Organizational Announcement: A new period is taking off for ALTA

February 13, 2025 — The Executive Committee of the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) announces that, after a valuable tenure that has marked a milestone in our organization, José Ricardo Botelho will conclude his term as Executive Director & CEO in March of this year.

José Ricardo joined ALTA in June 2020, during an exceptionally challenging period. Under his leadership, ALTA experienced significant growth, skillfully navigating the turbulences of the pandemic and achieving a series of milestones that have elevated commercial aviation in the region.

In place of José Ricardo, Peter Cerdá, the current Regional Vice President for the Americas of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), will assume effective March 15th the role of Executive Director and CEO of ALTA. IATA has agreed that Peter can continue in his current role and consolidate both leadership positions to strengthen the management and work of ALTA and IATA in the region.

Under Peter’s leadership, ALTA will embark on a new era of collaboration and commitment with the governments of the region. His focus will be on highlighting the benefits of air transport for Latin America and the Caribbean, ensuring that airlines are seen as partners by governments.

On behalf of all ALTA members, we thank José Ricardo Botelho for his tireless and committed vision and execution, which allowed our organization to consolidate its role as a regional benchmark, with a clear mission: to contribute to sustainable development over time and the sustainability of air transport in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Likewise, we wish Peter Cerdá the best of luck in this new challenge, where we are confident that from his new responsibilities, he will continue to contribute and influence the development of aviation in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Sincerely,
Executive Committee, ALTA