure of sharing an interview with José A. Freig, Vice President of International at American Airlines, ALTA’s associated airline since 2019. I am proud to see how Latin America remains relevant for the company, generating jobs and connecting locations to bring opportunities to more people. In crises there are opportunities that with dedication, vision and team become value.
American Airlines recently announced new managers for Latin America. Which are the priorities for the company in this region?
In 2021, American experienced tremendous growth in Latin America and the Caribbean, with seven new destinations, more than 40 new routes, and growing strategic partnerships in South America. As 2021 came to a close, we announced our two new leaders for the region: José María Giraldo, Managing Director for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean; and Gonzalo Schames, Director for South America and Strategic Partnerships. Under their leadership, I am certain that we will continue to strengthen our footprint in the region in 2022, with a continued focus on our network and our partnerships.
How do you foresee Latin American and Caribbean market by the end of this year?
Last year was a record year for American in Latin America and the Caribbean, with our capacity in markets like Mexico and Colombia responding to unprecedented demand. In Mexico, for example, we grew by more than 20%, launching two new destinations- Culiacán and Chetumal- as well as new routes to key leisure destinations in the country from our U.S. hubs and from Austin. In Colombia we grew by more than 100% with new JFK routes, more widebody flying, as well as the launch of our seventh destination in the country, San Andrés. This year, as our customers continue to return to the skies, we look forward to continue launching new and exciting flying in Latin America and the Caribbean.
What will determine the future of aviation?
Strategic partnerships are the future of the industry. For this very reason, American has continued to invest in its partnerships around the world- with GOL and JetSMART in South America. We strongly believe that these two partnerships will enable American to grow aggressively and profitably across Latin America as demand continues to recover.
What this region needs to be ready for the future of aviation?
The Latin America and Caribbean region has a unique opportunity to continue impressive growth in a post-COVID environment. To achieve this, it’s imperative that we focus on harmonizing entry requirements to simplify the customer experience and reduce airline fines. Long-term, it’s a golden opportunity to refocus on airport infrastructure that enables future growth in the region. Lastly, we need to maintain many of the efficiencies that we have identified during these last two years since they will be crucial as we emerge from the pandemic.
How would you describe the work of American Airlines with ALTA?
As the leading U.S. airline in Latin America and the Caribbean, at American we are committed to the region, home to approximately 4,000 team members and to an operation of nearly 2,200 weekly flights to 90 destinations. Our work with ALTA and its members has been paramount as we work through our recovery and as we continue to work together to promote travel and tourism in Latin America and the Caribbean, an important economic engine for the region.
A word that was repeated in the conversation with José was collaboration. And that is precisely our flag. In the face of an unprecedented crisis, the collaboration of an entire industry that provides an essential service has been key to getting ahead, that will be essential in the recovery path that we still have in front of us. At ALTA we are proud to be the meeting point for the industry in the region and I am sure that together we will be able to continue connecting opportunities.
Thank you for reading and until a next flight,
José Ricardo Botelho