We spoke exclusively with Peter Cerdá, VP de THERE IT IS for the Américh on the situationócurrent aviationón and Ecuador before the péloss of routes and airídenies.
In a global and regional scenario that presents constant challengesíos for the industryérea, Ecuador has faced its own share of turbulence. Despite the departure of some airílines and the pessimism that sometimes accompaniesñto this news, reality is más nuanced. To understand the true pulse of connectivity toéarea in the país, We spoke with Peter Cerdá, Regional VP de THERE IT IS for the Américh, who offered usó a faceón balanced and optimistic about the future of the sector in Ecuador.
Arajet leaves us in November, Wingo he left months ago, JetBlue wateró to fly to Quito, Aeroméxico aún does not return and other más how Spirit what did I leaveó to fly to Guayaquil and although each one has been different cases, connectivity and options in the paíitsá down.
Connectivity drops in Ecuador, but not everything is so bad
Certá startedó emphasizing that, despite the adversities, Ecuador «has done his homework during the úlast five toños». This translates into a país that has focused on tourism, has sought to create más connectivity and has become más competitive and open. I recognizedó the negative impact of certain «themes» (refiringégetting into the situationón socioeconómica), but stood outó the priority that the current government gives to tourism and transportation in its agenda. «The sector isá closely related to the Ministry of Tourism. We are working together, We work very closely with the two airport operators,» I knowñaló, highlighting the collaborationón.
The air outletíneas how Spirit and JetBlue has generated concernón, but Cerdá breakdownsó the reasons behindás of these decisions, and not all of them point directly to the destination Ecuador. A mentionó la problemáglobal ethics of aircraft shortages due to delivery delays from manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus, así such as problems with specific enginesífics that have left planes out of service. «Combine itón socioeconóbit of breadís and the issue of the sector has contributed a little» and la situationón, explainó.
To the question of whaté can be done to motivate the aerolíonce the crisis is over, Certá it was clear: «follow the same path.» The policeíethics and the government's agenda to «promote país and continue encouraging the industry to return» Eastán well on their way. Highlightó an often underestimated point: «There are más visibility when we lose a líinternational line and we don't realize that we really lose something, but we are winning in another área.»
SE FIGEDó to strengthening Aerol's supplyíneas how LATAM and Avianca, that have been increasing their frequencies. Además, I stand outó the important role of companiesñías based on Ecuador, what isán focusándorse on dom connectivityéstic and international. «It is always a bit of pride to have many friendsñíinternational aces, but the important thing is to have connectivity,» I sayó, emphasizing that what is crucial is «have a wide network of país to other parts of the regionón,» both interregional and Norteamérich and Europe.
Airport cost: One factor, but not the determinant único
A recurring point of concernón and Ecuador has been the high cost of airport taxes. Certá no negó its impact, but nuanceó his role: «I don't think it's the reasonón determinant… at least at the moment.» En su análysis, the aerosolsílines that left the market did not do so «both for the airport cost factor», but because of the competition in those markets and the opportunity to deploy their aircraft in destinations with greater profitability and better utilization.ón, especially in a context of global aircraft shortage. a flight of 5 O 6 hours from Ecuador means that the planeón isá inactive half the dayífor that route, while sunéaesthetically caníto make three or four flights, generating greater efficiency and profitability.
The resilience of the Ecuadorian market is key. Certá subrayó that the tráI'm theéprisoner has not suffered a crimeíimportant, which means that passengers who previously flew with airílines that left, They have simply migrated to other options. «When a friendñía goes and the route he servedíthe risk of being abandoned still remains. But in the cases we have seen it has not remained, there has been another líline that has entered to serve that market.» This has been seen on the route to Fort Lauderdale (covered by Avianca to Miami since October) and in the increase in flights to Miami by LATAM and the beginning of routes to New York.
In summary, Peter Cerdá pintó a picture of a sectoréEcuadorian prisoner who, despite the bumps, «is on the right track.» It has good airports and operators, sóclose regional connectivity, toward USA and Europe. The load toéarea continues to increase, and the tourism sectoríit is a stická growing. «It is an attractive market,» concluyó, asking «a little patience» while the adverse factors are corrected.
¿Whaté What do you think about the vision?ón the Peter Cerdá about aviationón in Ecuador? ¿Have you felt that connectivity has been maintained despite the changes?
