ALTA and ICF will develop a roadmap to reduce emissions in aviation in Latin America and the Caribbean

This initiative addresses a key reality: Latin America and the Caribbean cannot achieve global decarbonization targets by applying the same strategies used in other parts of the world

February 25, 2025

Panama, February 26, 2025 - The Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) and consulting firm ICF have signed an agreement to develop a roadmap outlining the path to reducing aviation emissions in the region. This initiative addresses a key reality: Latin America and the Caribbean cannot achieve global decarbonization targets by applying the same strategies used in other parts of the world. The region requires a tailored approach, adapted to its operational, economic, and regulatory characteristics, to ensure that sustainability, connectivity, and access to air transport progress hand in hand.

"Building on our track record of supporting and guiding the aviation sector in its path toward sustainability, we at ICF are excited to collaborate with ALTA in developing a regional perspective on the ambitious decarbonization goals that airlines have committed to," said Dan Galpin, Head of Aviation, Travel & Tourism at ICF.

The study will analyze policies and scenarios in 11 strategic countries (Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, Bahamas, Argentina, El Salvador, Dominican Republic) and will define goals and implementation plans, with a progress presentation at the 42nd ICAO Assembly and the final delivery scheduled for COP30. "Aviation in the region is taking a crucial step towards decarbonization in a realistic, efficient, and economically viable manner," highlights José Ricardo Botelho, CEO of ALTA.

The initiative will assess regulatory and economic factors, including CORSIA and SAF policies, as well as opportunities for carbon offsetting. Regional integration will be key, strengthening carbon markets and expanding SAF usage. The study will develop scenarios aligned with ICAO’s Long-Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG), ensuring viable emissions reduction pathways without compromising the sector’s competitiveness.

According to Marco Larson, Chairman of ALTA’s Sustainability Committee, reducing aviation emissions in Latin America and the Caribbean requires an approach tailored to the region’s unique characteristics. “The partnership between ALTA and ICF will enable a comprehensive analysis based on ICAO’s LTAG, also considering local economic, regulatory, and operational factors. Through coordinated efforts with key industry players, this initiative will lay the groundwork for the energy transition and have a real impact on the sector’s sustainability,” he emphasized.

The study will also provide strategic recommendations for public policies and financial incentives, fostering collaboration among governments, regulators, and the aviation sector.

Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO Secretary General, commented on the initiative: “We highly value the efforts of various industry sectors and regions worldwide to adapt this global goal to their respective realities, thereby achieving concrete progress toward carbon neutrality in aviation. I would like to congratulate ALTA on this initiative and the member airlines that have undertaken a study that will undoubtedly provide key elements for achieving this objective. Furthermore, I encourage them to share the study’s results with expert groups that, are globally evaluating the aviation sector’s progress toward net-zero emissions.”

The details on the project's development will be presented at the ALTA Fuel & Sustainability Conference 2025, from March 25 to 27, where scenarios and strategies for emission reduction will be discussed, with the active participation of the region's governments. More information: https://alta.aero/fuel/2025/es/inicio/