Aviation Sector Discuss in Dominican Republic the Fuel and Sustainability Challenges in Latin America

Aviation Sector Discuss in Dominican Republic the Fuel and Sustainability Challenges in Latin America

Santo Domingo, March 25, 2025 – Aviation in Latin America and the Caribbean faces challenges that require a coordinated and efficient approach. Dialogue among all stakeholders is essential, which is why the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) is holding its 3rd ALTA Fuel & Sustainability Conference this week in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. This event brings together industry experts to discuss strategies for a more sustainable and economically viable future.

Jet fuel accounts for approximately 35% of airline operating costs in the region. It is the largest expense in the cost structure and is considerably more expensive than in other parts of the world. This is a critical challenge that requires urgent attention, as it directly impacts airfares and, consequently, the ability of more people to access this essential service.

Experts will also discuss key strategies for decarbonizing the sector. While airlines have made significant progress through fleet modernization and operational improvements, decarbonization requires a broader range of measures: large-scale adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)—which still faces barriers such as high costs and limited availability—emission offset strategies, and other initiatives.

Peter Cerdá, ALTA’s CEO, highlights that "aviation is an essential sector for the prosperity of Latin America and the Caribbean. We connect communities, drive tourism, commerce, and job creation. Although we account for approximately 2% of global emissions, we are strongly committed to making air transport more sustainable. However, there is no sustainable future without economic and operational feasibility. Decarbonization strategies must be viable for our region."

Cerdá stresses that "if the measures we adopt to reduce emissions increase air transport costs and limit access to aviation, they will simply not be sustainable over time. We need solutions that are efficient, realistic, and tailored to our region—this means promoting the development of sustainable fuels with effective regulations, improving infrastructure, and optimizing operations with a focus on competitiveness."

In addition to SAF, the conference will examine the evolution of traditional fuels like Jet A-1 and Jet A, the need to optimize their supply chains, the impact of climate change on aviation, circular economy initiatives, and the role of regulation in fostering a more sustainable industry.

A key highlight will be the discussion of a regional sustainability roadmap being developed by ALTA and ICF, with active participation from governments.

With the support of the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) and the Superior Academy of Aeronautical Sciences (ASCA), ALTA reaffirms its commitment to a more efficient and sustainable aviation sector. This conference marks a milestone in the pursuit of innovative solutions that will enable aviation in Latin America and the Caribbean to move toward a future where sustainability and competitiveness go hand in hand.