ALTA Applauds Ecuador’s Decision to Recognize AOCs Issued by Other Aviation Authorities in the Region

The Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA), representing 184 companies in the aviation sector, welcomes the recent decision by the Republic of Ecuador and its Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) to adopt the mutual recognition of Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) for airlines from regional countries whose regulatory frameworks comply with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

This significant milestone was established through Resolution No. 003/2025, which amends the Regulation on Operating Permits for Commercial Air Transport Services. The resolution stipulates that Ecuador’s DGAC will recognize AOCs issued by other aviation authorities within a maximum period of one month, provided they meet ICAO standards. This measure reduces redundant procedures, facilitates the entry of new airlines, and enhances operational efficiency, aligning with international best practices.

“Currently, international air transport in Latin America and the Caribbean faces regulatory barriers that hinder its growth. One of the key challenges is the requirement for foreign airlines to undergo local AOC certification processes, despite all countries in the region adhering to ICAO standards. These regulatory redundancies increase bureaucracy and operational costs, making it difficult for the sector to remain competitive and expand. By adopting mutual recognition of AOCs, Ecuador is taking a significant step forward,” said José Ricardo Botelho, CEO of ALTA.

Botelho further explained that this approach will significantly reduce authorization times and certification costs, while promoting greater operational agility for airlines, ultimately improving the provision of essential air services to passengers. “This is a crucial measure in a region where connectivity remains limited, with an average of only 0.64 trips per capita. By facilitating the entry of new airlines and the expansion of operations, Ecuador is fostering a broader supply of flights, which could lead to more competitive fares and improved access to air travel,” he emphasized.

This new policy streamlines airline procedures, cuts administrative costs, and expedites certification times. In some countries, certification processes can take several months, whereas Ecuador has set a maximum period of one month for AOC recognition—facilitating route expansion and new operations.

According to ALTA data, aviation in Ecuador supports over 330,000 jobs and contributes more than USD 4.6 billion annually to the national economy, considering direct, indirect, induced, and catalytic effects. These figures underscore the industry’s strategic role in economic development, job creation, and national connectivity.

“Ecuador’s decision sets a key precedent for air integration in Latin America and the Caribbean, enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening regional and global connectivity, and promoting the sustainable development of aviation. We congratulate the Director General of Ecuador’s DGAC for this initiative and appreciate their openness to dialogue. We also acknowledge the Ministry of Tourism, whose Minister, Mateo Estrella, highlighted the importance of AOC recognition during the ALTA AGM & Airline Leaders Forum 2024 in the Bahamas,” added Botelho.

During the forum, Minister Estrella explained that Ecuador had proposed two specific initiatives to the Andean Community of Nations (CAN)—a regional integration bloc comprising Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.

“We find it highly relevant for aviation authorities to standardize airline certification processes when granting an AOC. This would allow any airline holding an AOC in one Andean country to operate domestically in another. Such a liberalization measure has been successfully implemented multiple times in the European Union and other economic integration blocs. It is a key factor in reducing operational costs, as certification in any country is a costly process. If an airline already complies with regulations in Peru, Colombia, or Ecuador, and these standards are recognized regionally, why duplicate efforts? This approach could significantly boost the market. To achieve this, industry support is crucial in assessing the financial impact of this policy,” Estrella stated.

The aviation industry is a key driver of economic and social development, fostering trade, tourism, and job creation. ALTA encourages other countries in the region to consider measures that reduce regulatory barriers and promote a more efficient aviation ecosystem, aligned with international best practices. Regulatory harmonization and process optimization will enhance the competitiveness of air transport, benefiting passengers, airlines, and national economies alike.