ALTA welcomes Larissa Castillo, Legal Advisor, as a consulting member

Latin America and the Caribbean are among the regions where the lack of legal harmonization and judicialization directly impact the aviation industry and, consequently, passengers. This sector has become an essential mode of transportation in a region with vast and complex geography, where 475 million passengers were transported in 2024. Currently, the aviation industry contributes 3.6% to the region’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and generates over 8.3 million direct and indirect jobs.

In this context, specialization in aviation law plays a crucial role. That is why the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) is pleased to welcome Larissa Castillo, Asesores Legales, as a new consulting member. This prestigious law firm, headquartered in the Dominican Republic, specializes in providing comprehensive legal advisory services to the aviation industry and its supporting sectors.

“In the last 50 years, the airline industry in the region has grown 18 times. In 2023 alone, 451.6 million passengers were transported, marking a 13.3% increase compared to the previous year. This growth brings challenges, and the regulatory and aeropolitical framework is essential,” says José Ricardo Botelho, ALTA’s CEO. “That is why having the active participation of specialized aviation law firms like Larissa Castillo, Asesores Legales, strengthens knowledge exchange within ALTA and contributes to the development of this key sector.”

Under the leadership of attorney Larissa Castillo, the firm – a member of the Dominican Republic’s Civil Aviation Institute and the Plenary of the Latin American Association of Aeronautical and Space Law (ALADA) – specializes in aviation and airport law, providing legal counsel to airlines, airport operators, and companies linked to air transport.

The firm is recognized for its personalized approach and highly experienced team in developing projects and legal strategies tailored to the aviation sector’s challenges. Its expertise also covers airport concession negotiations, regulatory compliance, infrastructure project financing, and dispute resolution related to the industry. Additionally, it provides support in energy and sustainability matters, collaborating on projects that promote more sustainable operations in airports and airline fleets, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

“Legal certainty is a fundamental pillar for the development of aviation in the region. The lack of clear and unified regulations creates uncertainty and additional costs that impact the sector’s competitiveness. At ALTA, we promote cooperation with legal experts who contribute to more efficient and harmonized regulations,” adds Botelho, highlighting the importance of strengthening the legal framework for the industry’s growth.

"It is an honor and a privilege to join ALTA as a consulting member. I appreciate the trust placed in Larissa Castillo, Legal Advisor, and I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with this prestigious association at a crucial moment for the aviation industry in Latin America and the Caribbean. We are committed to contributing our experience and knowledge to strengthen the legal framework of the sector, promote regulatory harmonization and contribute to the development of a safer, more efficient and sustainable aviation ecosystem in the region", says Larissa Castillo.

From March 25 to 27, the ALTA Fuel & Sustainability Conference will bring together industry experts and leaders in the Dominican Republic to discuss challenges, trends, and opportunities in fuel supply and aviation sustainability. This key event will drive efficiency and innovation in the industry. More information at: https://alta.aero/fuel/2025/es/inicio/