Source: ACI-LAC

As part of the ACI-LAC Annual Assembly that took place last Friday December 4, the assembly adopted the Declaration of Punta Cana. This Declaration recognizes the work of LAC airports implementing the sanitary measures that have allowed a safe restart of operations and urges the States of the region to take standardized and risk-based measures that allow a sustained recovery of the air transport industry.

In view of the Covid-19 crisis, which is having an unprecedented impact on the airport industry in our region, ACILAC proposes a clear and constructive positioning to stimulate air traffic growth; achieve economic balance; allow operational efficiency; improve the passenger experience and contribute to the re-establishment of air transport activity, with the following statement:

Noting that aviation is a key enabler for the social and economic development of Latin American and Caribbean nations;

Noting that the COVID-19 pandemic is having a devastating economic and social impact on aviation and airports and that a considerable number of airports in our region face insolvency;

Noting that airports in Latin America and the Caribbean have implemented some of the world ́s strictest health protocols and have adopted the ICAO guidelines to protect the health of passengers and aviation workers and help restore passenger confidence in air travel;

Recognizing that passengers are demanding touchless, hygienic processes and a safe experience at airports, the ACI-LAC General Assembly:

  •   Urges States to recognize equivalency of measures that are simple, practical and based on medical evidence and take a risk-based approach to travel restrictions and new process requirements
  •   Urges States to eliminate quarantines;
  •   Urges States to take steps to facilitate the economic rebalancing of airport concessions and ensure the

    sustainability of infrastructure that is essential for the socio-economic advancement of our region;

  •   Encourages States to allow the introduction of new technologies throughout the entire passenger journey in order to expedite processes and make a more efficient use of infrastructure, whilst improving security and providing a more hygienic and improved travel experience;
  •   Commits to collaborate with regulators on the development and implementation of best practices to incorporate short and long-term requirements for health and hygiene at the region’s airports, and amended passenger processes to facilitate the return to normal operation.