Latin America and the Caribbean towards even more sustainable aviation
ALTA launches the unprecedented report 'Route to Sustainability in Latin America and the Caribbean', which highlights progress, challenges, and essential strategies for understanding how this region, with its unique characteristics, can achieve its sustainability goals and become a global environmental benchmark
January 27, 2025
Panama, January 28, 2024 - On World Carbon Emissions Reduction Day, celebrated on January 28, the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) reinforces the aviation sector’s commitment to sustainability and building a greener future. In this context, ALTA launches the unprecedented report "Route to Sustainability in Latin America and the Caribbean", which highlights progress, challenges, and essential strategies for understanding how this region, with its unique characteristics, can achieve its sustainability goals and become a global environmental benchmark.
The report emphasizes that, since 1970, the number of passengers transported in the region has increased 18-fold, from 18 million to over 324 million in 2023, surpassing the global average growth of 14 times. This growth underscores the vital role aviation plays in connectivity and economic development across the region.
Currently, the sector accounts for 3.6% of the regional GDP, supports 8.3 million direct and indirect jobs, and generates USD 240 billion. Additionally, aviation in Latin America has achieved remarkable progress: while air traffic grew by 40% over the last 10 years, emissions rose by only 18%, thanks to fleet renewal, operational improvements, and greater energy efficiency.
An essential service with a strong commitment to tangible results
The aviation sector has made significant strides in becoming more accessible to the population while advancing its sustainability goals, demonstrating leadership and resilience in a challenging global landscape.
Since 2011, airlines in the region have reduced fuel consumption per revenue passenger-kilometer (RPK) by 28% through investments in fleet renewal, technological innovation, and operational efficiency. The average fleet age has decreased by 18%, making Latin American fleets 37% younger than those in North America and 22% more modern than European fleets.
Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), which can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 80%, represent a key action to achieve emissions reduction goals. However, the region requires a broader set of measures, including improvements in air traffic management, route optimization, and investments in sustainable infrastructure. These actions have already led to significant reductions in emissions intensity, with only 4.8% of global CO₂ emissions attributed to airlines in the region between 2013 and 2023.
The sector is also exploring the potential of green hydrogen, electric and hybrid technologies, and market mechanisms to offset residual emissions. The region leads collaborative initiatives that bring together governments, industry, and communities to create a favorable regulatory environment and promote the use of local raw materials in the production of advanced fuels.
Despite challenges — such as the high costs of implementing SAF and limited infrastructure — aviation in Latin America and the Caribbean demonstrates that sustainable growth and accessible connectivity can coexist. The creation of collaborative investment funds and fiscal incentives will be crucial to turning this vision into reality.
“This study provides a detailed analysis of the region’s unique characteristics, which differ significantly from other parts of the world and therefore require tailored approaches and customized solutions to address sustainability challenges. In addition to highlighting the progress already made, this material offers a solid foundation for engaging with authorities, aligning goals and processes, attracting investments, and implementing strategies that enable the sector to advance in an integrated and sustainable manner. By understanding local dynamics, we can effectively tackle climate challenges and create a development model that balances connectivity with environmental respect, contributing to a greener and more innovative future for the region’s aviation sector,” said José Ricardo Botelho, CEO of ALTA.
Opportunities for regional leadership
With a strategic geographic position and abundant natural resources, Latin America has the potential to become a global leader in sustainable aviation. The region already boasts significantly younger fleets than developed markets like the United States and Europe and continues to invest in innovation to enhance operational efficiency and reduce emissions intensity.
By balancing environmental and economic demands, aviation in Latin America can not only mitigate the impacts of climate change but also strengthen connectivity and promote sustainable development. The report concludes that a collaborative approach among governments, companies, and international institutions will be essential to transforming the sector and establishing the region as a global reference in sustainable aviation.
