ALTA Fuel & Sustainability Conference: A roadmap for Latin America and the Caribbean

Bogota, March 5th, 2024 – The Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) will be holding its first 2024 in-person conference in Bogota, Colombia, from March 12-14. ALTA Fuel & Sustainability Conference brings together aviation industry leaders, airline fuel and sustainability experts, as well as authorities from the region to discuss the advances and challenges of two key issues in air operations: jet fuel and the commitment to sustainability in air transport.

Jet fuel is one of the most important inputs for the aviation industry, representing close to 40% of airline operating costs and having a direct impact on the price of air tickets. Although most Latin American countries are producers, jet fuel is more expensive in this region compared to the global average price and, as a reference, in the United States this input represents 24% of airline operating costs. This is a key area of opportunity to generate greater competitiveness and efficiencies in air transport that will lead to better conditions for users.

José Ricardo Botelho, ALTA's Executive Director & CEO, explains that "although the potential of the regional market is large, costs of fuel affect to a certain extent the viability of the business and reduce the competitiveness of aviation as an essential means of transport for the population. ALTA aims to centralize the discussions of the industry and the authorities in the region to achieve greater predictability, transparency and accessibility to fuel."

On the other hand, the conference will address initiatives that will enable the industry to advance its sustainability goals. "One of the most talked about initiatives is the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). However, it is important to note that there is still not a drop of SAF available in the region and probably won't be for another 10 years. Advancing environmental goals must have a comprehensive and feasible vision, as measures cannot generate mandates, nor disproportionate costs for users," Botelho comments.

"Regionally we face a great challenge which is to achieve the energy transition without limiting access to an essential service, since in many cases there are no alternatives to access remote locations. In this process the region cannot be compared to other regions or airlines in the world," ALTA's CEO emphasizes.

So, what can be done? This is the central question that will be addressed at the ALTA Fuel & Sustainability Conference.

The conference will feature:

• Panel discussions with industry experts.
• Presentations of success cases of companies that are leading the transition to a more sustainable future.
• Networking opportunities with other industry professionals.
• This event is a unique opportunity for Latin American and Caribbean aviation industry players to join up and make progress in pursuing a more sustainable future.

Key information:

Date: March 12-14, 2024

Venue: Hilton Corferias Hotel Bogota, Colombia

Host: ALTA, Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association

Sponsors: ARGUS, TERPEL, EXOLUM, NESTE, World Fuel Services, AEG Fuels, SITA.

Key topics: SAF, Policy Framework for SAF, Carbon Credit Projects, ESG Strategies, Hydrogen in Aviation, SAF Accounting Mechanisms, Sustainability Initiatives.

Link: https://alta.aero/fuel/2024/es/inicio/